Welcome to Savonlinna!

Transcription

 WE L CO ME TO S AV ON LINN A!
WELCOME TO SAVONLINNA!
GUIDE FOR IMMIGRANTS
POINTTI – Immigrants on the way to employment in South Savo
 WE L CO ME TO S AV ON LIN N A!
This guide is intended for immigrants living in Savonlinna. It is a collection of information that
an immigrant needs for starting life in a new country. To make this guide easy for foreigners
to understand, we have written it using simple English. The guide is also available in Finnish
and Russian. An online version is available at www.pointti.eu. Please note that the information
in this guide is correct at the time of publication and may have changed later.
The first version of this guide was prepared by employees of the International Meeting Point
managed by the Linnala Settlement Association and funded by the Finland’s Slot Machine
Association in 2005, and updated by employees of the POINTTI project (Immigrants on the
way to employment in South Savo) funded by the European Social Fund in 2009-2011. This
version was updated in June 2014.
Pointti project - Immigrants on the way to employment in South Savo
The International Meeting Point
CONTENTS
WELCOME TO SAVONLINNA! ........................................................................................................... 4
IMMIGRANT SERVICES ..................................................................................................................... 6
INFORMATION ON INTERPRETERS ................................................................................................. 10
MOVING TO SAVONLINNA FROM ABROAD ................................................................................... 11
RESIDENCE PERMIT AND RIGHT OF RESIDENCY IN FINLAND ......................................................... 13
KELA ................................................................................................................................................ 18
BANK SERVICES ............................................................................................................................... 30
HOUSING ........................................................................................................................................ 32
SOCIAL SERVICES ............................................................................................................................ 37
CRISES AND EMERGENCY NUMBERS.............................................................................................. 44
HEALTH CARE SERVICES.................................................................................................................. 46
FINDING WORK AND FINNISH WORKING LIFE ............................................................................... 57
SERVICES OF THE EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE .................................. 59
AMMATTILIITOT JA TYÖSUOJELUHALLINTO................................................................................... 67
TAXATION ....................................................................................................................................... 70
THE FINNISH EDUCATION SYSTEM ................................................................................................. 73
STUDYING THE FINNISH LANGUAGE .............................................................................................. 87
MOBILE PHONE, INTERNET, PRESS, TV, LIBRARY ........................................................................... 88
TRANSPORT .................................................................................................................................... 91
EXCHANGING A FOREIGN DRIVING LICENCE FOR A FINNISH ONE ................................................. 94
PETS ................................................................................................................................................ 95
LEISURE TIME AND HOBBIES .......................................................................................................... 96
RELIGION ........................................................................................................................................ 98
NOTES ........................................................................................................................................... 100
 WE L CO ME TO S AV ON LIN N A!
WELCOME TO
SAVONLINNA!
The city of Savonlinna is situated in the eastern part of Finland in the
province of South Savo.
The population of Savonlinna is about 37,000. 2.2% of these are foreign
nationals, and 2.8% have a native language that is not Finnish.
Following mergers with other municipalities, the city of Savonlinna consists
of the regions of Kerimäki, Punkaharju and Savonranta.
The city of Savonlinna and the neighbouring municipalities of Sulkava,
Rantasalmi and Enonkoski comprise the Savonlinna sub-region. The
population of the sub-region is about 50,000.
You can find more information on the city of Savonlinna and the available
services at www.savonlinna.fi in Finnish, English, Swedish, German and
Russian.
HISTORY OF SAVONLINNA
The history of Savonlinna dates back to 1475, when Erik Axelsson Tott began
to build Olavinlinna Castle on an island in the Kyrönsalmi straits.
The castle was named after St Olaf, the patron saint of all knights. Built on
an island, the fortress was intended to safeguard the eastern border of the
Kingdom of Sweden; Finland was part of Sweden at the time. In 1639, Count
Per Brahe founded the town of Savonlinna and gave it a town charter. In
1975, Olavinlinna Castle celebrated its 500th anniversary. Continuous
restoration work has been going on in the castle since 1961. The intention is
to keep the castle looking as close to its original appearance as possible.
Olavinlinna Castle has been a tourist attraction for more than 100 years.
Opera singer Aino Ackté organised the first Opera Festival there in 1912.
After a few of these festivals, the First World War put an end to the tradition,
which was not revived until 1967. Since then, the Savonlinna Opera Festival
 4
has taken place every year in July. Some of the most famous opera houses
in the world have made guest appearances there.
In the early 20th century, the population of Savonlinna grew and business
became livelier. The old wooden buildings began to disappear in the early
1950s and a more modern town was built in their place.
CITY OF SAVONLINNA SERVICE POINT
(SAVONLINNAN KAUPUNGIN PALVELUPISTE)
The City of Savonlinna service point is open Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The
service point offers information on city services and provides various
brochures.
CITY OF SAVONLINNA SERVICE POINT (SAVONLINNAN KAUPUNGIN
PALVELUPISTE)
Olavinkatu 27, 1st floor
57130 Savonlinna
tel. 044 417 4052
044 417 4053
 5
 IMM I GR AN T SE R VI CE S
IMMIGRANT
SERVICES
NAVIGAATTORI GUIDANCE AND
SERVICE POINT
(OHJAUS- JA PALVELUPISTE
NAVIGAATTORI)
Olavinkatu 40 A, 2nd floor
57130 Savonlinna
At the NAVIGAATTORI guidance and service point, immigrants can find
services provided by the International Meeting Point and the City of
Savonlinna Immigrant Services.
You can find important information on the Finnish society and its services in
various languages online at www.infopankki.fi.
THE INTERNATIONAL MEETING POINT
(KANSAINVÄLINEN KOHTAAMISPAIKKA )
The International Meeting Point is maintained by the Linnala Settlement
Association.
The International Meeting Point is open Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Meeting Point employee provides guidance and assistance for
immigrants in all matters. The Meeting Point also organises Finnish language
teaching.
tel. 0440 511 823
 6
CITY OF SAVONLINNA IMMIGRANT SERVICES
(SAVONLINNAN KAUPUNGIN MAAHANMUUTTAJAPALVELUT)
The city of Savonlinna’s immigrant services offer information and guidance
to foreigners on the services provided by the city, immigration-related issues
– such as residence permits and daily services – and the rights and
obligations of immigrants.
tel.
044 417 4141
044 417 4143
ELSEWHERE IN FINLAND
INFOPANKKI.FI
The infopankki.fi website contains important information on the Finnish
society and public services, working life and training. The information is
available in 15 languages: Finnish, Swedish, English, Estonian, French,
Russian, Somali, Serbo-Croat, Turkish, Spanish, Albanian, Arabic, Persian,
Chinese, and Kurdish.
The website also contains regional information on Mikkeli. It is well worth a
visit.
SUOMI.FI
The suomi.fi website contains information on the Finnish society and public
services, and the forms of various government agencies in Finnish, Swedish
and English. The site also contains information on immigration at
www.suomi.fi  subjects  migration.
 7
MULTICULTURAL WOMEN’S HOUSE, HELSINKI
Multicultural Women’s House (MoniNaisten Talo) is a low-threshold activity
and support centre for immigrant women. Multicultural Women’s House
offers personal counselling and advice in life-management issues.
Information and support are available in about 20 languages.
MULTICULTURAL WOMEN’S HOUSE (MONINAISTEN TALO)
Kinaporinkatu 2 C, 00500 Helsinki
Skype address: MoniNaisten Talo
tel. 045 656 9953
[email protected]
FINNISH IMMIGRATION SERVICE, HELSINKI
The Finnish Immigration Service (Maahanmuuttovirasto) handles and
decides on matters concerning immigration, residence in Finland, refugees
and Finnish citizenship. Services are provided in Finnish, Swedish and
English. Information is available at the Finnish Immigration Service website
in English, Russian, French, Albanian, Arabic, Portuguese, Somali, Kurdish,
and Dari.
FINNISH IMMIGRATION SERVICE (MAAHANMUUTTOVIRASTO)
STREET ADDRESS: Panimokatu 2 A, 00580 Helsinki
POSTAL ADDRESS: PL 18, 00581 Helsinki
CUSTOMER SERVICE: Lautatarhankatu 10, 00580 Helsinki
 8
tel. 071 873 0431 (switchboard)
fax 071 873 0730
[email protected]
www.migri.fi
General inquiries by phone
tel. 071 873 3400
Mon-Fri 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Inquiries on demanding matters
Tue, Wed, Thu 10 a.m.–11 a.m.
see website for phone numbers
REFUGEE ADVICE CENTRE
The Refugee Advice Centre (Pakolaisneuvonta) has lawyers who provide
legal guidance and assistance free of charge for asylum seekers, refugees
and other foreigners. Guidance is also available by phone.
HELSINKI OFFICE
KOUVOLA OFFICE
Kaisaniemenkatu 4 A, 6th floor
00100 Helsinki
tel. 075 7575 100
Kauppamiehenkatu 1 A 6
45100 Kouvola
tel. 075 7575 101
Open Mon-Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m
Mon-Fri 9 a.m.–12 noon
and 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
www.pakolaisneuvonta.fi
[email protected]
 9
 INF OR MA T ION ON IN TE RP RE TE R S
INFORMATION ON
INTERPRETERS
You are entitled to an interpreter (tulkki) in important official business with
the authorities. In these cases, the interpreting service will be paid for by the
authorities. However, it is not always possible to find an interpreter. You
should check this with the authorities in advance.
All interpreters are bound by confidentiality. Interpreting can be conducted
on site or over the phone.
For more information on ordering interpreting services, please contact the
Navigaattori guidance and service point.
 10
 MO VIN G T O SA VON LI NNA FR OM A BR OA D
MOVING TO
SAVONLINNA FROM
ABROAD
IMPORTANT ISSUES TO CONSIDER WHEN MOVING
WHEN MOVING TO SAVONLINNA FROM ABROAD, YOU MUST REGISTER
IMMEDIATELY:
TAKE YOUR PASSPORT, RESIDENCE PERMIT AND OTHER CERTIFICATES WITH
YOU
1.
Register with the Finnish Population Information System at the local register office
(Olavinkatu 46 A, third floor). Fill in and sign the Registration of Foreigners form and
the Change of Address Notification form. After registering, you will receive a
personal identity number by post. For more information, see page 16.
If you are an EU/EEA national and are residing in Finland for more than three months,
register for a residence permit at the local police station (Tottinkatu 9). For more
information, see page14.
Exception: If you have come to Finland to work temporarily in the building trade,
apply for a personal identity number and tax number from the tax office (Olavinkatu
24). For the tax office, you can fill in form 6150 - Registration information on a
foreigner staying in Finland temporarily. For more information, see pages 70-71,
2. When you receive a personal identity number, visit the local Social Insurance
Institution office (KELA, Kirkkokatu 8) and complete form Y77. This is the application
form for Finnish social security. If you move to Finland temporarily, check whether or
not you are entitled to Finnish social security. For more information, see pages 18-19.
AFTER REGISTRATION TAKE CARE OF THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT MATTERS:
TAKE YOUR PASSPORT, RESIDENCE PERMIT AND OTHER CERTIFICATES WITH
YOU
 11
 MO VIN G T O SA VON LI N N A FR OM A BR OA D
1. When you have a personal identity number, visit a bank to open a bank account. In
Finland, almost all payments are handled through a bank. For more information, see
page 30.
2. If you are unemployed, visit the local TE Office (TE-toimisto, Olavinkatu 24). Explain
the type of help you need in searching for employment and/or integration. For more
information, see page 59.
3. If you have a residence permit with code A, or you are an EU/EEA national registered
in Finland, and your family’s income and assets are insufficient to cover your
essential everyday costs, visit the local Social Services Centre (Olavinkatu 27). For
more information, see page 37.
4. When you know your income (such as social allowances, wages), visit a tax office
(Olavinkatu 24) and get a tax card. For more information, see page 70.
5. If you want to place your child in daycare or comprehensive school, visit the
Education department of the city of Savonlinna (Savonlinnan kaupungin
sivistysvirasto, Olavinkatu 27, third floor). For more information, see page 73.
6. Check from a police station (Tottinkatu 9), whether or not your driving licence is valid
in Finland. For more information, see page 94.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT FOR ALL IMMIGRANTS
As an immigrant, you are entitled to a personal initial assessment (alkukartoitus) regardless
of your reason for coming to Finland. The purpose of the initial assessment is to determine
what kind of resources you have to help you integrate yourself into the Finnish society, and to
determine what kind of services you need to enhance your integration. The initial assessment
will focus on topics such as your education, work experience and language skills, and it will be
carried out either at the Employment and Economic Development Office or the Social Services
Centre.
If you already have a job or a study place, there will probably be no need for an initial
assessment or an integration plan. If, however, you feel that an initial assessment should be
carried out for you, you may request this yourself. If you are of working age and have
registered as a jobseeker, the initial assessment will be carried out by the South Savo
Employment and Economic Development Office. Other immigrants, such as pensioners and
housewives, may request for an initial assessment at the City of Savonlinna Social Services
Centre) or the City of Savonlinna Immigrant Services.
 12
 RE S IDE N CE PE R MI T A ND R I GH T OF RE SI DE N CY IN F INL AN D
RESIDENCE PERMIT AND
RIGHT OF RESIDENCY IN
FINLAND
If a foreigner wishes to stay in Finland for more than three months, he/she must have a
residence permit (oleskelulupa). Nordic nationals, and the citizens of member states of the
European Union (EU), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are not required to have
a residence permit.
The first residence permit is generally applied for at a Finnish diplomatic mission
(embassy/consulate/Suomen edustusto) in the applicant’s home country. The decision
whether to grant a residence permit is taken by the Finnish Immigration Service
(Maahanmuuttovirasto). For more information, please visit the websites of Finnish missions
and the Finnish Immigration Service.
If an applicant is granted a residence permit, he/she will receive a residence permit card that
contains biometric identifiers. All persons over the age of six submitting an application for a
residence permit and asylum must give fingerprints.
Biometric identifiers stored on a residence permit card chip include a facial image and two
fingerprints. A residence permit card is not an official identity card. You can apply for a new
card only from a local police station in Finland.
A family member of a Finnish citizen does not need to apply for and wait for a residence permit
abroad; he/she can come to Finland and apply for his/her first residence permit here. In this
case, the local police will decide whether to grant a residence permit. If an applicant is granted
a residence permit, he/she will receive a residence permit card including biometric identifiers.
All persons over the age of six submitting an application for a residence permit and asylum
must give fingerprints.
Biometric identifiers stored on the residence permit card chip include a facial image and two
fingerprints. A residence permit card is not an official identity card. You can apply for a new
card only from a local police station in Finland.
 13
 RE S IDE N CE PE R MI T A N D R I GH T OF RE SI DE N CY IN F INL AN D
An application for an extension of a residence permit must always be
submitted to the local police. An immigrant must have lived in the country
for four years to be granted a permanent residence permit.
Further
information

