YELtyötulosta

YELtyötulo (YEL-työtulo) is the annual work income used to determine contributions under Finland’s entrepreneur’s pension insurance (YEL). It represents the self-employed person’s estimated earnings from their own business activity during a year. It is not the same as profit, turnover, or net income, but serves as the basis for social insurance payments.

The YEL-työtulo is declared to the YEL insurer when the entrepreneur takes YEL coverage, and it acts as the reference amount for calculating monthly YEL contributions. These contributions fund the entrepreneur’s pension, as well as other social security protections such as sickness and disability benefits. The level of YEL contributions is tied to the declared YEL-työtulo, so a higher amount generally results in higher ongoing payments and correspondingly higher future pension accrual.

There are statutory minimum and maximum limits for YEL-työtulo, which are adjusted periodically. Because the appropriate level depends on predicted earnings, many entrepreneurs choose a realistic estimate of annual income and can adjust the YEL-työtulo if expected income changes. Changes to the declared YEL-työtulo are typically reported to the insurer and apply to the next insurance period.

In practice, the YEL-työtulo is a forward-looking, income-based measurement used solely for determining YEL contributions and future pension entitlements. It is not a direct measure of business profit, and its suitability depends on the individual business and long-term security goals. For current limits and guidance, consult the official YEL guidelines from the insurance provider or Eläketurvakeskus.