The tax-free limit for sports and culture benefit is now 540 euros

Great news! The tax-free maximum amount for sports and culture benefit has been raised to 540 euros (previously 400 euros). The change took effect on 13.10.2026, and is retroactively valid for the year 2026. This is a significant change, as it is the first increase since 2009 – nearly two decades. The reform offers employers better opportunities to invest in employee wellbeing cost-effectively and tax-efficiently, and employees more opportunities to use their Virike benefit.

 At Edenred, we have worked consistently over the years to support the development of the sports and culture benefit. It’s wonderful that people in Finland now have even more opportunities to stay active, enjoy cultural experiences, and look after their wellbeing.
-Petteri Poutiainen, Managing Director

What does this mean in practice?

For employers:

The sports and culture benefit is one of Finland's most valued employee benefits. With the increase, employers can offer their staff up to 140 euros more in benefits without changing the fundamental tax principles. This is not only a larger employee benefit but also an opportunity to strengthen the company's wellbeing investments in a way that concretely impacts employees' everyday lives. The increase provides employees with more opportunities to exercise, pursue hobbies, recover, and enjoy culture – things that matter for both work ability and job satisfaction.

Employees' expectations toward working life have changed. Beyond salary, more people appreciate an employer who actively supports wellbeing. The increased sports and culture benefit offers a way to stand out as an employer and build an even more attractive employee experience. At the same time, organizations can demonstrate through practical actions that they care about their staff's wellbeing.

For employees:

It is important to note that companies continue to define the total amount of benefits according to their own policies. However, the increased tax-free limit means you can now transfer a larger balance to your Virike benefit.

Although this change does not automatically increase the benefit provided by the employer, it brings concrete advantages for the employee. If you have an unused balance and use the MyChoice balance transfer feature, you can now transfer a balance to Virike up to 540 euros (previously 400 euros). This allows you to utilize your remaining benefits for exercise and cultural services more extensively.

Check your balance in the Edenred app and take advantage of this opportunity!

Wellbeing supports work ability and engagement

Investing in wellbeing is one of the most effective ways to support employees’ long-term resilience.  Sports and culture activities offer opportunities to recharge, reduce stress, and maintain both physical and mental wellbeing. When employees have the opportunity to take advantage of this benefit in a variety of ways, the impact of these wellness investments also increases.  Virike benefit is therefore not merely a personnel expense, but an investment in work ability, engagement, and a sustainable working life. 

Benefits for the Finnish service network as well

While the increase promotes employee wellbeing and strengthens the employer’s image, it also boosts purchasing power for sports and cultural services. This supports thousands of service providers across Finland and directs funds toward services that promote wellbeing. 

The increase in the Virike benefit thus creates benefits for the entire ecosystem: employers, employees, and service providers. 

Edenred helps to make the reform a reality 

Edenred has carried out long-term advocacy work to improve employers’ opportunities to support the wellbeing of their employees in a tax-efficient way.  We are pleased about the upcoming increase and the fact that Finnish employers will be offered better opportunities to invest in their employees. 

540 euros is not just a new maximum amount. It represents 140 euros more opportunities to invest in employees’ wellbeing, work ability, and everyday resilience.