Work in North Karelia / Töihin Pohjois-Karjalaan

For job seekers

The Work in North Karelia theme page contains important information and links about life and work in the region and services that support the foreign workforce. Life in North Karelia can be very fulfilling and many international talents have found a high quality of life here.

On this page, you will find important information and tips on job search and the right to work. Please note that information on recruitment can also be found on other websites.

Welcome to North Karelia!

Coming to Finland

You can apply for a job in North Karelia, even if you are not here yet. Once you have signed an employment contract, you must apply for the necessary permits under the conditions mentioned below before starting work.

Are you an EU citizen or a citizen of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein? If you are, you can work in Finland without a residence permit. If you are going to stay in Finland for more than 3 months, you must register your stay with the Finnish Immigration Service. Citizens of Nordic countries must register with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency if they intend to stay in Finland for more than 6 months. Citizens of other countries must apply for a residence permit from the Finnish Immigration Service before arriving in Finland and register with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency after arriving in Finland. The residence permit type affects your right to work.

Enter Finland is the online service of the Finnish Immigration Service, where you can apply for a residence permit. Employers can also submit information about the application process via the Enter Finland service.

Working in North Karelia

There is a constant need for skilled employees in different fields in North Karelia. But how can you find a job here? What are the rules of working life and what rights do employees have?

Applying for a job

Do you already know which field you would like to work in? When looking for a job, be brave and contact interesting companies with a low threshold. Find the company's contact information and send an open application, in which you can explain why you would be interested in working for the company.

There are several international companies in North Karelia. These companies operate, for example, in the technology, metal and plastic industries. Many companies in the care and service sectors are also looking for new employees.

Employment services in North Karelia

Job seekers living in Finland have access to free, government-funded employment services. These include employment exchange services and services that develop competence, such as job search and career coaching, labour market training, including Finnish language training, and a work trial. The services also include guidance for those interested in entrepreneurship. These services help job seekers to find suitable jobs and provide support in the recruitment process. The customer’s needs are assessed during the initial meeting to determine the best-suited services.

In the North Karelia every municipality offers employment services to its residents. You can find the contact information at the regional page of the Työmarkkinatori. 

You can register as a job seeker with the employment area even if you already have a job but are looking for a new one. When registering, please follow the instructions of the employment area. If you become unemployed or are laid off, remember to register with the employment area’s office or at the Job market Finland’s (työmarkkinatori) e-services. As an unemployed job seeker.  As an unemployed job seeker, you may be entitled to unemployment benefits. Find out if you are eligible for unemployment benefits from the local employment area or from the payer of unemployment benefits (unemployment fund or Kela).

In addition to the statutory services, the municipalities in the area also offer their residents employment services. Read more about the employment services offered by your municipality on the municipality’s website. There are also staffing agencies in North Karelia that can help you find work.

Would you like to be an entrepreneur?

Are you thinking about starting your own business or buying a business? Entrepreneurship is a good employment option. Local development companies provide advice on starting and buying a business.

The North Karelia employment authority also advises jobseekers who wish to become entrepreneurs. When you are considering entrepreneurship, either as a part-time or full-time option, you can book an appointment with an entrepreneurship coach. Together with the entrepreneurship coach, you can discuss your business idea, determine the eligibility for start-up grants, and, if necessary, enroll in entrepreneurship training to strengthen your business skills. You can book an appointment through your designated officer or by directly contacting the entrepreneurship coach.

• More information from the Luotsi North Karelia page (tyomarkkinatori.fi)

Living in North Karelia

Learn more about living in North Karelia on the ELY Centre's Work in North Karelia website and on the website of the City of Joensuu.

Studying in North Karelia

Would you like to study Finnish or get a degree or a profession? Folk high schools, adult education centres, municipalities, North Karelia employment area offer Finnish language courses. The courses offered are diverse and fulfil different needs.

Vocational schools and higher education institutions also organise training and courses in different languages. Information on education options can be found on the websites or brochures of educational institutions and on the national Studyinfo website maintained by the Finnish National Agency for Education. On the Studyinfo website, you can find information about different studies and degrees. You can also apply for study programmes in North Karelia through this website. Remember to check if the studies are subject to a fee.

Studying Finnish in North Karelia

In North Karelia, work communities are usually close-knit, and the working language is Finnish. Finnish language skills are a requirement for many jobs. You can study Finnish face-to-face or online in North Karelia. There are also many apps for language learning. As a North Karelia employment area’s customer, you may have the opportunity to participate in free integration training which includes Finnish language studies.

Vocational studies in North Karelia

Would you like to study for a degree? Or to update your skills? A degree or updated skills will help you find a job. North Karelia is home to many vocational schools, the Karelia University of Applied Sciences and the University of Eastern Finland. Find out more about the degrees offered by these schools and apply. Please note that you can usually apply for study programmes only in the spring and autumn. Some of the studies can be applied for throughout the year. Read more about the studies on the schools’ websites and on the Studyinfo website.

Regional and national services

The service information below is sourced from the Suomi.fi online service. If you’d like your service to be featured here, please contact the ELY Centre.

This theme page is maintained by the North Karelia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre). Cover photo: Tommi Rautio / City of Joensuu.