Employment support programs in Finland

Employment support programs in Finland

Finland offers free support for job seekers through government services. Newly arrived residents, career changers, and those re-entering the workforce can all benefit from programs that significantly accelerate the job search. This guide explains what's available, who qualifies, and how to access each program.

Key takeaways

• Employment services are free: career counseling, training, and job matching at no cost
• Registration is essential: you must register with your municipality's employment services (Job Market Finland) to access benefits and programs
• Integration programs: newcomers get structured support including language training
• Training opportunities: free courses to improve skills and Finnish language
• Financial support: unemployment benefits, training allowances, and travel reimbursement available

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Municipal employment services (Job Market Finland): your first stop

Public employment services (työllisyyspalvelut) have been run by municipalities and employment areas since 1 January 2025, replacing the former state TE Offices. Jobseekers register and search for jobs through Job Market Finland. Think of it as a one-stop shop for job seekers, offering everything from job listings to career counseling to training programs.

Website: tyomarkkinatori.fi

What the employment services offer

Who can use the employment services?

Full access:

• Finnish citizens
• EU/EEA citizens registered in Finland
• Non-EU citizens with valid residence permit allowing work
• Refugees and asylum seekers with work permission

Limited access:

• International students (job listings and some counseling)
• People without work permits (information services only)

How to register

1. Go to tyomarkkinatori.fi and select English
2. Create an account using Finnish bank ID or mobile certificate (if you have one) or visit an office in person
3. Complete your profile: education, work history, skills, job preferences
4. Book an appointment with a career counselor (strongly recommended)
5. Attend your first meeting: they'll create a personalized employment plan

Tip: Even if you're employed, you can browse job listings. But to access benefits and programs, you need to register as a job seeker.

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Integration program for newcomers (kotoutuminen)

If you've recently moved to Finland, you may be eligible for the integration program, a structured pathway that combines language training, job search support, and cultural orientation.

Who qualifies?

• Immigrants who have moved to Finland within the last 3 years
• Registered as unemployed job seekers or outside the labor force
• Adults (integration services for children are handled through schools)

What's included

Integration plan (kotoutumissuunnitelma): A personalized roadmap created with your employment services advisor covering:

1. Finnish or Swedish language training: intensive courses (typically 6-12 months)
2. Introduction to Finnish society: work culture, rights, daily life
3. Career planning: mapping your skills to Finnish job market
4. Work placements: try-outs at companies to build Finnish experience
5. Vocational training: if needed for your target career

Duration: Typically 1-3 years, depending on your situation

Integration allowance

While participating in integration training, you receive integration allowance (kotoutumistuki):

• Amount: Equivalent to the yleistuki unemployment benefit (~€800/month in 2026)
• Duration: For the length of your integration program
• Requirements: Active participation in training and activities

Apply through: Kela after your employment services approve your integration plan

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Language training

Finnish language skills significantly improve your employment prospects. Municipal employment services coordinate free language training for job seekers.

Types of language courses

Integration courses (kotoutumiskoulutus):

• Full-time intensive Finnish/Swedish
• Includes work-life Finnish and cultural orientation
• Typically 6-12 months
• Free for those in integration program

Labor market training (työvoimakoulutus):

• Finnish for professionals
• Industry-specific language (healthcare Finnish, business Finnish)
• Available for all registered job seekers

Self-study support:

• Online courses and apps
• Library resources
• Conversation groups

How to access

1. Register with your municipality's employment services
2. Discuss language training with your advisor
3. They'll assess your current level and goals
4. You'll be placed in an appropriate course

Popular providers: Helsinki Adult Education Centre, Omnia, Stadin AO, and various municipal institutions

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Vocational training and upskilling

Municipal employment services offer free training programs to help you gain new skills or update existing ones for the Finnish job market.