Matters concerning permits for foreigners by appointment Tue and
Thu 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Appointments by phone or online at
www.poliisi.fi -> License service appointments

by phone 029 541 5403 Mon-Fri 9-11 a.m., 1–3 p.m.
tem.fi
www.migri.fi
EASTERN FINLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT (ITÄ-SUOMEN POLIISILAITOS)
Savonlinna permit unit
Tottinkatu 9
57130 Savonlinna
www.poliisi.fi
appointments
Mon-Fri 9 a.m.–4.15 p.m.
tel. 029 541 5403
NORDIC NATIONALS
Nordic nationals may enter Finland freely and live here, work, practice a
trade, or study without needing a residence permit.
Nordic nationals must register with the local register office (maistraatti) if
they intend to stay in Finland for more than six months.
EU/EEA NATIONALS
EU/EEA nationals are allowed to live, work, practice a trade, or study in
Finland for three months without registering for a residence permit.
A person staying in Finland for more than three months must register his/her
right of residence at the local police department. A registration application
must be submitted to the local police within three months of arriving in
Finland.
 14
 RE S IDE N CE PE R MI T A ND R I GH T OF RE SI DE N CY IN F I NL AN D
CITIZENS OF COUNTRIES OTHER THAN EU/EEA MEMBER STATES
Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA are not allowed to live, work,
practice a trade, or study in Finland without a residence permit.
RESIDENCE PERMIT CODES
P = permanent residence permit
(granted if a person has been living in Finland on a continuous residence
permit for four years)
A = continuous residence permit
(granted if a person moves to Finland with the intention of living here
permanently)
B = temporary residence permit
(granted if the person does not intend to stay in Finland permanently)
More information on residence permits is available in various languages on
the website of the Finnish Immigration Service at www.migri.fi and the
website of the Police in Finland in Finnish and English at www.poliisi.fi.
REGISTRATION AT THE LOCAL REGISTER OFFICE
(REKISTERÖINTI MAISTRAATISSA)
If you have moved to Finland and you have a residence permit (oleskelulupa)
valid for at least one year or a certificate of the registration of right of
residence of an EU national (EU-maan kansalaisen oleskeluoikeuden
rekisteröintitodistus), you will be issued a Finnish personal identity number
(henkilötunnus). A domicile/home municipality (kotikunta) in Finland will
only be registered to you if certain criteria are fulfilled.
The information registered includes your name, date of birth, citizenship,
family relationships and address.
This information will be used for health care services, taxation, legal
administration and statistics
 15
 RE S IDE N CE PE R MI T A N D R I GH T OF RE SI DE N CY IN F INL AN D
HOW TO REGISTER?
Go to the local register office (maistraatti) in person within one week of
moving here.
EASTERN FINLAND REGISTER OFFICE (ITÄ-SUOMEN MAISTRAATTI)
Savonlinna unit
Olavinkatu 46 A, 3rd floor
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 029 553 9511
www.maistraatti.fi
open Mon-Fri
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Bring your passport, residence permit and other relevant documents.
If you are married or have children, you will need to bring your marriage
certificate
(avioliittotodistus)
or
children’s
birth
certificates
(syntymätodistus), with official translations into Finnish or English. You will
also need to have these documents legalised by Apostille. The Apostille must
be applied for from the country where the original document was issued.
Carefully fill in and sign the Registration of Foreigners form (Ulkomaalaisen
rekisteröinti-ilmoitus). This form is available at the local register office.
Fill in and sign the Registration of Foreigners form (Ulkomaalaisen
rekisteröinti-ilmoitus -lomake).
After registration, you will be issued a Finnish personal identity number
(henkilötunnus).
You will receive this about one week after registration. Your personal
identity number will remain the same throughout your life.
You will need your personal identity number in many places, such as at the
bank, hospital, pharmacies, and when conducting transactions with
authorities.
 16
 RE S IDE N CE PE R MI T A ND R I GH T OF RE SI DE N CY IN F INL AN D
You need your personal identity number in many situations in Finland:
 at the local register office
 at the police department
 at the bank
 at the health centre
 at the hospital
 at the pharmacy
 at government agencies
 at the Social Insurance Institution (KELA)
Foreigners only staying in Finland for a short time can also be issued a
personal identity number if this is necessary because of their work, for
instance. However, such persons will not be registered a domicile in Finland
and will not necessarily have the same rights as persons residing in Finland
permanently.
In Finland, every person must have a family name and can have up to three
first names.
If you move to Finland, whether permanently (vakituisesti) or temporarily
(tilapäisesti) and you have a residence permit valid for at least one year, you
must submit an official Change of Address Notification (muutto-ilmoitus) to
the local register office.
Fill in the Change of Address Notification form. This form is available at the
local register office and at post offices.
You can also fill in the form online at www.posti.fi/muuttoilmoitus. Using
this service requires an online banking or post office ID.
Every time you move from one place to another, you must submit a
Change of Address Notification.
If you move away from Finland, you must submit an emigration notification
to the local register office.
Address data is automatically passed on by the local register office to other
government agencies.
 17
 KE L A
KELA
The Social Insurance Institution is generally known by its Finnish acronym
KELA (Kansaneläkelaitos).
Once you have been issued a personal identity number, you can visit KELA
and apply for entitlement to Finnish social security. Fill in the form Y77.
You are entitled to Finnish social security from the time you move to Finland
if you are considered to have moved to Finland permanently.
THE SOCIAL INSURANCE INSTITUTION (KELA)
Savonlinna office
Kirkkokatu 8, 57100 Savonlinna
open Mon-Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Kerimäki community office
Kerimäentie 10, 58200 Kerimäki
open Mon-Fri 9–11.45 a.m.and 12.30–3 p.m.
Punkaharju community office
Kauppatie 20, 58500 Punkaharju
open Mon-Fri 8 a.m.–3.30 p.m.
Savonranta community office
Lamminniementie 11, 58300 Savonranta
 18
www.kela.fi
 KE L A
If you are entitled to Finnish social security, Kela will send you a social
security card, that is, a Kela card, by post. This card is provided free of charge
for everyone permanently residing in Finland. You will need your KELA card
at health centres, hospitals and pharmacies, and when visiting a doctor or
dentist. Children have their own KELA cards.
All persons aged 65 or more receive a national pension recipient card
(kansaneläkkeensaajan kortti). This card is also given to pensioners under
the age of 65 residing in Finland who do not receive an employment pension.
This card entitles you to discounts on travel and tickets, for example.
In Finland, adults are expected to support themselves and their families
through employment.
However, there are situations where a person is not able to work.
KELA can grant you support (money) for example if:
 you have a child
 you are caring for your child at home
 you are ill
 you are unemployed and register with the employment office as a
jobseeker
 you cannot cope with rent payments
 you are studying
 you have reached retirement age
The important thing to note is that you must always apply for benefits. More
information is available on Kela’s website in Finnish, Swedish and English.
Being active is important in managing all your matters.
All KELA forms are available at KELA offices or online at www.kela.fi  In
English  Forms.
 19
 KE L A
KELA HELPS YOU IF YOU BECOME UNEMPLOYED
tel. 020 692 210
UNEMPLOYMENT SECURITY (TYÖTTÖMYYSTURVA)
A person aged 17 to 64 residing in Finland is entitled to unemployment
security if he/she has registered at an Employment and Economic
Development Office/TE Office (Työ- ja elinkeinotoimisto/TE- toimisto) as an
unemployed jobseeker.
KELA pays all unemployment allowances except the earnings-related
unemployment allowance (ansiopäiväraha), which is paid by an
unemployment fund (see page 68).
All unemployment allowances are paid for five days a week.
If you become unemployed, register immediately with the Employment and
Economic Development Office to begin the waiting period (during which
unemployment benefit is not paid).
BASIC UNEMPLOYMENT ALLOWANCE (PERUSPÄIVÄRAHA)
You are eligible for a basic unemployment allowance if you have been
employed for 34 months over the past two years or if you have been an
entrepreneur for 18 months over the past four years.
A basic unemployment allowance is paid for a maximum period of 500
weekdays. The waiting period for the basic unemployment allowance is
seven weekdays. The amount is the same for all recipients, and it is taxable
income. Recipients with families receive a child support supplement.
LABOUR MARKET SUBSIDY (TYÖMARKKINATUKI)
You are eligible for a labour market subsidy if you have not been employed
for at least 34 weeks over the past two years or if you have only just
completed a qualification or if you have already received an unemployment
allowance for 500 days.
 20
 KE L A
A jobseeker who has not been employed for the required 34 weeks over the
past two years will have a five-month waiting period before beginning to
receive labour market subsidy.
This waiting period does not apply if the jobseeker has a vocational
qualification, or if he/she has previously received a basic unemployment
allowance or earnings-related unemployment allowance.
Labour market subsidy payments will not begin until the jobseeker has been
registered with the employment and economic development office for five
working days (waiting period).
If the jobseeker has children, he/she may receive a child support
supplement.
If the jobseeker or his/her spouse has income, this may reduce the amount
of labour market subsidy granted. If the jobseeker is in adult labour market
training or in job training, his/her spouse’s income does not affect the
amount of the benefit.
A labour market subsidy or unemployment allowance is only paid for the
time during which you are registered as a jobseeker at the Employment and
Economic Development Office.
It may also be possible to receive labour market subsidy or an
unemployment allowance during studies other than labour market training.
This should be agreed in advance with the TE Office, however. The
opportunity is available to those over the age of 25.
The Employment and Economic Development Office submits a statement to
KELA showing whether the applicant is entitled to an unemployment
allowance.
All unemployment allowances are taxable income.
 21
 KE L A
INTEGRATION ASSISTANCE FOR IMMIGRANTS (KOTOUTUMISTUKI)
tel. 020 692 207
An immigrant is entitled to integration assistance.
Its amount is the same as that of the labour market subsidy, and you need
to use the KELA labour market subsidy form to apply for it. Integration
assistance can be applied for using Kela’s form TT1. The same form is used
for applying for the basic unemployment allowance, labour market subsidy,
and integration assistance.
As a rule, integration assistance is paid for the first three years of residence
in Finland.
In order to be eligible for integration assistance, you must draw up an
Integration plan at the Employment and Economic Development Office.
KELA HELPS YOU IF YOU FALL ILL
tel. 020 692 204
SICKNESS INSURANCE (SAIRAUSVAKUUTUS)
Your KELA card demonstrates that you are covered by the Finnish national
sickness insurance. This means that Kela will cover part of your medical
expenses.
Remember to show your KELA card whenever you go to the pharmacy to buy
medication prescribed by a doctor: you will pay less, because the KELA
contribution will be subtracted from the price.
KELA can pay for part of, for example:
 a private physician’s bill
 tests or physiotherapy prescribed by a private physician
 a private dentist’s bill
 prescription medication
 travel costs caused by seeing a doctor or going to a hospital
 22
 KE L A
A higher rate of reimbursement is available for certain medicines used in the
treatment of severe, long-term diseases. In order to apply for entitlement to
special reimbursement, you must submit a Medical Certificate B to Kela.
If your medication is essential for your health and very expensive, you must
apply for KELA compensation separately. For this application, you will need
a medical certificate concerning your illness and the necessity of the
medication.
If your medication costs per year are high, KELA will pay for the excess above
a certain amount.
KELA will monitor how much you have paid for your medication, and once
the limit is reached, you will be informed by KELA as to how to apply for the
extra compensation.
KELA does not pay for:
 hospital care fees
 outpatient clinic and health centre fees
 administrative fees of private hospitals and medical centres
 municipal dental care fees
 dental prostheses or orthodontic treatment
 medical certificates for a driving licence or employment, etc.
If you are ill and cannot work and earn a wage, you can apply for a sickness
allowance (sairauspäiväraha).
Generally, you are eligible for a sickness allowance once your sickness has
lasted for more than 10 days. Sickness allowance is only paid for weekdays,
and for a maximum of 300 days. A form for applying for sickness allowance
is available from KELA. You need to submit a medical certificate to KELA
together with the form.
If you are an EU citizen or comparable person and you reside in Finland
temporarily, you are entitled to immediate medical treatment on the basis
of a European Health Insurance Card. If you are a citizen of a Third World
country and you reside in Finland temporarily, you are entitled to immediate
medical treatment on the basis of travel insurance acquired in your home
country.
 23
 KE L A
KELA BENEFITS FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
tel. 020 692 206
MATERNITY GRANT (ÄITIYSAVUSTUS) – CASH OR MATERNITY PACKAGE?
A pregnant mother is entitled to a maternity grant when the pregnancy has
lasted at least 154 days. The mother must have had a medical examination
by a doctor or at a prenatal clinic before the end of the fourth month of
pregnancy.
The mother may choose whether to take the maternity package or the cash
option. The maternity package contains clothes and other items that the
baby will need. The contents of the maternity package are worth more than
the cash option.
CHILD BENEFIT (LAPSILISÄ)
Child benefit is a benefit paid to parents of a child aged under 17 residing in
Finland. The amount of the child benefit depends on how many children
there are in the family.
Single parents are paid an increased child benefit. A ‘single parent’ is defined
as a father or a mother living alone with the child.
The family's income does not affect the amount of child benefit.
The benefit does not constitute taxable income.
MATERNITY, PATERNITY AND PARENTAL ALLOWANCES
(ÄITIYS, ISYYS- JA VANHEMPAINRAHA)
The amount of the maternity, paternity and parental allowances depends on
the taxable employment income of the applicants. If you have no
employment income, you will receive the minimum allowance.
Allowances are only paid for working days. Working days are weekdays
from Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays.
A pregnant woman is entitled to a maternity allowance if she is a resident
in Finland, if the pregnancy has lasted at least 154 days, and if she has been
registered with KELA for at least 180 days before the expected birth date.
Maternity allowance is paid for 105 weekdays, (a larger amount for the first
56 days), beginning about one month before the child is expected to be born.
 24
 KE L A
If the father is employed and wishes to participate in the care of the child,
he may take paternity leave and apply for paternity allowance. This is
payable for a total of 18 weekdays.
Parental allowance is paid for 158 weekdays after the end of the maternity
allowance period. Either the father or the mother is entitled to parental
allowance, and the parents may agree between themselves how to use the
parental allowance period. The parents can also take turns at taking leave.
Maternity, paternity and parental allowances are taxable income.
CHILD HOME CARE ALLOWANCE (LASTEN KOTIHOIDON TUKI)
You are eligible for child home care allowance if you have a child under 3
years of age who is being cared for at home. The payment of child home care
allowance can begin when the payment of parental allowance ends.
The carer can be the father or the mother, but also someone else, for
instance, a relative. Child home care allowance is payable until your
youngest child’s third birthday.
KELA also pays an allowance for other children under school age in the family
who are cared for at home.
Home care allowance constitutes taxable income.
FLEXIBLE CARE ALLOWANCE
A father or a mother who participates in the care of a child under 3 years of
age and works no more than 30 hours per week on average may be entitled
to a flexible care allowance from Kela. However, you cannot receive the
flexible care allowance, if you receive home care allowance or another
allowance.
The family's income does not affect the amount of the flexible care
allowance.
The flexible care allowance constitutes taxable income.
 25
 KE L A
KELA BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS
tel. 020 692 209
FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS (OPINTOTUKI)
A person over the age of 17 who wishes to go on studying after comprehensive school may receive financial aid for students. Students at upper secondary school, vocational school and university, for example, are eligible
for this financial aid, which is made up of a study grant (opintoraha), housing
supplement (asumislisä) and student loan (opintolaina).
The study grant and housing supplement are paid by the central
government. The student himself/herself must apply to a bank for a student
loan, which will then be guaranteed by the state. Interest is payable on the
loan to the bank.
When the student finishes his/her studies and finds employment, he/she
must pay the loan back to the bank.
STUDY GRANT (OPINTORAHA)
The study grant is not the same for everyone. It depends on the student’s
age, the institution where he/she is studying, the type of accommodation
and family relationships. The student’s own income also affects the amount
of the study grant. Check the amount from Kela!
If a student’s income exceeds a certain income limit, he/she will have to
refund the study grant to the state.
A student receiving a study grant may only earn a certain amount of money
in wages in a calendar year.
If a student has a large employment income and also receives a study grant,
he/she will have to refund the study grant to the state.
KELA pays the study grant only during the months in which the student is
studying.
No study grant is paid during the summer unless the student is studying then
too. A study grant is taxable income.
 26
 KE L A
STUDENT HOUSING SUPPLEMENT (OPISKELIJAN ASUMISLISÄ)
A student is eligible for a housing supplement if he/she lives in rented
accommodation. The housing supplement is tax-free.
A housing supplement will not be paid if the student is living:
 with his/her parents
 in the same household with his/her child or the child of his/her spouse
 in a dwelling that he/she owns or that his/her spouse or cohabitee owns
If the student is not eligible for a housing supplement because of the above,
he/she may still apply for a general housing allowance. Housing
supplements and housing allowances are not paid during the summer
holiday of the educational institution in question.
SCHOOL TRANSPORT SUBSIDY (KOULUMATKATUKI)
Students at an upper secondary school or in basic vocational education are
eligible for a school transport subsidy if the trip from home to school is more
than 10 km one way. The student will in any case have to pay for part of the
cost.
KELA HOUSING BENEFITS
tel. 020 692 201
GENERAL HOUSING ALLOWANCE (YLEINEN ASUMISTUKI)
KELA pays general housing allowance to people with low income.
If you apply for a housing allowance, you must give: information on the size
of your home and its rent, and the size and income of your family. You must
enclose a copy of your rental agreement, a receipt of your most recent rent
payment, an account of a renovation in the place of residence, and a
description of your income with your application to KELA.
 27
 KE L A
In any case, the applicant must pay part of the rent himself/herself. Housing
allowance can amount to no more than 80% of the housing costs.
If you are a housing allowance recipient, you must notify KELA immediately
of even small changes in your life situation, for instance if: you move to
another home, your rent increases or decreases, the number of people living
in your home changes, or if your income increases or decreases.
KELA reviews the amount of housing allowance each year. KELA will send a
housing allowance review form to the recipient’s home, and this must be
filled in.
If you do not return this form to KELA, the housing allowance will be
discontinued.
If KELA pays you too much housing allowance, you will have to refund it.
KELA BENEFITS FOR PENSIONERS
tel. 020 692 202
The general retirement age in Finland is 65, but it is possible to retire earlier.
If you are ill, for example, you may retire on a disability pension.
In Finland, a person’s pension consists of the national pension and an
earnings-related pension.
The purpose of the national pension (kansaneläke) is to secure a minimum
subsistence. It is only paid if the recipient has no earnings-related pension
or other pensions, or if these are minimal.
Earnings-related pension (työeläke) is paid to people who have been in paid
employment or who have been entrepreneurs.
The amount of the pension depends on the person’s pay and how long
he/she has been employed. Pensions are taxable income.
Persons aged over 65 are entitled to discounts on many travel and other
tickets and on leisure and cultural services. Pensioner discounts are available
for rail travel and bus travel on display of a photo ID.
Immigrants residing in Finland should ask KELA whether they are entitled to
the national pension.
 28
 KE L A
If you are an immigrant, your eligibility for the national pension depends on:
 how long you have lived in Finland
 what age you were when you moved to Finland
 whether you have been employed in Finland
 what your home country is, what other income you have, and whether
you are, for example, drawing a pension from your home country
GUARANTEE PENSION (TAKUUELÄKE)
KELA pays a guarantee pension to pensioners whose total amount of all
other pensions received from Finland or abroad remains under EUR 736.64
€ per month. These pensions will be reduced from the full amount of the
guarantee pension in 100 %.
An immigrant is eligible for a guarantee pension if he/she:
 is aged 65 or over, and
 has lived in Finland for at least three years after reaching the age of 16,
or
 is a disabled person aged between 16 and 64
The income and property of the applicant or his/her spouse do not affect
the amount of the guarantee pension.
However, just like other types of pensions the guarantee pension affects the
amount of the housing allowance and income support.
The guarantee pension is paid only to recipients residing in Finland. Still,
recipients may temporarily stay abroad without losing the support. The
guarantee pension is taxable income.
Recipients of benefits from KELA who withhold information, give false information or do
not notify KELA of changes will be reported to the police if there is reason to believe that
they have done so intentionally.
 29
 BAN K SE R VI CE S
BANK SERVICES
You need to have a bank account (pankkitili) if you live in Finland, since
almost all payment transactions in Finland are managed through a bank.
You can freely choose in which bank you wish to open an account.
NORDEA
DANSKE BANK
Olavinkatu 45
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 0200 3000
www.nordea.fi
Kauppatori 6
57130 Savonlinna
tel. 020 02580
www.danskebank.fi
SUUR-SAVON OSUUSPANKKI
Savonlinna unit
Olavinkatu 49
57100 Savonlinna
Punkaharju unit
Kauppatie 18
58500 Punkaharju
Savonranta unit
Kolmitähkäntie 13
58300 Savonranta
tel. 010 255 2601
www.op.fi
When you open your first account at a bank, you will need to bring your
passport or Finnish ID card.
For opening an account, the bank will ask you for the following:


