Updated 26.7.2026
Guide
Working as a Light Entrepreneur While Retired
Why taking on gigs in retirement is so popular
More and more retirees are taking on gig work, and money isn't the only reason. The skills built up over a working life don't vanish the day you retire: a carpenter can still renovate, a teacher can still teach, and a bookkeeper can still advise. Gig work offers meaningful activity, social contact, and the feeling that your skills are still in demand.
Light entrepreneurship suits this stage of life especially well because it doesn't tie you down. You take on gigs when you feel like it, and take time off whenever you please. You don't need to set up a company, keep books, or learn invoicing software: you do the work, send the invoice through an app, and get paid to your account.
Gig work is also a way to stay current: clients, new tools and small projects keep the mind sharp. Many find that just the right amount of work makes retirement more enjoyable, with a week that includes both free time and meaningful activity. As a light entrepreneur, striking that balance is entirely up to you, one week and one gig at a time.
Financially, gig work brings flexibility: extra income gives you room for travel, renovations or spoiling the grandchildren without dipping into savings. Since light entrepreneurship has no fixed costs, every gig is entirely your own decision: you work when you want, and when you don't, no costs keep running in the background.
Working in retirement as a concept
How working affects your pension depends on which pension you receive. On an old-age pension, working is generally unrestricted: you can earn income without your pension being reduced. Other pension types, such as disability pension, partial early old-age pension and others, may come with earnings limits or conditions, and exceeding them can affect how your pension is paid.
Income can also affect benefits paid by Kela, such as the national pension and the guarantee pension. Since the rules depend on your pension type and personal situation, do one thing before your first gig: call your pension provider or Kela and confirm how earned income affects your specific pension. That way you can take on gigs with peace of mind.
When you contact your pension provider or Kela, ask at least these three questions: does earned income affect the amount or payment of my pension, is there a limit on my income, and do I need to report working in advance. Write down the answers. Once you know the rules for your situation, you can plan your gig work so there are no unpleasant surprises.
At the same time, check questions related to earnings-related pension insurance: insuring self-employed-type work follows rules that depend, among other things, on the scope of the work and your pension situation. Your pension provider can tell you whether these apply to you. Once these basics are sorted out, you can focus on the gigs themselves with an easy mind.
Taxes are handled with a tax card
Pension and wages are both earned income and are taxed together. Your pension is taxed using its own pension tax card, and for wage income you need a separate wage tax card, which you get from OmaVero (the Tax Administration's online service). Truster withholds tax from your pay according to your tax card, so you don't need to settle taxes yourself.
When you start taking on gigs, it's worth updating your income estimate in OmaVero so it includes both your pension and your estimated gig income. This way your withholding rate is correct from the start, and you won't be caught out by a back tax bill. If your income changes during the year, you can update your tax card at any time.
The pay Truster processes is reported to the authorities as part of payroll, so your income information stays up to date for your pension provider and Kela as well. You don't need to report your gig income separately to different parties yourself. At the end of the tax year, you review your pre-completed tax return just as you have before.
If you receive a pension from abroad or have other special circumstances, taxation may raise additional questions worth clarifying with the Tax Administration in advance. For most retirees taking on gigs, though, two things are enough: a wage tax card for Truster and an up-to-date income estimate in OmaVero.
What kind of gigs suit a retiree
Popular gigs include small renovations and repairs, yard and snow work, childcare, cleaning, sewing and mending services, and expert work such as bookkeeping advice, translation or mentoring. Many also sell the specialised expertise built up over a long career to a former employer or their network, on a gig basis.
The best gig is one that feels more like a hobby than work. Start with familiar tasks and your immediate network: neighbours, former colleagues and local notice boards often bring in your first clients. Once your work is good, word of mouth takes care of the rest.
Price your work in a way that respects your own expertise: decades of experience are valuable to a client, and it's not worth selling short. Remember to factor travel, supplies and the service fee into your price. Truster's in-app pay calculator shows in advance how much of the invoiced amount you'll actually take home, so you immediately see whether a gig is worth the effort.
Also think about how much you want to commit to: one-off gigs for people you know are a different matter from a weekly contract client. As a light entrepreneur you can try both and keep the freedom to say no. Many find their ideal rhythm after a few months of trying things out.
How to start taking on gigs in retirement
Proceed in three steps: first confirm with your pension provider or Kela how working affects your pension. Then apply for a wage tax card in OmaVero. Finally, open a free Truster account and send your first invoice once the gig is done. Truster's fee is 3.99% of the invoiced amount or €55/month, and you only pay when you invoice.
If using the app feels daunting, don't worry: Truster's customer service will help you get started and guide you through creating an invoice. Many retirees quickly find that sending an invoice is easier than filling out paper travel expense forms used to be.
If you want your pay in your account right away instead of waiting for the client to pay the invoice, HetiPalkka handles that for a 5% fee per invoice. For many retirees taking on gigs, though, what matters most is peace of mind: when invoicing, taxes and reporting are all handled from one place, all that's left of the gig is the best part — the work itself and the clients.
Also remember that getting started doesn't have to be a big decision: your first gig could be helping a neighbour assemble a bookshelf or a consultation requested by a former colleague. Try one gig and see how it feels. If you like it, keep going, and if not, your account will simply be waiting quietly for a possible next time.
Frequently asked questions
Will taking on gigs affect my pension?
It depends on the type of pension you receive. On an old-age pension, working is generally unrestricted, but other pension types may involve earnings limits or conditions. Check your own situation with your pension provider or Kela before you start.
Do I need a new tax card?
You need a wage tax card for wage income, which you get from OmaVero. Your pension continues to be taxed using its own pension tax card. Truster withholds tax from your pay according to your tax card.
Does gig work earn me additional pension?
Whether pension accrues and how you're insured depends on your situation and pension type. Check your own situation with your pension provider to find out how your gig income affects it.
What does light entrepreneurship cost?
A Truster account is free, with no fixed costs. You only pay a service fee when you invoice: 3.99% of the invoiced amount or €55/month. So you can keep the account open even if you only take on gigs occasionally.
Try Truster
The account is free and comes with no obligations. You only pay when you invoice.