Labor market training (työvoimakoulutus)

These are targeted courses designed to meet current employer needs:

• IT and digital skills: programming, data analysis, cybersecurity
• Healthcare: practical nurse training, healthcare Finnish
• Construction: Finnish building codes, safety certifications
• Logistics: warehouse work, forklift licenses
• Customer service: sales, hospitality, Finnish customer culture

Duration: Weeks to months, depending on the program

Benefits while training:

• Yleistuki or earnings-related allowance continues
• Travel and accommodation costs may be covered
• No tuition fees

How to apply

1. Browse available courses on tyomarkkinatori.fi
2. Discuss options with your employment services advisor
3. Apply directly through the portal
4. Attend any required interviews or assessments
5. Receive admission decision

Recognition of foreign qualifications

If you have degrees or certifications from abroad:

• Academic degrees: apply to Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) for recognition
• Regulated professions: contact the relevant authority (the Finnish Supervisory Agency, formerly Valvira, for healthcare, Ministry of Education for teaching)
• Supplementary studies: Employment services can help arrange additional training if needed

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Work try-outs (työkokeilu)

A work try-out lets you test a job or industry without the commitment of employment. It's valuable for:

• Gaining Finnish work experience
• Exploring new career directions
• Demonstrating your skills to potential employers
• Building professional networks

How it works

Who can participate?

• Registered job seekers with municipal employment services
• Those exploring new career directions
• Newcomers gaining Finnish experience
• People returning to work after a long break

How to arrange

1. Find a company: you can suggest one, or the employment services can help match you
2. Discuss with your advisor: they'll assess if it fits your employment plan
3. Complete the agreement: company, you, and the employment services all sign
4. Start the try-out: work and learn with the employment services monitoring progress

Important: A work try-out is NOT employment. You don't receive salary, but your benefits continue, and you gain experience.

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Financial support for job seekers

Finland provides several types of financial support while you're looking for work.

Unemployment benefits

There are two main types, compared in more detail in our guide to unemployment benefit in Finland:

General social security benefit (yleistuki):

• Amount: €37.21/day, about €800/month, paid 5 days a week, paid by Kela
• Eligibility: Age 18-64, living permanently in Finland, registered as an unemployed jobseeker with the employment services of your municipality of residence via Job Market Finland (Työmarkkinatori), and not entitled to earnings-related allowance (or it has run out)
• Means-tested: Wages, capital income and some benefits reduce it. If you live with your parents, their income counts
• Qualifying period: If you have no vocational qualification or higher education degree, there is a 21-week qualifying period (odotusaika)
• Duration: No time limit while you are unemployed
• Applied through: Kela

Earnings-related unemployment allowance (ansiopäiväraha):

• Amount: Based on your previous salary per unemployment fund rules
• Eligibility: Must be a member of an unemployment fund AND meet the work requirement of 12 months of work in the past 28 months
• Duration: Paid for a limited maximum period. Check the exact length with your unemployment fund
• Applied through: Your unemployment fund (A-kassa)

The basic unemployment allowance (peruspäiväraha) and the labour market subsidy (työmarkkinatuki) ended on 30 April 2026. From 1 May 2026, yleistuki replaced both.

Additional allowances

• Travel allowance: Reimbursement for job interview travel or commuting to training
• Training allowance: Continues your benefit during approved training
• Start-up grant: For those starting their own business (4-12 months support)
• Relocation allowance: If you move for work

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Wage subsidies (palkkatuki)

Wage subsidies are payments to employers who hire job seekers facing employment challenges. While you don't receive the subsidy directly, it makes you more attractive to hire.

Who benefits?

• Long-term unemployed
• Those over 60 years old
• Young people under 30 without qualifications
• Immigrants in integration program
• People with disabilities or health limitations

How it works

1. You're identified as eligible by the employment services
2. You mention wage subsidy possibility in applications
3. Employer applies for subsidy when hiring you
4. Employer receives a share of your wage costs from the government (typically 50%, 70% if your work ability is reduced, and up to 100% for non-profit employers, subject to local funding)
5. You receive normal salary like any employee

Result: Employers have financial incentive to give you a chance, and you gain real work experience.

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Career counseling and coaching

Municipal employment services offer professional guidance to help you navigate the Finnish job market.