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 30
name
date of birth/personal ID
address and domicile in Finland
rental agreement in Finland
what payments and income the account will be used for
 BAN K SE R VI CE S
A cash machine card/ATM card (pankkikortti) or a Visa Electron card, which
are basic bank services, can be added to your bank account.
The bank will decide whether to issue you a debit card (pankkikortti). In
order to receive a debit card, you must have, among other things, a regular
income and pay your bills on time. You must also have a reliable document
as proof of your identity. (Note! Passports from Third World countries,
including Russia, are not accepted).
Every card is issued with a secret PIN code (tunnusluku, koodi), which you
should memorise.
Never keep your card and PIN code in the same place.
You can use your ATM card or debit card to withdraw cash at an ATM (pankkiautomaatti) or
to pay bills at a bank terminal. You can also use your debit card to pay for your purchases in
shops.
The bank charges a fee for its services: the ATM card, the debit card, online banking IDs, paying
bills at a bank terminal and printing out your account balance at an ATM.
It is important that you learn how to use an ATM card and how to pay bills at a bank terminal,
because that is cheaper than using a personal service.
The cheapest way to pay bills is through online banking. Online banking IDs are not a basic
banking service. Banks issue online banking IDs at their discretion. You can apply for online
banking IDs when you have had a regular income into your bank account for a while and you
have paid your bills on time.
Spouses may have a shared bank account that both can use separately.
PAYING BILLS
Bills must always be paid on time in Finland. Each bill has a due date, which
is the last payment date of the bill. If you do not pay your bills on time, you
will have to pay penalty interest. The recipient may also give an unpaid bill
to a recovery agency for collection, in which case you will also have to pay
the recovery costs. Data on unpaid bills is also entered into a credit
information register.
More information is available from banks and banks’ websites in Finnish,
Swedish and English.
 31
 HO US IN G
HOUSING
In Finland, people generally live in rented or owned homes. Homes for sale can be found
through advertisements in local newspapers or estate agents’ listings.
Online:
 www.jokakoti.fi and www.etuovi.com are Finnish centralised housing
services through which you can search for housing offered for sale or
rental. These services are provided in Finnish.
 www.oikotie.fi website includes private persons’ advertisements on
housing offered for sale or rental
 www.infopankki.fi website contains general information on living in
Finland, various types of housing, and moving
If you take out a mortgage, you are entitled to tax deductions on mortgage interest in your
personal taxation. For more information, contact your local tax office or visit www.vero.fi.
Rented homes may be found through Savonlinnan asuntopalvelu (housing service), estate
agents and private landlords.
Blocks of flats and terraced houses have a building manager (isännöitsijä) who runs the affairs
of the housing company. The building manager is responsible for administration, finances and
maintenances.
Each building usually has a maintenance man (huoltomies) responsible for the building’s
maintenance.
You may ask the maintenance man about:




