Whether you are looking for your first job in Finland, continuing your career, or planning to start a business, South Karelia offers a wide range of services to support you at all stages. All public employment services are free of charge. 

Basic rules of working life in Finland

Understanding Finnish working life is essential before applying for a job or starting work. You can learn more about this topic by following the links below.

• Fair play at work (tyoelamanpelisaannot.fi/en)
• Work in Finland – Know your rights at work (workinfinland.com/en)
• During employment (infofinland.fi)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (tyosuojelu.fi/en)

Registering as a job seeker

The first step is to register as a job seeker. You can do this online using the Job Market Finland’s services or by visiting the South Karelia Employment Services’ office.

• Personal customers - Job Market Finland (tyomarkkinatori.fi/en)
• Personal customers - Job Market Finland's E-services advice (tyomarkkinatori.fi/en)
• South Karelia Employment Area - Lappeenranta.fi

After registering, you may be offered an integration plan and career guidance. Being proactive will also help you find a job. You can browse job vacancies on sites such as Job Market Finland, network through social media, and get involved in activities in your area.

Entrepreneurship

Starting your own business in Finland is possible and well supported. Check out the guide to starting a business, which is available in Finnish, English, and Swedish. You can also participate in national entrepreneurship information events.

• Uusyrityskeskus - Perustamisopas (uusyrityskeskus.fi) in Finnish
• Uusyrityskeskus - Yrittäjyysinfot (uusyrityskeskus.fi) in Finnish

Local business advisory services

Whether you are a first-time entrepreneur or have experience from abroad, South Karelia offers free business advice to help you succeed and moreover, advises on financing options. Advice is available in Finnish and English, and the services are available to all residents of South Karelia.

• South Karelia Employment Area Services- Lappeenranta.fi
• Business Services - Lappeenranta.fi
• KEHY - Business services Imatra, Ruokolahti, Rautjärvi and Parikkala (kehy.fi/en)
• Business Mill - Advice services for entrepreneurs (businessmill.fi/en)
• Guidance services - Yrittajat.fi
• Business and industry - ELY centre (ely-keskus.fi)
• Rahoitus - Leader Suomi in Finnish
• Start-up grant - Lappeenranta.fi