YELtyötuloa

YEL-työtulo, or YEL income, is the annual estimated earnings used to determine the YEL insurance contributions for self‑employed persons in Finland. It serves as the basis for pension and certain social security entitlements under the YEL (Yrittäjien eläkevakuutus) system. It is not the same as taxable or actual profit.

The YEL-työtulo is set by the entrepreneur in consultation with their YEL insurance provider. It must fall within statutory minimum and maximum values that are reviewed annually and can vary with the entrepreneur’s age. The value you declare influences the level of social security protection you build through the YEL system.

Contributions are calculated as a percentage of the YEL-työtulo and are paid to the chosen pension insurer. The rate composition covers pension insurance and, in many cases, health insurance components. The exact rate depends largely on age and the insurer’s terms. Payments are typically made monthly and continue for as long as the YEL coverage is active.

The YEL-työtulo affects long‑term security rather than immediate income. It determines how much pension you accrue and your entitlement to certain benefits, such as sickness or disability allowances, in the future. A higher YEL-työtulo increases future pension accrual and protection, while a lower figure reduces these aspects.

Practically, most self-employed individuals declare or adjust their YEL-työtulo when starting YEL insurance or during annual reviews. The insurer uses the declared amount to calculate contributions for the coming year, and changes can take effect with the new term. The system aims to reflect the entrepreneur’s chosen level of economic activity within statutory limits.