minor repairs in the home
cellar cupboard
laundry room
the maintenance man can also open your home door (for a fee) if you
forget your key
The maintenance man can also tell you how to reserve:
 sauna allocation
 parking space
 32
 HO US IN G
You should buy a smoke detector for your home, and you should take out
home insurance with an insurance company. The home insurance premium
will be taken into account in calculating income support.
Tap water is clean and drinkable throughout Finland. Water is expensive,
so excessive use of water should be avoided.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AGREEMENT (SÄHKÖSOPIM US)
In order to obtain electricity, you must sign an electricity supply agreement
for your home. In Savonlinna, electricity supply agreements are handled by:
SUUR-SAVON SÄHKÖ OY
Olavinkatu 44
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 0800 90110
www.sssoy.fi
You may also take out an electricity supply agreement with any other power
company in Finland.
Remember to terminate the electricity supply agreement when you move out.
When you move into a new home, obtain a new electricity supply agreement.
WASTE MANAGEMENT (JÄTEHUOLTO)
Each housing company has bins for mixed waste and biowaste. Many
buildings also have separate paper recycling bins. There are glass, metal and
cardboard recycling containers near supermarkets. Empty bottles and cans
should be returned to collection points in shops.
Sort your waste and dispose of it correctly!
Recycling instructions are available in Finnish, English and Russian at
http://www.savonlinna.fi/jatehuolto. Savonlinnan Seudun Jätehuolto Oy
provides guidance in sorting waste for recyling and collects various kinds of
waste.
 33
 HO US IN G
SAVONLINNAN SEUDUN JÄTEHUOLTO OY
Nousialantie 11
57230 Savonlinna
tel. 040 714 3350
open Mon 7.30 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue-Fri 7.30 a.m.–5 p.m.,
In May Sat 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
RECYCLING
Savonlinnan Toimintakeskus ry collects usable items.
Furniture, kitchen fittings, construction supplies:
Recycling shop or carpenter’s shop,
Schaumanintie 24, 57230 Savonlinna
Electric appliances:
Collection point, Ainonkatu 8-9, 57200 Savonlinna
RENTING A HOME
Rented homes may be found through:
SAVONLINNA HOUSING SERVICE (SAVONLINNAN ASUNTOPALVELU)
Puistokatu 13
57100 Savonlinna
Punkaharjun Vuokratalot
Kauppatie 20,
58500 Punkaharju
tel. 044 417 5480
Kerimäen Vuokratalot Oy
tel. 044 417 4681
 34
tel. 015 550 110
www.savonlinnanasuntopalvelu.fi
 HO US IN G
Private individuals advertise in daily newspapers. In renting privately, a
deposit equal to 1 to 3 months’ rent is generally required in advance. You
should save your rent receipts for housing allowance applications, etc.
In addition to the rent, tenants must pay water and electricity bills, which
must be paid by their due dates.
When you sign a rental agreement, ask for the phone number of the maintenance man.
GIVING NOTICE ON A RENTED HOME
If you are leaving, give notice on your rented home in time. Normally, the
notice period is one calendar month. Every time you move from one place
to another, you must submit a Change of Address Notification at the post
office. Forms are available at the local register office or post office. If you
submit a Change of Address Notification, your information will be updated
in the Finnish Population Information System and the postal system.
A Change of Address Notification can also be submitted by calling 0295 535
535 (Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4.15 p.m.) and online at www.muuttoilmoitus.fi or
www.posti.fi/muuttoilmoitus/.
Clean the vacated home thoroughly and return all keys to the agreed place
on time.
IMPORTING REMOVAL GOODS TO FINLAND
Removal goods can be imported in several batches. You can get more
information either on the Custom’s website at www.tulli.fi in Finnish, Swedish,
Russian, and English, or by calling the Customs Information Service.
Customs Information Service
tel. 0295 5201
The Finnish Customs must be notified of any vehicle imported as removal
goods as soon as it is imported to Finland. The vehicle must not be used in
Finland without the permission of the authorities.
 35
 HO US IN G
The closest customs office is located in Lappeenranta.
LAPPEENRANTA CUSTOMS (LAPPEENRANNAN TULLAUSKESKUS)
Terminaalinkatu 5
PL 66, 53501 Lappeenranta
tel. 020 690 613
open Mon-Fri 8 a.m.–4.15 p.m.
 36
 SO CI AL SE RV ICE S
SOCIAL SERVICES
In Finland, the purpose of social security is to ensure that everyone receives
health care services, social services and income support in various life
situations.
Social services in Savonlinna are provided by:
the City of Savonlinna (Savonlinnan kaupunki)
www.savonlinna.fi/sosiaalipalvelut and
the East Savo Hospital District (Itä-Savon sairaanhoitopiirin
kuntayhtymä/Sosteri), www.isshp.fi
Social services include, for example, care for the elderly, substance abuse
treatment, child and family guidance centres, adult social work, income
support, child welfare, services for the disabled, and immigration work.
INCOME SUPPORT (TOIMEENTULOTUKI)
SOCIAL DEPARTMENT/INCOME SUPPORT
(SOSIAALIVIRASTO/TOIMEENTULOTUKI)
Olavinkatu 27 E or D
57130 Savonlinna
Information desk, tel. 044 417 4121
Kerimäki office:
Kerimäentie 10
58200 Kerimäki
Punkaharju office:
Kauppakatu 18
58500 Punkaharju
Savonranta office:
Lamminniementie 11
58300 Savonranta
 37
If your family’s income and assets are not enough to cover your essential
everyday costs, you may apply to the City of Savonlinna Social Department
for income support.
Income support is always calculated for one month at a time. Income
support is always the last resort for survival.
When you apply for income support for the first time, visit the Social
Department in person or book an appointment with a social worker by
phone.
If you have only recently moved to Finland and intend to apply for income support,
you must have the following:
 a personal identity number, issued by the local register office
 a KELA decision on social security
 registration as a jobseeker at the Employment and Economic
Development Office
 a bank account in a Finnish bank and a bank statement or balance
certificate proving this
You need to submit your income support application in writing to the Social
Department.
In your application, you will need to explain your family’s income and costs
(income: wages, unemployment allowance, child benefit, pension, etc.;
costs: rent, electricity bill, water bill, medical bills, children’s daycare fees,
etc.).
You must include proof of your income and costs and bank statements for
your bank account for the last two months.
SOCIAL OMBUDSMAN (SOSIAALIASIAMIES)
SOCIAL AND PATIENT OMBUDSMAN OF THE EAST SAVO HOSPITAL
DISTRICT (SOSTERIN SOSIAALI- JA POTILASASIAMIES)
Keskussairaalantie 6 F, 12th floor
57120 Savonlinna
Every local authority has a social ombudsman.
 38
tel. 044 417 3218
If you are dissatisfied with the social services you receive, you can contact
the social ombudsman for help. The social ombudsman will advise you and
assist you in filing a complaint and acts on behalf of the customer’s rights.
Please book appointments in advance.
CHILDREN’S DAYCARE (LASTEN PÄIVÄHOITO )
In Savonlinna, children’s daycare is the responsibility of the City of
Savonlinna Education Department (see page 73).
CHILD AND FAMILY GUIDANCE CENTRE (KASVATUS- JA
PERHENEUVOLA)
CHILD AND FAMILIY GUIDANCE CENTRE (PERHEPALVELUKESKUS)
Pihlajavedentie 4, 57170 Savonlinna
tel. 044 417 2841
calling hours, appointments and counselling Mon-Fri 12 noon–1 p.m.
tel. 044 417 2160
The child and family guidance centre provides help for problems
experienced by children and young people (aged 0 to -16) and their families.
These services are free of charge. For example, psychologists and speech
therapists are available at the child and family guidance centre.
The Child and Family Guidance Centre may help for instance with:






child-raising issues
family crises
children’s behavioural disorders
delayed development of a child
learning difficulties
absences from school without leave, etc.
 39
CHILD WELFARE SERVICES (LASTENSUOJELU)
SOCIAL DEPARTMENT/CHILD WELFARE SERVICES
(SOSIAALIVIRASTO/LASTENSUOJELU)
Olavinkatu 27 E or D
57130 Savonlinna
Information desk, tel. 044 417 4132
The purpose of child welfare services is to help families in problem
situations.
A family may become a customer of child welfare services, for example,
if:



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
a child’s growth and development are at risk
a child’s safety is at risk
there are alcohol, drug or mental health problems in the family
there is domestic violence in the family
a child is having difficulties at school
With respect to child welfare issues, please contact the information desk of
the Social department of the city of Savonlinna.
CARE FOR THE ELDERLY (VANHUSTEN HUOLTO)
HOME CARE SERVICES (KOTIHOITOPALVELUT)
Pihlajavedentie 8
57170 Savonlinna
tel. 044 417 3974
044 417 3975
The aim in Finland is that elderly people should be able to live at home for
as long as possible. Therefore, there is a range of home services available for
the elderly.
Home care services include shopping for food and delivering it to the elderly
at home, or delivering ready-made meals.
The elderly may be provided with various assisted mobility devices to
improve their functional capacity at home.
 40
A home care worker may visit elderly people at home to help them, for
instance, by cleaning, cooking or administering medication.
A fee is charged for these services. The fee depends on the family’s size and
income.
DAY CENTRE (PÄIVÄKESKUS)
In the daytime, elderly people can go to a day centre where they can have
meals, engage in leisure activities, meet other people and use various
services.
SHELTERED ACCOMMODATION (PALVELUTALO)
An elderly person who is not well enough to live at home anymore can move
to sheltered accommodation where essential services are available inhouse.
RETIREMENT HOME (VANHAINKOTI)
An elderly person who can no longer live at home or even in sheltered
accommodation can move to a retirement home.
CARER’S ALLOWANCE (OMAISHOIDONTUKI)
CARER’S ALLOWANCE (OMAISHOIDONTUKI)
tel. 044 417 2366
044 417 2368
This allowance is intended for a person taking care of an elderly, chronically
ill or disabled person; the caregiver may be a family member, a relative or
an outsider.
The amount of the allowance depends on how much care the patient
requires. A carer’s allowance is taxable income.
 41
SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED (VAMMAISPALVELUT )
SOCIAL DEPARTMENT/SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED
(SOSIAALIVIRASTO/VAMMAISPALVELUT)
Olavinkatu 27
57130 Savonlinna
tel. 044 417 4158
There are various services available for the disabled.
For example, they may be provided with a personal assistant
(henkilökohtainen avustaja) for everyday tasks.
They may be housed in sheltered housing with a nurse on duty and various
in-house services.
Disabled persons who have difficulty in moving about may receive transport
services to enable them to manage their affairs or, for example, work or
study.
Various assisted mobility devices are also available.
A person taking care of a disabled person may be eligible for a carer’s
allowance.
Counselling and support is available from Hilma,
the national support centre for disabled immigrants.
HILMA – THE NATIONAL SUPPORT CENTRE FOR DISABLED IMMIGRANTS
(VAMMAISTEN MAAHANMUUTTAJIEN TUKIKESKUS HILMA)
Marjaniementie 74, Helsinki
Phone service Mon-Fri 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
[email protected]
tel. 050 300 2501
www.tukikeskushilma.fi
The Hilma website is in eight languages (Finnish, Swedish, English, Russian,
Arabic, Farsi, Sorani and Somali).
A service guide for disabled immigrants is available at
www.tukikeskushilma.fi  Materiaalia. The guide is in 12 languages (Finnish,
Plain Finnish, Swedish, English, Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Kurdish (Sorani),
Persian, French, Somali, Thai and Russian).
 42
CITY OF SAVONLINNA IMMIGRATION SERVICES
CITY OF SAVONLINNA IMMIGRATION SERVICES
NAVIGAATTORI guidance and service point
(Ohjaus- ja palvelupiste NAVIGAATTORI) tel. 044 417 4141
Olavinkatu 40 A, 2nd floor
044 417 4143
57130 Savonlinna
The city of Savonlinna immigrant services offers information and guidance
to foreigners on the services provided by the city, immigration-related issues
– such as residence permits and daily services – and the rights and
obligations of immigrants.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE CARE (PÄIHDEPALVELUT)
A CLINIC (A-KLINIKKA)
Keskussairaalantie 6
57120 Savonlinna
tel. 044 417 2116
A ‘substance’ here means alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription drugs.
If you or a member of your family have problems with alcohol or illegal drugs
or abuse of prescription drugs, there is help available.
Entering treatment is voluntary and free of charge.
Services are also available to family members of substance abusers.
 43
 CR ISE S AN D E ME R GE N C Y N U MBE RS
CRISES AND
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
The general emergency number (yleinen hätänumero) in Finland is 112.
Call the general emergency number to contact:
 ambulance services
 police
 fire brigade
When you call 112:




first say your own name
explain what has happened
explain where it has happened
wait for instructions
Calling the general emergency number is free of charge.
An emergency is an urgent and actual danger threatening the life or health
of a human individual, property or the environment. For example, attack of
illness, accident, domestic violence, fire, etc.
If you need to contact the police or fire brigade and your matter is not
urgent, call
Police tel. 071 875 5200
Fire brigade tel. 0201 3344 63
SAVONLINNA CRISIS CENTRE (SAVONLINNAN KRIISIKESKUS)
If you need someone to talk to in case of a crisis, contact the crisis centre
(see page 52).
 44
 CR ISE S AND E ME R GE NC Y N U MBE RS
SOUTH SAVO LEGAL AID OFFICE (ETELÄ-SAVON OIKEUSAPUTOIMISTO)
SAVONLINNA UNIT (SAVONLINNAN TOIMIPAIKKA)
If you have legal affairs or problems for which you need counselling or advice
(e.g. appeals, divorce, criminal case, estate inventory, etc.) you can seek help
from the legal aid office.
The cost of the service depends on the customer’s income and assets. The
services are free of charge for those with low income.
Please book appointments in advance.
SOUTH SAVO LEGAL AID OFFICE/SAVONLINNA UNIT (ETELÄ-SAVON
OIKEUSAPUTOIMISTO/ SAVONLINNAN TOIMIPAIKKA)
Olavinkatu 27 F
57130 Savonlinna
tel. 010 336 0390, 050 405 8103
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICES (KULUTTAJANEUVONTA)
The national phone number for consumer advisory services is 029 553 6901
on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
www.kuluttajavirasto.fi
 45
 HE AL TH C AR E S E R VI C E S
HEALTH CARE
SERVICES
EMERGENCIES
In case of an emergency, always call the emergency number (yleinen hätänumero) 112.
An emergency is an urgent and actual danger threatening the life or health
of a human individual, property or the environment.
To call an ambulance, call the emergency number 112.
If you need to call an ambulance,
be prepared to give the following information on the phone:
 your name
 address
 what the situation is and why help is urgently needed
MEDICAL SERVICES
Health care services are provided by health centres and the Savonlinna
Central Hospital (included in the East Savo Hospital District/Sosteri) and by
private medical centres.
If you need to see a specialist, you must first see a general practitioner at
the health centre to obtain a referral (lähete). Specialists include, for
example, gynaecologists, paediatricians, surgeons, neurologists,
orthopaedists and ophthalmologists.
 46
 HE AL TH C AR E SE R VI C E S
EAST SAVO HOSPITAL DISTRICT (SOSTERI)
(ITÄ-SAVON SAIRAANHOITOPIIRIN KUNTAYHTYMÄ, SOSTERI)
Main Health Centre
Pihlajavedentie 8
57170 Savonlinna
www.isshp.fi
Central hospital
Keskussairaalantie 6
57170 Savonlinna
Kerimäki health centre
Hälväntie 3, 58200 Kerimäki
Punkaharju health centre
Savonranta health centre
The following, for example, are available at the Main Health Centre:




