International secondment
and social insurance
For many employees who have been sent to work in a foreign country by their employers, full relocation is not immediately possible.
Depending on the duration of your contract, international secondment may present a more convenient or more desirable option. In these cases, however, it is important to take note of the interaction between international secondment and social insurance. Those who work abroad as permanent residents fall under the social security plan of the country in which they work and make their payments accordingly. During international secondment, social insurance contributions must be paid in the country of origin. Working via international secondment means social insurance issues are minimised and continuity of your pension is guaranteed. The payment of premiums, however, can be a complex affair.