The chances of getting a job, especially without an excellent command of the Finnish language, are unfortunately rather low in Joensuu. Therefore, international students should not count on financing their studies by working in Finland.
Job offers and general information on working in Finland:
- Aarresaari
- JobTeaser
- Rules of working life/ Suomi.fi
- Te-services
- Working in Finland / Te-services (pdf)
International students (under a residence permit issued for studies) are allowed to work in Finland without a work permit (työlupa) for a maximum of 25 hours per week during academic semesters and full-time during holidays. Earnings from part-time work may be included in the amount of funds required for a residence permit. However, this is not possible when applying for the first residence permit. Foreigners must have a work permit if they intend to engage in gainful employment while in Finland, with the exception of the citizens from the Nordic and the EU/EEA countries. More information about work permit.
Persons residing in Finland for less than six months are considered as non-residents. They pay tax in Finland only on income. The amount of salary does not affect the tax rate. Apart from the tax, the employer is also required to deduct an employment pension contribution and an unemployment insurance contribution. For persons who have been residing in Finland for more than six months, the taxes to be paid are determined in accordance with the statutes of the Income Tax Act and at the same rate as for permanent residents. Taxation also depends on the tax agreements ratified between Finland and the home country of the foreigner.
The employee must obtain a tax card (verokortti) from the local tax office. The tax card should then be given to the employer. To obtain a tax card, you should give the tax office the required application form with your name, address, Finnish Personal Identity Code and a reasonable estimate of your income during the calendar year. They will calculate the tax percentage based on this estimation and this tax percentage will then be recorded on your tax card.
For further information on taxation. Other useful information concerning employment contract, working time, wages, annual holidays etc.
Tax Offices, opening hours and contact information.
Book an appointment in MyTax (You can log in with Finnish online banking codes, a mobile certificate, or a Katso ID. If you cannot log in to MyTax, make an appointment by calling the national switchboard.
- No need for a visa or a residence permit.
- Get an insurance for your travel and stay in Finland.
- Visit the Local Register Office after arriving to Joensuu or Kuopio. Request to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System and to receive a Finnish Personal Identity Code. Fill out a Notification of Move form.
- Inform Student and Learning Services of your Personal Identity Code.
- No need for a visa or a residence permit, if you are staying for less than 90 days.
- Get an insurance for your travel and stay in Finland.
- Remember that if you travel abroad (crossing the border of Finland) within the first 90 days of your stay, the three-month period will restart after you return to Finland. Keep all your travel documents.
- Visit the Local Register Office after arriving to Joensuu or Kuopio. Request to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System and to receive a Finnish Personal Identity Code. Fill out a Notification of Move form.
- If you are staying longer than 90 days, register your stay at the Finnish Immigration Service. This should be done within three months of your arrival to Finland.
- Inform Student and Learning Services of your Personal Identity Code.
- Apply for a residence permit from the Finnish Immigration Service before making travel arrangements.
- Get an insurance for your travel and stay in Finland.
- Request to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System and to receive a Finnish Personal Identity Code at the same with your residence permit application.
- Visit a Finnish Embassy or Consulate.
- Visit the Local Register Office within three months after your arrival to Joensuu or Kuopio to register for the place of residence. Fill out a Notification of Move form.
- Inform Student and Learning Services of your Personal Identity Code.
- If your studies last for more than a year, apply for an extension to your residence permit three months before the first one expires.