physicians
nurses
laboratory
X-ray department
 child health clinic
 dental care
HYVIS – ONLINE COUNSELLING SERVICE
 General health care and medical care guidance and service guidance is
also provided at the Hyvis - online at www.hyvis.fi. You may ask for advice
anonymously in Finnish, Swedish or English. Questions sent online will be
answered within two days.
 47
APPOINTMENT TO SEE A DOCTOR
If you are ill, you need to go to a health centre.
First book an appointment to see a doctor.
When booking an appointment, you need to give your personal identity
number. The number is printed on your KELA card. You also need to give
your address, because your physician will be determined by where you live.
If you need an interpreter when visiting the doctor,
always remember to ask in advance whether an interpreter can be provided!
You can also ask when making an appointment whether it would be possible
to see a doctor who speaks, for instance, Russian or English.
If you are seriously ill and need to see a doctor immediately, contact the
emergency department of the Savonlinna Central Hospital.
FIRST AID - URGENT MEDICAL TREATMENT 24H
When you have an urgent matter and you need to see a physician as soon
as possible, call the Savonlinna Central Hospital emergency department and
make an appointment (Savonlinnan keskussairaalan päivystyspoliklinikka).
EVERY DAY 8 a.m.– 10 p.m.
Emergency service
at the Savonlinna Central Hospital emergency department
Keskussairaalantie 6, 57170 Savonlinna
appointments and phone consultation tel. 015 527 7777
EVERY NIGHT 10 p.m.– 8 a.m.
Emergency service at the Savonlinna Central Hospital emergency
department Keskussairaalantie 6, 57170 Savonlinna
appointments and phone consultation tel. 015 527 7100
 48
Kerimäki health centre
Emergency service Mon-Fri 8 a.m.–3.30 p.m., tel. 015 527 7157
Punkaharju health centre
Emergency service Mon-Thu 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.–3 p.m., tel. 015
527 7139
Savonranta health centre
Emergency service Mon-Fri 8 a.m.–3.30 p.m., tel. (015) 527 7157
WHEN YOU NEED TO SEE A PHYSICIAN OR A NURSE AND
THE MATTER IS NOT URGENT:
SAVONLINNA MAIN HEALTH CENTRE
appointments Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-3.30 p.m.
Nojanmaa group
Centre group
West group
Nätki group
tel. 015 527 7105
tel. 015 527 7109
tel. 015 527 7111
tel. 015 527 7112
KERIMÄKI HEALTH CENTRE
appointments Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
tel. 015 527 7156
PUNKAHARJU HEALTH CENTRE
appointments Mon-Fri 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
tel. 015 527 7139
SAVONRANTA HEALTH CENTRE
appointments Mon-Fri 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
tel. 015 572 7171
 49
Health care services in Savonlinna are also provided by private medical
centres.
You can get treatment more quickly at a private medical centre, but the fees
are much higher than at a health centre.
KELA will cover part of the expense of private health care services.
SUOMEN TERVEYSTALO
LÄÄKÄRIPALVELU NYPEL
Kirkkokatu 7B
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 030 6000
www.terveystalo.com
Kirkkokatu 10
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 044 340 6046
SININEN TALO
Kalmarinkatu 9
57130 Savonlinna
tel. 015 534 665
www.sininentalo.com
DENTAL CARE SERVICES (HAMMASLÄÄKÄRIPALVELUT)
(SAVONLINNAN PÄÄTERVEYSASEMA)
tel. 015 527 7114
reception Mon-Thu 7.30a.m.– 4 p.m., Fri 7.30 a.m.– 2 p.m.
appointments 8 a.m.–3 p.m. tel. 015 527 7160
reception Mon-Fri 7.30 a.m.– 4 p.m.
appointments 8 a.m.– 3 p.m. tel. 015 527 7160
 50
reception 2-3 days a week 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
appointments during reception tel. 044 417 2221
You must book an appointment in advance to see a dentist.
Dental care is free of charge for customers under the age of 18.
If you have an acute need to see a dentist in the evening or on a weekend,
call tel. 015 527 7114. They will tell you where to find the dentist on duty.
PRIVATE DENTAL CLINICS
There are several private dental clinics in Savonlinna. You can see a dentist
more quickly at a private dental clinic, but the fees are much higher than at
a health centre. KELA will cover part of the expense of private health care
services.
The major private dental clinics in Savonlinna include, for example:
SAVONLINNAN WIISAUDENHAMMAS
Olavinkatu 53
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 015 511 60
open Mon-Thu 8 a.m–7 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
SAVONLINNAN HAMMASPOLI
Tulliportinkatu 17
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 044 353 3101
 51
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (MIELENTERVEYSPALVELUT)
Help for mental health problems is available at the Savonlinna Main Health
Centre. You can make an appointment with a nurse or a psychologist.
A health centre fee will be charged for the doctor’s appointment. The other
services are free of charge.
(SAVONLINNAN PÄÄTERVEYSASEMA)
appointments Mon-Fri 9 a.m.–10 a.m.
Nojanmaa - Nätki
tel. 044 417 2824
Centre - Miekkoniemi
tel. 044 417 2827
West
tel. 044 417 2825
Olavinkatu 40 A
tel. 015 273 700
57130 Savonlinna
phone consultation Mon-Tue 10 a.m.–5 p.m.,
Wed-Fri 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
The Savonlinna Crisis Centre is available for help and support if you or a
member of your family face a crisis such as depression, burn-out, accidents,
death of a loved one, domestic violence, illness, problems in an intimate
relationship, and other unexpected life changes. Even if you just need
someone to talk to, you can phone the crisis centre.
You can also book an appointment with a crisis worker.
The national crisis hotline number is 010 195 202.
 52
CHILD HEALTH CARE
The health of children under school age is monitored by a child health clinic
(lastenneuvola).
Preventive health care for schoolchildren is managed by school health care.
When a child falls ill (e.g. earache or fever for more than three days), the
parents are responsible for taking the child to treatment.
Child health clinic appointments Mon-Fri 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
If a child becomes ill, please contact an emergency department.
MAIN HEALTH CENTRE (PÄÄTERVEYSASEMA)
Pihlajavedentie 8
57170 Savonlinna
tel. 044 417 2810
Kerimäki child health clinic
Hälväntie 3
58200 Kerimäki
appointments Mon–Fri 12 noon–1 p.m.
tel. 044 417 2330
Punkaharju child health clinic
appointments Mon–Fri 11–11.30 a.m.
tel. 044 417 2566
Savonranta child health clinic
Lamminniementie 3,
58300 Savonranta
appointments Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
tel. 044 417 2220
 53
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CARE AND
ABSENCE FROM WORK DUE TO SICKNESS
Occupational health care (työterveyshuolto) is a health care system for
persons who are employed. The employer organises and pays for the
services of a doctor and a nurse for his employees.
Many employers also provide medical care, in which case the employee can
go to the company’s own occupational health centre in case of sickness. In
some workplaces, employers pay for dental care or physical therapy, for
example.
If your employment contract does not state what health care services are
available to you, ask your employer.
If you fall ill on a working day, you must notify your workplace immediately.
For absences due to sickness lasting no more than three days, a medical
certificate (lääkärintodistus) is generally not required.
If you are absent for more than three days, you must submit a medical
certificate to your employer. Sometimes it is enough to get a certificate from
a nurse rather than a doctor. Always check with your employer how many
days you can be absent because of sickness on pay without a medical
certificate.
Your employer will pay your wages during your sickness, except if your
absence is a long one, in which case you will receive a sickness allowance
from KELA.
If you have a child aged under 10 who falls ill on a working day and you have
to stay at home to care for him/her, you may be entitled to time off on pay
to organise care for the child.
But notify your workplace immediately and ask how many days off you can
take with pay to care for the child.
Only one parent can take time off from work to care for a sick child!
 54
PATIENT ADVOCATE (POTILASASIAMIES)
The East Savo Hospital District has a patient advocate.
If you are dissatisfied with the health care services you receive, you can
contact the patient advocate for help. The patient advocate will advise you
and assist you in filing a complaint.
SOCIAL AND PATIENT OMBUDSMAN OF THE EAST SAVO HOSPITAL
DISTRICT
(SOSTERIN SOSIAALI- JA POTILASASIAMIES)
Keskussairaalantie 6 F, 12th floor
57120 Savonlinna
tel. 044 417 3218
PHARMACIES (APTEEKIT)
If a doctor gives you a prescription for medication, you can go to a pharmacy
to buy them.
Bring the prescription and your KELA card. Showing your KELA card will give
you a discount on the prescription medication, because the national health
insurance will cover part of the cost. However, there is no compensation for
non-prescription medication.
SAVO PHARMACY
Kauppatori 1
57130 Savonlinna
tel. 015 531 420
LINNANPORTTI PHARMACY
Nojanmaantie 15 (Prisma)
57120 Savonlinna
tel. 015 467 0393
SAVON APTEEKKI ABC
Suuri Savontie 1
57510 Savonlinna
tel. 044 053 6104
PÄÄSKYLAHTI PHARMACY
Ilokallionkatu 4
57120 Savonlinna
tel. 015 476 0390
 55

UUSI APTEEKKI
Tulliportinkatu 10 (Citymarket)
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 015 532 220
UNIVERSITY PHARMACY
(YLIOPISTON APTEEKKI)
Olavinkatu 48
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 0300 20 200
KERIMÄKI PHARMACY
Kerimäentie 3
58200 Kerimäki
tel. 015 541 124
SAVONRANTA PHARMACY
Kolmitähkäntie 13
58300 Savonranta
tel. 015 679 053
PUNKAHARJU PHARMACY
Kauppatie 18
58500 Punkaharju
tel. 040 710 6626
 56
 FIN DIN G WO RK AN D FINN ISH W OR KIN G LI FE
FINDING WORK AND
FINNISH WORKING
LIFE
HELP IN FINDING WORK

Where can I look for work?

How do I apply for a job in Finland?

What agreements and rules apply to me when I get a job?

Who can I ask for more information?

Are my present skills and knowledge enough to get me a job?

Should I study more? What can I study in Mikkeli?
Answers to these questions and more about looking for work and about
Finnish working life are included in a separate booklet, Pathways to
Employment – Guide for Immigrants. The guide also includes information
on the recognition, in Finland, of a vocational qualification or Bachelor’s or
Master’s degree completed in your home country. This guide is available in
Finnish and Russian. The language versions of the brochure are available
online at www.pointti.eu
Also ask for the Working in Finland booklet from the Employment and
Economic Development Office. This booklet is available in Finnish, Swedish,
English, Estonian, French, Polish and Russian and contains a lot of useful
information for immigrants coming to Finland. The various language versions
are available online at www.te-palvelut.fi. The booklet describes the ground
rules of working life, the permits you need to get a job, and Finnish
workplace culture. There is also information on how to make an
employment agreement, what the minimum wages are, how taxation works
and what social security is.
All the databases advertising jobs online can be found through www.job.fi.
Listings of open jobs posted at the Employment and Economic Development
Offices around Finland can be found at www.te-palvelut.fi.
 57

The website www.infopankki.fi contains a lot of useful information on how
to apply for a job and what Finnish working life is like.
UUSYRITYSKESKUS SAVONLINNA REGION
If you are interested in starting a business, please contact Uusyrityskeskus.
Uusyrityskeskus helps and guides customers in developing their business ideas
into functional business plans.
The service is free of charge. Please book an appointment in advance.
Uusyrityskeskus arranges free information sessions for anyone who is
considering starting a business.
UUSYRITYSKESKUS SAVONLINNA REGION
(UUSYRITYSKESKUS SAVONLINNAN SEUTU)
Puistokatu 1
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 044 571 5837
The Entrepreneur Guides (Yrittäjäksi Suomeen) in 11 languages can be found at
www.uusyrityskeskus.fi  Entrepreneur Guides. Languages: Finnish, Swedish, English,
Estonian, French, Russian, Somali, Turkish, Arabic, Chinese, and Kurdish.
 58
 SE R VI CE S O F THE E M PLO Y ME N T AND E C ON O MI C D E VE LOP ME N T OF FI CE
SERVICES OF THE
EMPLOYMENT AND
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
SOUTH SAVO EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
(ETELÄ-SAVON TYÖ- JA ELINKEINOTOIMISTO)
Olavinkatu 24
57130 Savonlinna
www.te-palvelut.fi
tel. 029 504 4010
Kerimäki community office
Kerimäentie 10
58200 Kerimäki
open 9–11.45 a.m. and 12.30–3 p.m.
The Employment and Economic Development Office is known by its Finnish
acronym as the TE Office (Työ- ja elinkeinotoimisto/TE-toimisto).
The Employment and Economic Development Office:
 serves both employed and unemployed persons
 advises customers on how to apply for a job in Finland
 offers information on job vacancies, job training placements, career
choices and professions, training and entrepreneurship
 if necessary, carries out an initial assessment and prepares an
integration plan for immigrants who have been in Finland for less than
three years and who are currently registered as jobseekers
 advises customers on what financial support to apply for if they are
unemployed or in training
 59
At the moment, there are many unemployed people and not many job
vacancies in Finland.
The most important thing for you in finding a job is to be active. Look for
employment opportunities and contact employers directly. Employers value
an applicant with initiative.
You can register as a jobseeker (rekisteröityminen työnhakijaksi) at the TE Office if:




you are an EU/EEA national or
you are a member of the family of an EU/EEA national or
you have a residence permit with status P or status P-EC or
you have a residence permit with status A or B, which entitles you to
find paid employment or to study with no employer limitations
IF YOU ARE UNEMPLOYED
If you are unemployed, register as a jobseeker at a TE Office either online
at www.te-palvelut.fi or personally at a TE Office.
If you become unemployed after work or training, remember to register at
the TE Office on your first day of unemployment at the latest.
On your first visit, bring with you:
 work and study certificates translated into Finnish
(you can also submit missing certificates later)
 your passport and residence permit
On your first visit, you will be registered, and the employment counsellor will
interview you. You will be given a new appointment with a personal
employment counsellor for drawing up an employment plan or integration
plan.
You are entitled to read what is written in the plan.
Once you have registered as a jobseeker, you are entitled to the services of
the TE Office and, within the criteria specified by law, to unemployment
security. The employment counsellor will tell you what unemployment
security you can apply for and give you a form to fill in for applying for
unemployment security.
 60
These are paid by KELA or unemployment funds (työttömyyskassa).
The basic unemployment allowance (peruspäiväraha) is granted and paid
by KELA (see page 20).
The earnings-related unemployment allowance (ansiopäiväraha) is granted
and paid by an unemployment fund (see page 68).
You are entitled to unemployment security (työttömyysturva) if you are:





between 17 and 64 years of age
unemployed and registered at the TE Office as a jobseeker
looking for a full-time job
able to work and available to the labour market
not able to find work or training
LABOUR MARKET SUBSIDY/INTEGRATION ASSISTANCE
(TYÖMARKKINATUKI/KOTOUTUMISTUKI)
You are entitled to a labour market subsidy even if you have not been
employed before or are not a member of an unemployment fund. For an
immigrant, a labour market subsidy can be paid as integration assistance
(see pages 22 and 63).
If you are granted or apply for unemployment security, you are required
to:
 look for a full-time job and be available to the labour market
 accept work and training offered
 participate in labour market measures that you are offered, such as job
training or other training
 visit the TE Office when invited
 participate in the drawing up and checking of your employment plan or
integration plan
 follow your employment plan or integration plan
 keep up your jobseeking by checking in with the TE Office when
required
and remain contactable by the TE Office by phone or mail.
 61
 SE R VI CE S O F THE E M PLO Y M E N T AND E C ON O MI C D E VE LOP ME N T OF FI CE
FOREIGN TRAVEL AND UNEMPLOYMENT SECURITY
(ULKOMAANMATKAT JA TYÖTTÖMYYSTURVA)
If you go on a long trip abroad, you will not be entitled to unemployment
security during the trip.
A jobseeker is entitled to unemployment benefit also during foreign travel,
if he/she can be reached by the TE Office. The TE Office does not monitor
the number or duration of foreign visits. A jobseeker is not required to
report foreign visits in advance.
You may lose your unemployment security (waiting period) if:








