Moving & working in Europe

EU rules

Make it easy for you as a citizen to work in another EU country
Protect your social security rights when moving within Europe

Working in another EU country

Free movement of workers is a fundamental principle of the EU.

EU citizens are entitled to

look for a job in another EU country
work there without needing a work permit
reside there for that purpose
stay there even after employment has finished
enjoy equal treatment with nationals in access to employment, working conditions and all other social and tax advantages

In September 2026, the Commission adopted the Fair Labour Mobility package to guarantee clear social rights for everyone, everywhere in the EU, regardless of where they choose to live and work.

Learn more

Social security coordination

EU rules coordinate national social security systems to ensure that you get what you are entitled to when moving within Europe (EU 27 + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).

This is based on four main principles

You are covered by the legislation of one country at a time so you only pay contributions in one country
You have the same rights and obligations as the nationals of the country where you are covered
When you claim a benefit, your previous periods of insurance, work or residence in other countries are taken into account if necessary
If you are entitled to a cash benefit from one country, you may generally receive it even if you are living in a different country

If you get sick or suffer an injury while travelling to an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland or the United Kingdom, social security coordination gives you the right to necessary treatment, if you are carrying the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you.

More about social security coordination