The new year will bring with it changes to the YEL contribution rates, the upper age limits for YEL insurance, the YEL income limits and the lower limit for unemployment security.
One change for all entrepreneurs next year is the change in the YEL contribution rate. Next year, the YEL contribution rate for all entrepreneurs will be 24.40 per cent of YEL income. This will signify an increase in the YEL contribution rate for some and a decrease for entrepreneurs aged 53–62.
During 2025, the YEL contribution for those under the age of 53 or over 62 was 24.10 per cent and for those aged 53–62, it was 25.60 per cent of the confirmed YEL income.
The change is due to the end of the agreed transition period for the 2017 pension reform. In the reform, it was agreed that during the transition period of 10 years, the earnings-related pension of those aged 53–62 would accrue at a rate of 1.7 per cent of the annual income. Due to the higher pension accrual rate, this group has also paid higher pension insurance contributions.
Starting entrepreneurs are entitled to a 22 per cent discount on YEL contributions for the first 4 years (48 months) of entrepreneurial activities.
Changes to the upper age limits of YEL insurance
Until now, the YEL insurance obligation has ended at the end of the calendar month in which the entrepreneur turns 68.
From the beginning of next year, the upper age limit for YEL insurance will depend on when the entrepreneur was born:
- 69 years for those born in 1958–1961 and
- 70 years for those born in 1962 or later.
For those born in 1957, the upper age limit for old-age pension is 68 years. As a result, after the turn of the year, this group will no longer be paying pension contributions or accruing pension.
YEL income will increase along with the wage coefficient
The amount of YEL income confirmed for your YEL insurance policy will be adjusted by the wage coefficient at the beginning of the year. In October, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health confirmed the wage coefficient for 2026, which is 1.712.
The wage coefficient will increase the YEL income of every entrepreneur by about 2.33 per cent in comparison to the level in 2025. The purpose of the adjustment is to ensure that the YEL income level is consistent with the general salary and price development.
The minimum and maximum limits for YEL income will rise
The minimum and maximum limits for YEL income will increase at the turn of the year:
- The minimum for YEL income will be EUR 9,423.09 (approx. EUR 785 per month)
- The maximum for YEL income will be EUR 214,000.00 per year.
The lower limit for unemployment security will rise
The turn of the year is a good time to make sure that you don’t accidentally fall outside the scope of unemployment coverage, as the lower limit will be increasing to EUR 15,481.
As a member of the Entrepreneur Fund, you will accrue earnings-related unemployment security if your YEL income is a minimum of EUR 15,481. If you are not a member of the Entrepreneur Fund, you can apply to Kela for a daily unemployment allowance.
If your YEL income falls below the minimum for unemployment security and you become unemployed, you can only apply to Kela for the means-tested labour market subsidy.
Accident insurance for entrepreneurs
Accident insurance is voluntary for entrepreneurs.
If you have accident insurance, please also notify your insurance company of any changes in your YEL income. If an accident should occur, any possible compensation will be based on your stated YEL income and, also for this reason, it is important to ensure that your YEL income level is appropriate.
Any questions?
Sometimes issues related to YEL insurance and YEL income may seem difficult, but don’t waste time trying to figure them out on your own. We can help you with any questions or issues you may have.
We are available to assist you by phone at +358 10 195 612 and will answer your call in less than 20 seconds.
You can also contact us through the online service.