you refuse a job that is offered to you
you resign or you are dismissed from a job
you leave job training or preparatory training for working life
you refuse labour market training that is offered to you
you leave or you are dismissed from labour market training
you are refused a job or training because of your own actions
you miss a scheduled appointment at the TE Office
you do not follow your employment plan or integration plan
Any of the above may result in a waiting period of 30, 60 or 90 days, during
which you will not be paid unemployment security.
It is very important to follow the jobseeking renewal instructions given by
the TE Office and to come to scheduled appointments so that your
jobseeking is not interrupted.
You cannot receive unemployment security for any days during which you are not
registered as a jobseeker. If you are unable to come to a scheduled appointment, you must
notify the TE Office in advance.
 62
INITIAL ASSESSMENT, INTEGRATION,
INTEGRATION PLAN AND INTEGRATION ASSISTANCE
(ALKUKARTOITUS, KOTOUTUMINEN,
KOTOUTUMISSUUNNITELMA JA KOTOUTUMISTUKI)
As an immigrant, you are entitled to a personal initial assessment (alkukartoitus) regardless
of your reason for coming to Finland. The purpose of the initial assessment is to determine
what kind of resources you have to help you integrate yourself into Finnish society, and to
determine what kind of services you need to enhance your integration. The initial assessment
will focus on topics such as your education, work experience and language skills.
A municipality or a TE Office will decide if an immigrant needs an integration plan
(kotoutumissuunnitelma). An integration plan will be made in cooperation with the immigrant
at the TE Office for persons, who:
 have been permanently residing in Finland for less than three years
 are between 17 and 64 years of age
 are unemployed jobseekers
An integration plan may include:




getting acquainted with the Finnish society
language training
other training
job training (internships)
The following will be taken into account in the integration plan:








the immigrant’s life situation
age
health
family
language skills
education
work experience
the immigrant’s own wishes
After the integration plan is drawn up, the immigrant may apply to KELA for
integration assistance (kotoutumistuki).
 63
It is important to follow the integration plan. For instance, if you refuse
training or quit job training without a compelling reason, the payment of the
integration assistance can be restricted or suspended.
For immigrants aged over 65, it is usually a municipality’s social worker who
draws up the integration plan.
OTHER SERVICES OF THE TE OFFICE
SOUTH SAVO TE OFFICE
(ETELÄ-SAVON TE-TOIMISTO)
Phone service for personal customers Mon-Fri 8 a.m.–4.15 p.m.
tel. 0295020700
THE JOB CENTRE (TYÖHAKUKESKUS) has:
 computers for customers to browse job vacancies and training
opportunities
 jobseeking guides
 job application models
LABOUR MARKET TRAINING (TYÖVOIMAKOULUTUS) is:
 training paid for by the central government
 free of charge for students
 primarily meant for persons who are unemployed or threatened by
unemployment
Students in labour market training may apply for a training allowance or
labour market subsidy for the training period, corresponding to
unemployment security.
You are also entitled to a maintenance allowance (kulukorvaus) for the
time of labour market training.
 64
CAREER CHOICE AND PLANNING (AMMATINVALINTA JA URASUUNNITTELU)
Vocational psychologists (ammatinvalintapsykologi) at a TE Office can help
you with:
 career choice
 special issues in work and training
You must book an appointment to see a vocational psychologist.
The educational and vocational information service (koulutus- ja
ammattitietopalvelut) can help you with:
 study opportunities
 financing your studies
 information on various sectors and occupations
You can book an appointment with a training counsellor (koulutusneuvoja),
but you can also visit without an appointment.
TYÖLINJA - NATIONAL HELPLINE/PHONE SERVICE
(TYÖLINJA PUHELINPALVELU)
The services of the national helpline Työlinja include, for example, providing
information on job vacancies and TE Office services, counselling regarding
residence permits, advice regarding the use of online services, and
registering changes in job seeking status.
IN FINNISH (no service charge)
www.te-palvelut.fi
Information on job vacancies and TE Office services.
Personal customers
tel. 029 502 0700
Training
counselling
tel. 029 502 0702
Mon-Thu 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Thu 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Unemployment
security counselling
tel. 029 502 0701
Mon-Thu 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m
 65
IN RUSSIAN (no service charge)
jobs, training opportunities, official transactions online,
residence permit matters, employer services
[email protected]
tel. 029 502 0715
Mon-Thu 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Fri 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
IMPORTANT
Inform the TE Office immediately of any changes in your jobseeking details,
for instance:






