The Complete Guide to SSF for Foreign Employment
Short answer:
Nepali workers going abroad are enrolled in SSF when taking their labour permit; those already abroad can apply online. Contribution: at least 21.33% of the industrial minimum basic remuneration (up to 3×) — 7.48% funds the protection schemes and 13.85% your old-age savings. Your family in Nepal gets medical coverage while you work abroad.
✨ Highlights
- ✔Registered with the labour permit; you can contribute online from abroad.
- ✔At least 21.33% (up to 3×); current minimum about Rs. 2,596/month.
- ✔The family gets treatment coverage back in Nepal.
- ✔After returning, choose a lump sum or a lifelong ÷160 pension.
Table of contents
- Contribution rate and allocation
- Qualifying periods and benefits
- How to join and pay from abroad
- Watch out for
Contribution rate and allocation
| Item | Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum contribution | 21.33% of the industrial minimum basic remuneration |
| Maximum base | You may choose up to 3× the minimum |
| Medical + accident + dependent family | 7.48% |
| Old age protection | 13.85% |
💡 The current minimum monthly contribution is about Rs. 2,596. Paying in advance for 7 to 24 months works out to about Rs. 2,505 per month (an advance-payment concession). These amounts change with the minimum wage, so confirm the current rate on the SOSYS/SSF portal.
[Eligibility]Qualifying periods and benefits
- Medical treatment and accident/disability: at least 3 months of contributions within the last 6
- Main dependent-family benefits: at least 9 months within the last 12
- Funeral costs (Rs 25,000): at least 1 month within the last 6
- Treatment in Nepal for you, your spouse, and children up to 18: OPD up to Rs 25,000/year + inpatient up to Rs 100,000/year (20% co-payment)
- Accident treatment: up to Rs 700,000
- After returning: choose a lump sum of your pension savings, or divide by 160 for a lifelong monthly pension
💡 This is different from the Foreign Employment Welfare Fund — SSF is a contribution-based savings and protection scheme that also secures your old age after you return home.
[Process]How to join and pay from abroad
- Check whether you were enrolled when taking your labour permit (see the ID/password recovery video below if you don't have credentials)
- Log in at sosys.ssf.gov.np or the SSF mobile app
- Complete KYC verification — claims cannot be processed without it
- Deposit contributions monthly or quarterly via bank or digital channels
- After returning to Nepal, continue under the employee or self-employed scheme
[Caution]Watch out for
- No KYC = no claim payouts — keep your documents updated
- If contributions stop, treatment and accident coverage stop too
- If you accidentally have two SSNs, notify the Fund immediately to merge them
📺 Related videos
Related FAQs
📜 Official sources
- वैदेशिक रोजगारमा रहेका श्रमिकको योजना सञ्चालन कार्यविधि, २०७९ (१म संशोधनसहित) (२०७९।०८।२५; संशोधन २०८०।११।१७)
- SSF अध्ययन सामग्री (Digital Solution संकलन) (२०८३ असार)
For legal purposes always consult the original documents and latest amendments. Rates and limits can change through amendments.
This content is for educational purposes; final approval and benefits follow official SSF rules. Found outdated information? Report it here.