Individual counseling

Your employment services advisor can help with:

• Career assessment: understanding your strengths and options
• Job search strategy: where to look, how to approach
• CV review: Finnish format and content feedback
• Application support: cover letters and online applications
• Interview preparation: what Finnish employers expect

Group services

Municipal employment services run various group programs:

• Job search workshops: CV writing, networking skills
• Industry information sessions: learn about specific sectors
• Networking events: meet employers and other job seekers
• Career change programs: structured support for career transitions

Private career coaching

For intensive support, employment services may arrange private career coaching:

• Personalized job search plan
• Regular meetings with professional coach
• Interview practice and feedback
• Ongoing support until employment

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Support for special groups

Young people (under 30)

Ohjaamo centers provide one-stop guidance for young adults:

• Career planning and education advice
• Job search support
• Life skills coaching
• Mental health support
• No registration required: just walk in

Find your local Ohjaamo: ohjaamot.fi

Immigrants and refugees

International House Helsinki offers comprehensive services:

• Registration and permits guidance
• Employment services
• Integration support
• One place for multiple authorities

Location: Ratapihantie 7, 00520 Helsinki (Pasila)

Website: ihhelsinki.fi

People with disabilities or health limitations

• Work ability assessment: understanding what work suits your situation
• Workplace accommodations: support for employers to adapt jobs
• Rehabilitation services: through Kela if needed
• Supported employment: work coaches to help during employment

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Entrepreneurship support

If you're considering starting a business, employment services offer:

Start-up grant (starttiraha)

• Amount: Yleistuki benefit level (~€800/month)
• Duration: Up to 12 months
• Purpose: Income support while building your business
• Requirements: Viable business plan, full-time entrepreneurship

Business planning services

• Free business advisory services
• Business plan workshops
• Connections to financing
• Mentoring programs

Also check:

• NewCo Helsinki: Helsinki's free startup services
• Business Finland: funding and internationalization
• Suomen Yrittajat: entrepreneurs' association

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How to get started

Week 1: registration

1. Register as a jobseeker: tyomarkkinatori.fi
2. Complete your profile: be thorough about skills and experience
3. Book first appointment: request English-speaking advisor if needed

Week 2-4: assessment

1. Attend initial meeting: bring documents (CV, certificates, work permit)
2. Create employment plan: agree on steps with your advisor
3. Apply for benefits: if eligible, start Kela application
4. Explore training: discuss language and vocational options

Ongoing

1. Keep appointments: missing them affects your benefits
2. Report job search activities: required for continued support
3. Apply for jobs actively: use Job Market Finland listings and other platforms
4. Participate in training: take advantage of free opportunities

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Common questions

Do i need to speak Finnish to use the employment services?

No. Employment services are available in Finnish, Swedish, and English. Request an English-speaking advisor when booking appointments. Many online resources are in English.

Can i use the employment services if i'm employed but looking for new work?

You can browse job listings, but most programs (counseling, training, benefits) require you to be registered as unemployed. Some evening courses may be available.

How long does it take to access training?

Language courses often start monthly. Vocational training depends on course schedules; some start quarterly. Your advisor can tell you current wait times.

What if I don't follow my employment plan?

Not participating in agreed activities (training, job applications, meetings) can result in sanctions, including reduction or suspension of benefits. Communicate with your advisor if you face challenges.

Can I start my own business while receiving unemployment benefits?

You can prepare a business (planning, registration) for up to 4 months while receiving benefits. After that, apply for start-up grant to continue support as an entrepreneur.

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Key contacts and resources

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Sources

Employment services

• Job Market Finland (Työmarkkinatori) - Official public employment service
• Job Market Finland - Integration services - Integration program information

Unemployment benefits

• Kela - Unemployment Benefits - Overview of unemployment benefits
• Kela - General Social Security Benefit - Yleistuki rates and eligibility (from 1 May 2026)
• Unemployment Funds Finland (TYJ) - Earnings-related allowance information

Training & qualifications

• Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) - Degree and qualification recognition
• Finnish Supervisory Agency - Healthcare professional licensing

Entrepreneurship

• NewCo Helsinki - Free startup services
• Business Finland - Business support and funding

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See also

• Hidden jobs in Finland: networking and referral strategies for unadvertised positions
• Job search platforms in Finland: where to find job listings
• English-speaking jobs: roles that do not require Finnish
• Remote jobs in Finland: work from anywhere opportunities
• Online and freelance jobs: gig economy and digital work
• CV and cover letter guide: Finnish application standards
• Interview tips: what to expect in Finnish interviews
• Salary guide: Finnish salary expectations by industry

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Last updated: October 2026. Benefit rates from Kela. Policies may change; verify current figures at official sources.