if your employment relationship ends and you become unemployed
if you receive notice of termination or a lay-off
if your labour market training ends or is interrupted
if you are not available to the labour market for some other reason
if you are not looking for a full-time job, or
if you cannot come to a scheduled appointment
Also inform the TE Office if you go to work, start to study (other than labour
market training), are on sick leave, begin maternity or paternity leave, enter
military service, or if your contact details change.
Further information is available at www.te-palvelut.fi.
 66
 AM MA T TI LI IT O T J A T YÖ S UO JE L UHA LLI NT O
AMMATTILIITOT JA
TYÖSUOJELUHALLINTO
TRADE UNIONS AND UNEMPLOYMENT FUNDS
In Finland, nearly all employees belong to a trade union (ammattiliitto).
Employees who are trade union members pay the trade union a membership
fee, typically a certain percentage of their wages.
Trade unions enter into collective agreements with employers to decide on
wages, working hours, sick pay, overtime compensation, holidays, and so on.
Trade union members can also get help in case of employment disputes.
Trade union members are also members of an unemployment fund
(työttömyyskassa). If you become unemployed, the fund will pay you an
earnings-related unemployment allowance (ansiopäiväraha) based on your
former wages.
If you are entitled to an earnings-related unemployment allowance, you will
not receive an allowance from KELA.
For more information on trade unions, see www.liitot.fi or call 0800
179279
You can also join just an unemployment fund, in which case you will be
entitled to an earnings-related unemployment allowance but not to any
other trade union services.
Your unemployment fund may be a trade union unemployment fund or the
General Unemployment Fund (Yleinen työttömyyskassa/YTK). The General
Unemployment Fund will also pay you an earnings-related unemployment
allowance if you become unemployed and have been a member of the Fund
for at least 26 weeks. For other terms and conditions, check with the General
Unemployment Fund. The membership fee is lower than that of a trade
union. For further information, see the YTK website at www.ytk.fi.
 67
EARNINGS-RELATED UNEMPLOYMENT ALLOWANCE
You are eligible for an earnings-related unemployment allowance if:
 you have been a member of an unemployment fund for at least 26
weeks
 you have registered as an unemployed jobseeker at the TE Office
 you have been employed for at least 26 weeks during the 28 months
immediately preceding your unemployment for at least 18 hours per
week, and
 you were paid at least the minimum wage determined by law or by the
relevant collective agreement
An earnings-related unemployment allowance is always applied for
afterwards, never in advance. Fill in your first unemployment allowance
application when you have been unemployed for two weeks. The
unemployment fund will calculate your earnings-related unemployment
allowance on the basis of the application and send you a decision,
information on how the allowance will be paid and an application for an
extension of the allowance. You need to fill in the extension application
every four weeks and submit it to the unemployment fund. Earningsrelated unemployment allowance is paid for a maximum period of 500
days.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
(TYÖSUOJELUHALLINTO)
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Työsuojeluhallinto) can
advise you in problems you may have with working conditions (työolot) or
your employment relationship (työsuhde). Savonlinna is under the East
Finland Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The occupational safety and health website contains a lot of useful
information about employment relationships in Finnish, Swedish, English,
Estonian and Russian.
 68
EAST FINLAND OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
(ITÄ-SUOMEN ALUEHALLINTOVIRASTO/TYÖSUOJELU)
tel. 029 501 6800
(switchboard)
employment counseling Mon-Thu 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Fri 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
www.tyosuojelu.fi
[email protected]
 69
 TA X A TIO N
TAXATION
KAAKKOIS-SUOMEN VEROTOIMISTO
Savonlinna office
Olavinkatu 24
57130 Savonlinna
tel. 020 612 000
www.vero.fi
Almost all income in Finland (wages, social benefits, study grants,
unemployment allowances, interest, dividends, rents) is taxable income
(verotettava tulo). Ownership of real property is subject to property tax
(kiinteistövero).
Tax funds are used to pay for public services such as health care, education,
child care, care for the elderly and social benefits. Each year, the tax office
(verotoimisto) sends a new tax card (verokortti) by mail to all persons
permanently residing in Finland. Other people employed in Finland must
personally apply to their local tax office to receive a tax card. You must have
a Finnish personal identity number in order to receive a tax card.
When you begin working in a job, you must give your tax card (verokortti)
to your employer. The employer withholds income tax (withholding
tax/ennakonpidätysvero) and other contributions from your wages before
paying you.
Your tax card indicates your tax rate (veroprosentti). If you do not have a tax
card, you can get one from the tax office (verotoimisto).
If you are paid wages without a tax card, the tax will be much higher (60%).
The tax office will calculate your tax rate. For this purpose, you must know
how much you are paid in wages. If your income changes in the middle of
the tax year, the tax office can calculate a new tax rate for you.
If you have a secondary job in addition to your primary job, you must use
your secondary income tax card (sivutuloverokortti).
If you have not paid enough tax, you will need to pay more in the following
year (back taxes/jäännösvero). If you have paid too much in taxes, you will
be refunded in the following year (tax refund/veronpalautus)
Individual customers recieve a tax number along with their tax card.
Individuals who work on construction sites must keep an identification tag
 70
 TA X A TIO N
with a photo visible at all times. In the case of anyone working on a
construction site, the tax number from the tax number register must be
included on the photo identification tag.
The employer also withholds the following from the employee’s wages:
 employment pension contribution (työeläkemaksu/TyEL)
 health insurance contribution (sairaanhoitomaksu) and daily allowance
contribution (päivärahamaksu)
 unemployment insurance contribution (työttömyysvakuutusmaksu)
The unemployment insurance contribution contributes to the costs of
unemployment. The purpose of the employment pension contribution is to
contribute to your pension. This is important because it will ensure that
you get a pension when you reach retirement age. The health insurance
contribution goes to KELA to cover medical expenses. The daily allowance
contribution goes towards covering social benefits, and the unemployment
insurance contribution contributes to the costs of unemployment.
TAX RETURN (VEROILMOITUS)
You must check your tax return (veroilmoitus) every year.
Everyone is sent a pre-completed tax return (esitäytetty veroilmoitus/
veroehdotus) in April. The purpose of the tax return is to calculate your
income and taxes for the previous year.
Check the pre-completed tax return to see whether your income, taxes paid
and deductions have been correctly entered.
Commuting expenses (työmatkakulut) and professional expenses
(tulonhankkimiskulut), for example, are not pre-entered on your tax return.
Interest you have paid on a housing loan and study loan is pre-completed
based on information given to the tax administration by banks. Check any
foreign income and taxes that have been entered on the tax return.
Complete any missing information.
If you correct a foreign pension, enter the amount in euros. Under
additional information, enter the name of the payer and the country of
residence, the amount of the pension, and the currency of the source
country.
 71
 TA X A TIO N
If the information is incorrect or incomplete, correct the tax return and
submit it to the tax office by the deadline specified. You do not need to
append receipts to your tax return. However, you must keep all receipts and
documents for six years after the end of the tax year.
The tax return does not need to be returned if nothing needs to be added or
corrected.
Giving false information or concealing income
from the tax authorities is punishable by law.
TAX NOTICE
The tax office encloses a preliminary tax notice (verotuspäätös) with the
pre-completed tax return. If you correct your tax return, the tax office will
send you a new tax notice immediately on receiving the corrections. If no
corrections are required, the preliminary tax notice will remain final.
The tax notice shows the end result of your taxation. If you have not paid
enough tax, you will need to pay more (back taxes/jäännösvero) in the
following year. If you have paid too much in taxes, you will be refunded in
the following year (tax refund/veronpalautus). The tax notice shows the end
result of your taxation.
Giving false information or concealing income from the tax authorities
is punishable by law.
Further information can be found in Finnish, Swedish and English at the tax administration
website. Also see www.infopankki.fi and www.intofinland.fi, where information is available in
other languages too.
 72
 THE FIN NI SH E DU C A T ION S YS TE M
THE FINNISH
EDUCATION SYSTEM
CHILDREN’S DAYCARE (LASTEN PÄIVÄHOITO)
In Savonlinna, daycare is provided by town daycare centres, family daycare
or private daycare.
You must apply for a daycare place four months before the beginning of the
daycare.
If you are starting a job or you are accepted to study, you must apply for a
daycare place two weeks in advance.
Daycare application forms are available at the daycare office, at daycare
centres and at the City website. Submit your daycare application to the
daycare office or directly to a daycare centre.
If both parents are doing shift work, their child or children can be provided
with shift care, meaning daycare that can also be provided late in the
evening or at night.
The daycare fee depends on your family’s income and size.
There is also Linnalan leikkikoulu in Savonlinna, and a private art-oriented
daycare centre Tähti, which operates on the basis of Christian values.
LINNALAN LEIKKIKOULU
Sotilaspojankatu 7, third floor
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 044 351 1825
www.linnala.fi
TAIDEPÄIVÄKOTI TÄHTI
Linnankatu 13
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 044 736 8200
If one or both parents of a child are at home, the child and parent may go to
an open daycare centre (avoin päiväkoti). In this case, the parents do not
 73
 THE FIN N I SH E DU C A T ION S YS TE M
need to apply for a daycare place; they can visit the open daycare centre as
needed. Participation is free of charge and does not require advance
registration.
AVOIN PÄIVÄKOTI TIKANTANSSI
Tottinkatu 6
57130 Savonlinna
Mondays and Wednesdays 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Fridays 9–12 a.m.
tel. 044 417 4382
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF SAVONLINNA/DAYCARE
(SAVONLINNAN KAUPUNGIN SIVISTYSVIRASTO/PÄIVÄHOITO)
Olavinkatu 27 B
tel. 044 417 4303
57130 Savonlinna
www.savonlinna.fi/asukas/kasvatus_ja_opetus/paivahoito_ja_
varhaiskasvatus
EDUCATION SYSTEM
Finland has compulsory education (yleinen oppivelvollisuus).
This means that every child must attend nine grades of comprehensive
school (peruskoulu). Finnish citizens are subject to compulsory education
from the age of 7 to the age of 17. Compulsory education also applies to
foreign children permanently residing in Finland.
Local authorities ensure that all children have the opportunity to go to
school. In Finland, all children have equal opportunities for receiving a basic
education.
In comprehensive school, the teaching, food, school materials and travel are
free of charge.
Completing comprehensive school is generally not enough for getting a job.
Most young people go on to study at a general upper secondary school
(lukio) or a vocational upper secondary school (ammatillinen oppilaitos)
 74
after leaving comprehensive school. Many study even further at a university
(yliopisto) or university of applied sciences (ammattikorkeakoulu).
At general and vocational upper secondary, students must buy their books
and materials themselves.
 75
At universities and universities of applied sciences, the teaching is free of
charge. University students pay a term fee to the student body, in exchange
for which they are given discounts on student canteen food, travel, study
materials, etc. Students also have a health care system.
Education is highly valued in Finland. The central government aims to
provide equal training opportunities for all. Girls and boys have equal study
opportunities.
PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION (ESIOPETUS)
Pre-primary education is one year of school-like education for 6-year-old
children before comprehensive school begins.
Pre-primary education is voluntary and free of charge. If a child needs a full
daycare place in addition to pre-primary education, a fee will be charged.
In Savonlinna, pre-primary education is organised at daycare centres and at
schools, for four hours a day for one school year. The purpose of pre-primary
education is to practice the skills that will be needed at school and to make
it easier for children to start school.
Sign up for pre-primary education by filling in a daycare application form.
Application forms are available at the Education Department, daycare
centres, schools providing pre-primary education and the City website.
Submit the application to the Education Department.
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF SAVONLINNA/DAYCARE
(SAVONLINNAN KAUPUNGIN SIVISTYSVIRASTO/PÄIVÄHOITO)
Olavinkatu 27 B
tel. 044 417 4303
57130 Savonlinna
www.savonlinna.fi/asukas/kasvatus_ja_opetus/esiopetus
 76
COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL (PERUSKOULU)
In Finland, children generally begin comprehensive school in the August of
the year when they have their 7th birthday. Children may begin school
earlier (at the age of 6) or later (at the age of 8), but permission for this
must be applied for separately.
For an immigrant child with poor Finnish language skills, beginning
comprehensive school can be deferred for one year on application. In this
case, the child may remain at a daycare centre and/or receive preparatory
teaching.
Comprehensive school comprises nine grades. Grades 1 to 6 are primary
school (alakoulu), and grades 7 to 9 are secondary school (yläkoulu).
There are several primary schools in Savonlinna. Most children go to the
school that is nearest to their home.
The following secondary schools are located in Savonlinna: Talvisalo school,
Mertala school, Normaalikoulu, Kerimäki secondary school, Punkaharju
school and Savonranta comprehensive school. A voluntary 10th grade is also
available in Savonlinna.
In Savonlinna, there is a separate preparatory class for immigrant pupils in
which they can study during the first year after moving to Finland. The
preparatory class is in Mertala school.
In a preparatory class, pupils can study Finnish and other subjects, after
which they can integrate into normal classes, depending on their skills and
age.
Comprehensive school is free of charge for everyone. The school pays for books, pencils,
school meals and also travel to and from school if the pupil lives far away.
In the first grades of comprehensive school, the days are short. As the pupils
get older, the school days get longer. There is school for five (5) days a week.
There is no school at weekends. There are 190 school days in a year. The
school year begins in August and ends at the beginning of June. The autumn
term ends in December with a winter holiday. The spring term ends at the
beginning of June with a summer holiday.
Pupils are given interim assessments during the school year and a school
report in the spring. The interim assessments and school reports have either
verbal assessments or number grades (4-10).
 77
School children have a summer holiday (about 2.5 months), an autumn
break in October (5 days), a winter holiday in December (1 to 2 weeks) and
a ski holiday in February (5 days).
On completing comprehensive school, pupils are given a leaving certificate
(päättötodistus).
The curriculum of comprehensive school is specified by law. For example,
the Swedish language and one foreign language (most commonly English)
are compulsory subjects in comprehensive school. Immigrant children may
receive teaching in their native language if there are at least four of them in
the same school.
Children who are members of the Lutheran or Orthodox Church have
compulsory religious instruction at school. All other children study ethics
instead. This is a subject that includes, for example, moral and philosophical
topics.
Immigrant children can be provided with instruction in their own religion if
the parents of at least three children from the same religious community
request it.
A child with learning difficulties may receive remedial teaching. Immigrant
children may receive remedial teaching in the Finnish language, for example.
There is also a school social worker (koulukuraattori) who can help in all
matters related to school.
It is important that the parents work with the teacher to make sure that the
child does well at school.
If you need to enrol your child at school in Savonlinna, contact the City of
Savonlinna Education Department.
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF SAVONLINNA
(SAVONLINNAN KAUPUNGIN SIVISTYSVIRASTO)
Olavinkatu 27, 57130 Savonlinna
tel. 044 417 4209
044 417 4201
www.savonlinna.fi/asukas/kasvatus_ja_opetus/perusopetus/kouluun_
ilmoittautuminen
 78
AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES (ILTAPÄIVÄTOIMINTA)
1st and 2nd grade pupils and pupils with special needs may apply for a place
in afternoon activities, for which a fee is charged. Afternoon activities are
organised at or near the school.
These activities are intended for schoolchildren after school. Afternoon
activities involve having a snack, doing homework, playing and exercising.
For more information on afternoon activities, contact the Education
Department.
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF SAVONLINNA
(SAVONLINNAN KAUPUNGIN SIVISTYSVIRASTO)
Olavinkatu 27
tel. 044 417 4201
57130 Savonlinna
www.savonlinna.fi/asukas/kasvatus_ja_opetus/iltapaivatoiminta
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION (AIKUISTEN PERUSOPETUS)
If you are an adult and have not attended or completed comprehensive
school (peruskoulu), in Savonlinna you can do so at the Christian College
(Kristillinen opisto) or at Savonlinna adult upper secondary school
(aikuislukio).
Classes at the Christian College are in the daytime, and school takes 1 to 3
years to complete.
Classes at Savonlinna adult upper secondary school are in the evenings.
SAVONLINNA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
(SAVONLINNAN KRISTILLINEN OPISTO)
Opistokatu 1
57600 Savonlinna
tel. 015 572 910
www.sko.fi
 79
SAVONLINNA ADULT UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOL
(SAVONLINNAN AIKUISLUKIO)
Kirkkokatu 1
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 044 417 4596
http://edu.savonlinnaseutu.fi/aikuislukio
UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
(UPPER SECONDARY EDUCATION)
(TOISEN ASTEEN KOULUTUS)
Upper secondary schools (lukio) and vocational upper secondary schools
(ammatillinen oppilaitos) can be applied for in spring and autumn through
the nationwide joint application system (yhteishaku). Young people apply
for upper secondary education in the spring or autumn through the
nationwide joint application system by completing an application online at
www.opintopolku.fi.
Schools will arrange additional application processes for vacant study places
from 16 June 2014. It is still possible to apply for vacant places at the start
of a semester.
Students are selected on the basis of their school leaving certificates
(koulutodistus). Some vocational schools also have entrance examinations
(valintakoe).
Immigrants usually have school certificates from their home countries that
differ from Finnish ones. Immigrants must therefore submit a different kind
of application in the joint application system. This is known as flexible
selection, and application forms are available at the TE Office. If an
immigrant does not have a school leaving certificate, or if it is difficult to
obtain a reliable comparison of his or her certificate, the applicant can apply
for discretionary admission via the joint application system.
Schools arrange language tests if the mother tongue of an applicant is not
the same as the teaching language used, and the applicant’s language skills
have not been verified in another way.
If you want to apply to a vocational upper secondary school and already have
a vocational upper secondary qualification or hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s
 80
degree completed in Finland, you cannot apply through the joint application
system. Information on adult education is available on the websites of
various schools.
At upper secondary and vocational schools, the teaching is free of charge,
but students must buy or borrow their school books.
Students are eligible for a study grant (opintotuki) and a student loan
(opintolaina).
A foreign student is eligible for a study grant after being resident in Finland
for two years. Immigrants and returnees are eligible for a study grant
immediately when they receive a study place.
If you are registered as a jobseeker, you can apply for unemployment benefit
for voluntary studies.
UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOL (LUKIO)
Upper secondary school is a general-education school. It concludes with the
matriculation examination (ylioppilastutkinto). Upper secondary school
does not qualify a person for any particular occupation, but it provides a lot
of information on various subjects.
Adults can also complete upper secondary school. There is a separate adult
upper secondary school (aikuislukio), which has classes in the evenings.
Adult students can also complete subject studies only. A fee is charged for
these services. Studying at the Savonlinna adult upper secondary school is
free of charge.
Anyone with a comprehensive school leaving certificate (peruskoulun
päättötodistus) can apply for upper secondary school. Schools decide on
their student selections themselves. Generally, the selection process is
based on the grade averages on comprehensive school leaving certificates.
The majority of students complete upper secondary school in three years,
but it is also possible to do so in two or four years.
Learning in upper secondary school is organised into courses. Some courses
are compulsory. There is a wide range of optional courses available.
Generally, completing upper secondary school requires the completion of at
least 75 courses. One course is about 38 hours of study. The minimum
number of courses for adults is 44.
 81
Upper secondary school concludes with the matriculation examination
(ylioppislaskirjoitukset). This is held at the same times nationwide (in the
spring and autumn). The assignments in the tests in this examination are the
same at all upper secondary schools in Finland. Candidates must complete
at least four tests in the matriculation examination.
Candidates whose mother tongue is not Finnish may replace the mother
tongue test with the ‘Finnish as a second language’ (S2) test. The Swedish
test is not compulsory, if a candidate has not studied Swedish in
comprehensive school.
The matriculation examination (ylioppilastutkinto) qualifies students to
apply for tertiary education (korkea-asteen opinnot). Matriculation
examination certificate holders may apply to any university (yliopisto) or
university of applied science (ammattikorkeakoulu).
There are five upper secondary schools (lukio) in Savonlinna:
LYSEON LUKIO
Kirkkokatu 1
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 044 417 4506
www.savonlinna.fi/lyseo
SAVONLINNAN TAIDELUKIO
Sotilaspojankatu 3
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 044 417 4551
www.taidelukio.fi
KERIMÄEN LUKIO
Koulutie 2-4
58200 Kerimäki
edu.savonlinnaseutu.fi/
kerimaenlukio/
PUNKAHARJUN LUKIO
Palomäentie 2
58500 PUNKAHARJU
edu.savonlinnaseutu.fi/
punkaharjun lukio
Kirkkokatu 1
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 044 417 4596
 82
UPPER SECONDARY VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
(TOISEN ASTEEN AMMATILLINEN KOULUTUS)
Vocational schools (ammatillinen oppilaitos) are upper-secondary level
institutions. Anyone with a comprehensive school leaving certificate or
above can apply. Completing a vocational qualification usually takes two to
three years.
SAVONLINNA VOCATIONAL COLLEGE/SAMI
(SAVONLINNAN AMMATTI- JA AIKUISOPISTO/SAMI)
Pohjolankatu 4-6, PL 12
57201 Savonlinna
tel. 015 550 6000
www.samiedu.fi
At Savonlinna Vocational College (Savonlinnan ammattija aikuisopisto/SAMI) students can complete a vocational upper secondary
qualification (ammatillinen perustutkinto), a further vocational qualification
and
a
specialist
vocational
qualification
(ammattija
erikoisammattitutkinto). SAMI also organises apprenticeship training
(oppisopimuskoulutus) and vocational further training (ammatillinen lisä- ja
täydennyskoulutus). There are also courses especially for immigrants. SAMI
operates at four locations.
SAMI offers training leading to qualifications in the following: the culture
sector; technology and transport; natural resources and the environment;
social sciences, business and administration; natural sciences; social
services, health and sports; and tourism, catering and domestic services.
SAMI offers immigrants preparatory training for a vocational upper
secondary qualification (MAVA) and preparatory and rehabilitative training
for a vocational upper secondary qualification, including guidance
(Mamuvaku). Completion of such training makes it easier to study for a
vocational upper secondary qualification.
In most cases, preparatory training can be completed in a year.
 83
HIGHER EDUCATION (KORKEA-ASTEEN KOULUTUS)
Higher education is offered at universities (yliopisto) and universities of
applied sciences (ammattikorkeakoulu).
Students in higher education are selected on the basis of their certificates
(todistus) and entrance examinations (pääsykoe). Different universities have
different requirements. If you wish to apply, you should contact the
university or university of applied sciences directly in good time.
UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES (AMMATTIKORKEAKOULU)
MIKKELI UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES, SAVONNIEMI CAMPUS
(MIKKELIN AMMATTIKORKEAKOULU/MAMK,
SAVONNIEMEN KAMPUS)
Savonniemenkatu 6
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 015 355 61
www.mamk.fi/savonlinna
Universities of applied sciences offer higher vocational education
(ammatillinen korkea-asteen koulutus) and co-operate a lot with businesses.
In Savonlinna, there are university of applied sciences programmes
available, for example, in tourism, design, business administration and
health care.
It normally takes 3.5 to 4 years to complete a qualification (tutkinto). A
qualification completed at a university of applied sciences generally
comprises 210 to 240 credits/cr (opintopiste/op). One credit is equivalent to
about 27 hours of study. One year of study equals 60 credits.
In order to apply for a university of applied sciences, applicants must either
have completed upper secondary school and the matriculation examination
or have a vocational upper secondary qualification. Students are selected on
the basis of their certificates and entrance examinations. Applications for
universities of applied sciences must be submitted in the joint application
system in the spring or autumn.
Immigrants usually have certificates from their home countries that differ
from Finnish ones. The application process for immigrants for universities of
applied sciences is thus different. It is known as discretionary admission
(harkinnanvarainen valinta).
 84
Ask for application forms at the TE Office or at the university of applied
sciences to which you wish to apply.
UNIVERSITIES (YLIOPISTOT)
Universities undertake scientific research, on which their teaching is based.
Universities include general universities, universities of technology, schools
of economics and business administration, and arts universities. Universities
have many faculties (tiedekunta).
There are some 20 areas in which a university degree may be completed.
The largest numbers of students are in the technical, humanities and natural
sciences faculties.
A Bachelor’s degree (Alempi korkeakoulututkinto, kandidaatin tutkinto)
comprises 180 credits. A Master’s degree (ylempi korkeakoulututkinto,
maisterin tutkinto) generally comprises 300 credits. Students may then go
on to post-graduate studies (jatko-opinnot) to complete a licentiate or
doctorate.
University education is organised by the central government.
The university online application process takes place in the spring. You can
fill in and submit an application form at www.yliopistohaku.fi. Generally all
universities have entrance examinations (pääsykoe).
University studies are very independent. Students must accumulate a
certain number of credits per year in order to be eligible for a study grant
and a student loan in the following academic year. Students plan their
schedules themselves and decide how much to study during the year.
Immigrants who have completed a university degree in their home country
may apply to the National Board of Education (Opetushallitus) to have their
degree recognised in Finland.
More information available at www.oph.fi.
In Savonlinna, there is university-level training available at the Savonlinna
Department of Teacher Education, which is part of the University of Eastern
Finland.
 85
SAVONLINNA CAMPUS (SAVONLINNAN KAMPUS)
Kuninkaankartanonkatu 7
PL 86, 57101 Savonlinna
tel. 029 445 1111
www.uef.fi
OPEN UNIVERSITY AND OPEN UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
(AVOIN YLIOPISTO JA AVOIN AMMATTIKORKEAKOULU)
Open university courses are courses organised by universities and
universities of applied sciences for anyone who is interested. You can take
single courses or entire modules.
A fee is charged for open university studies, and they do not entitle you to a study grant.
Students study independently and are themselves responsible for their
learning.
Further information on open university studies in Savonlinna:
MIKKELI UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES (MIKKELIN
AMMATTIKORKEAKOULU, MAMK)
tel. 015 355 61
www.mikkeliamk.fi/avoin
[email protected]
SAVONLINNA SUMMER UNIVERSITY
(SAVONLINNAN KESÄYLIOPISTO)
Puistokatu 5
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 015 555 0853
 86
[email protected]
www.savonlinnankesayliopisto.net
 S TU D YIN G T HE F INNI SH L AN G UA GE
STUDYING THE
FINNISH LANGUAGE
Several educational institutions provide Finnish language teaching in
Savonlinna.
For current information on language teaching, contact the Navigaattori
guidance and service point (Ohjaus- ja palvelupiste Navigaattori) (see page
6).
SAVONLINNA VOCATIONAL COLLEGE
(SAVONLINNAN AMMATTI- JA AIKUISOPISTO, SAMI)
Pohjolankatu 4-6, PL 12
57201 Savonlinna
tel. 015 550 6000
www.samiedu.fi
SAVONLINNA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
(SAVONLINNAN KRISTILLINEN OPISTO)
Opistokatu 1
57600 Savonlinna
tel. 015 572 910
www.sko.fi
Kirkkokatu 1
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 044 417 4596
LINNALAN OPISTO
Sotilaspojankatu 7
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 015 51 180
www.linnala.fi
ITÄ-KARJALAN KANSANOPISTO
Valoniementie 32
tel. 015 572 11
58450 Punkaharju
www.ikko.fi
 87
 MO BILE PH ON E , IN TE RN E T, P RE SS, T V, LI BR A R Y
MOBILE PHONE,
INTERNET, PRESS,
TV, LIBRARY
Nearly everyone in Finland has a mobile phone (known as kännykkä in
Finnish).
To use a mobile phone, you need to get a subscription (liittymä); you can get
this when you buy a phone, or you can get it from various service providers
online. Mobile phone call costs are different depending on when you make
the call and to where. Comparisons of prices between mobile phone
operators can be found online. Major mobile phone operators in Finland
include, for example, DNA (www.dna.fi), Sonera (www.sonera.fi) and Elisa
(www.elisa.fi). You can buy a postpaid mobile phone subscription at a
specialist shop or a household appliance shop. Prepaid subscriptions are
available at R kiosks.
When you make a call from a mobile phone, you must always enter an area
code. The Savonlinna area code is 015 (alueen suuntanumero).
If you do not know someone’s phone number, you can ask directory inquiries
if you know the name and address of the person or company in question.
The number for directory inquiries is 118.
When calling from abroad, Finland’s country code is 358.
General emergency number (yleinen hätänumero) 112.
If you have an emergency – for example an acute sickness, a fire, or you need
the police – call the general emergency number 112.
When you call the emergency number, give your name, the address and
explain what the emergency is; then wait for instructions.
 88
 MO BILE PH ONE , IN TE RNE T, P RE SS, T V, LI BR A R Y
INTERNET AND E-MAIL
You can use the Internet, for example, at the library, at City youth venues, in
some cafés and at the NAVIGAATTORI guidance and service point at
Olavinkatu 40 A, 57130 Savonlinna.
TELEVISION (TV)
Everyone must pay the public broadcasting tax, which replaces the TV
licence payment previously collected.
NEWSPAPERS
You can read newspapers and magazines for free in the reading room of the
library (kirjaston lukusali).
The local newspaper SAVONMAA as well as advertisements, are delivered
for free to every household in the city.
To have other newspapers or magazines delivered to your home, you need
to get a subscription and pay for it.
LIBRARY
In Finland, nearly every adult can read.
Books are easy to borrow from the library, where you can get a library card
(kirjastokortti). The same card can be used both at the main library and at
branch libraries, and in the mobile library (kirjasto-auto).
The loan period (laina-aika) is 1 month for books and two weeks for CDs and
DVDs. If you exceed the loan period, you will have to pay a fine; and if you
lose or damage a book or disc, you will have to pay compensation.
MAIN LIBRARY JOELI
(PÄÄKIRJASTO JOELI)
Asemantie 5
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 044 417 4424
www.savonlinna.fi/kirjasto
 89
 MO BILE PH ON E , IN TE RN E T, P RE SS, T V, LI BR A R Y
 90
KERIMÄKI LIBRARY
Kerimäentie 6
58200 Kerimäki
tel. 044 417 5121
PUNKAHARJU LIBRARY
Tehtaantie 5
58500 Punkaharju
tel. 044 417 5473
SAVONRANTA LIBRARY
Kangastie 3
58300 Savonranta
tel. 044 417 4437
 T RAN SP OR T
TRANSPORT
BUSES (BUSSIT)
TRAINS (JUNAT)
MATKAHUOLTO
VALTION RAUTATIET (VR)
Bus station
Tulliportinkatu 1
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 0200 4000
EUR 1.99 €/min +
local network rate
www.matkahuolto.fi
tel. 0600 419 00
EUR 1.99 €/call +
local network rate
www.vr.fi
If you use local buses regularly, you should buy a town ticket with unlimited
travel for 30 days or a series ticket with 22 or 44 trips. Town tickets and series
tickets are available at Matkahuolto.
Local public transport timetables are available at Matkahuolto or online
www.savonlinna.fi/asukas/kadut_ja_liikenne/liikenne_ja_pysakointi/paikallisliikenne
Students and pensioners can buy discounted bus and train tickets.
TAXI
Taxis are rather expensive. The fare depends on the length of the trip. To
order a taxi, phone:
TAXI (TAKSI)
tel. 015 1060 100
When ordering, state your name and the address where you want the taxi
to pick you up. You may also be able to catch a taxi at a taxi rank
(taksitolppa).
 91
 T RAN SP OR T
CAR (HENKILÖAUTO)
If you drive a car in Finland, you must have a valid driving licence (ajokortti).
Your car must be inspected (katsastettu) and registered (rekisteröity).
Your car must also have statutory motor liability insurance (pakollinen
liikennevakuutus). You may also take out a voluntary car insurance policy if
you wish.
Every car owner in Finland must pay car tax (autovero) each year.
Cars are often expensive to maintain and repair.
If you are not used to driving in winter, you should take time to practise
winter driving.
Cars must have winter tyres in Finland in the winter.
Public parking spaces are closely regulated in Savonlinna, and most of them
involve a parking charge. If you exceed your parking time or park incorrectly,
you will be given a parking ticket (with a fine of about EUR 40).
There are some parking areas in Savonlinna where a parking disc
(pysäköintikiekko) must be used. These areas are designated by an
additional sign under the parking place traffic sign, showing a picture of a
parking disc. Parking discs are sold at many shops, kiosks and service
stations.
The parking disc must be placed under the windscreen so that it is clearly
visible from outside. There may only be one parking disc visible under the
windscreen. The arrival time should be given to the nearest hour or half
hour, depending on which is earlier.
The local police can assist you in matters related to driving and your driving
licence.
Please note that in Finland you need a driving licence to operate any motor
vehicle (moottoriajoneuvo) including mopeds. You can get a driving licence
for cars and motorcycles by going to a driving school and passing a written
test and a driving test. A moped card (mopokortti) can be obtained by
passing a written test.
 92
 T RAN SP OR T
EASTERN FINLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT (ITÄ-SUOMEN POLIISILAITOS)
Savonlinna police department open Mon-Fri 9 a.m.–4.15 p.m.
Tottinkatu 9, 57130 Savonlinna
tel. 029 541 5403
www.poliisi.fi
BUYING A CAR IN FINLAND
In Finland, a private car can be bought either from a car dealer or directly
from a private individual.
BUYING A CAR FROM A CAR DEALER
Buying your car from a car dealer is safer than buying it privately. Cars sold
by car dealers are generally well-maintained.
REGISTERING YOUR CAR
Every car must have a vehicle registration certificate (rekisteröintitodistus).
The certificate contains two sections, one for notification and one for
technical details. The technical section (tekninen osa) must be kept in the
car.
The notification section (ilmoitusosa) should be kept at home. It should not
be left in the car. You will need the notification section when you sell your
car.
If you buy your car from a car dealer, it will take care of the vehicle
registration for you.
If you buy your car directly from a private individual, you must register it
within seven days at a vehicle inspection station (katsastusasema).
More information on car registration can be found at www.trafi.fi in both
Finnish and English.
 93
 E XC HAN G IN G A F ORE IGN D RI VIN G LI CE N CE F OR A FINN ISH ONE
EXCHANGING A
FOREIGN DRIVING
LICENCE FOR A
FINNISH ONE
Ask the local police whether your foreign driving licence (ajokortti) is valid in Finland. Bring
your passport and your driving licence.
A valid driving licence issued in an EU or EEA Member State is valid in Finland.
A driving licence issued in a country that is a signatory of the Geneva or
Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (e.g. Russia) is valid in Finland for a
limited period. You must exchange your driving licence for a Finnish one
within two years of your date of arrival to Finland.
Remember to exchange your foreign driving licence for a Finnish one in time! Otherwise,
you will have to take a driving test in Finland and pay for it yourself.
When exchanging a foreign driving licence for a Finnish one, you must
submit the following to the police in person:




