PD U2

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1. The U2 Form

The U2 form is the authorization to “export” your unemployment benefits if you

have become unemployed in one EU country(1) and wish to look for work

in another EU country.

2. Where and when can you obtain the U2 form?

You can obtain the U2 form from the employment agency or the social security office of

country where you became unemployed. You must apply for Form U2

before you leave the country (otherwise, you may not be entitled to

“export” your unemployment benefits).

3. What must you do before leaving the country where you receive unemployment benefits?

Once you become unemployed, you must be available to the employment agency in the country where you

receive unemployment benefits for at least four weeks before you can “export” these benefits to

another country. Under certain conditions, however, the

employment agency or the social insurance provider may grant you permission to leave

before the end of this period. If you are considering looking for work in another country

, you should always contact the employment office in your country beforehand to inquire about

the possibility of exporting your entitlement to benefits. The employment office will advise you

and, if applicable, issue you with Form U2.

4. Use of Form U2

You must submit Form U2 to the employment agency of the country where you are seeking work when

registering

as a job seeker. You must register with the employment agency of that country

within seven days of your departure. If you do so, your

unemployment benefits will continue to be paid without interruption. If you register only after this deadline has passed,

your unemployment benefits will only be paid starting from the day you registered as a job seeker. A

complete list of insurance providers can be found at

5. What you must observe in the country where you are looking for work

You must comply with the obligations and monitoring procedures established by the employment agency or

the social insurance provider in the country where you are looking for work. The

employment agency in that country will inform you of the relevant procedures when you

submit Form U2.

6. Payment of Your Unemployment Benefits

Your unemployment benefits will be paid directly to you by the employment agency or the competent authority in the country

providing this benefit.

Your unemployment benefits will be paid for a period of three months, provided you comply with all

required procedures and remain unemployed. The employment agency or the

social security agency in the country paying your unemployment benefits may extend this period

to a maximum of six months. Your unemployment benefits can only be paid for as long as

you are eligible for benefits in the country providing the benefit. So, for example, if the

country in question pays unemployment benefits for a maximum of six months and you decide, after receiving benefits for four months,

to look for work in another country, then you can

“export” your entitlement to benefits to that country

for a maximum of two months.

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