a driving licence application
two photos
a medical certificate
an account stating that the applicant has driven a vehicle in Finland
for at least six months
 a valid driving licence
A list of the countries that are signatories to the Geneva or Vienna Convention
on Road Traffic can be found at the police website: www.poliisi.fi  Licences 
Driving licences  Exchanging a foreign driving licence for a Finnish driving
licence  Exchanging a driving licence issued in a country that has signed the
Geneva or Vienna Road Traffic Convention.
 94
 PE T S
PETS
VETERINARY TREATMENT
City vet, tel. 044 417 2388
Phone consultation (appointments, enquiries, guidance) on weekdays
8–9 a.m.
Itä-Savon sairaanhoitopiiri ky’s veterinary treatment
Savonlinna office
Kitkantie 6
58410 Haapakallio
APPOINTMENTS, ENQUIRIES AND GUIDANCE 8-9 a.m.
LOST AND FOUND PETS
On the website of the lost and found animal shelters in the Savonlinna
region, you can check whether your pet has been taken into a municipal
animal shelter and report any missing pets. You can also adopt a homeless
animal as a pet.
http://asukas.savonlinnaseutu.fi/loytoelaimet
 95
 LE IS U RE TI ME AN D H OB BIE S
LEISURE TIME AND
HOBBIES
Savonlinna has good opportunities for leisure activities.
Clubs for people of various ages are run, for example, by societies,
associations, parishes, sports clubs, and educational institutions.
Examples of activities include cultural, exercise and sports activities, and
courses on various topics.
A fee is usually charged for leisure activities.
Local newspapers (Itä-Savo, Savonmaa) carry advertisements about events
and leisure activities.
For more information on events and organisations, see www.savonlinnaseutu.fi.
A selection of leisure activities:
 Linnalan opisto, Sotilaspojankatu 7, 57100 Savonlinna
tel. 015 51 180, www.linnala.fi
 Savonlinnan musiikkiopisto, Sotilaspojankatu 1, 57100 Savonlinna
tel. 0440 518 253, www.sln-musiikkiopisto.fi
 Puruvesi-opisto, Kerimäentie 10, 58200 Kerimäki
tel. 044 417 5110
 various sports clubs, on which information is available from the
Savonlinnan seudun liikunta association
tel. 044 321 6383, www.savonlinnanseudunliikunta.fi
 other organisations
 96
 LE IS U RE TI ME AND H OB BIE S
ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG IMMIGRANTS
LINNALAN NUORET RY
Pappilankatu 3
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 044 077 1832
www.linnala.fi
Youth clubs (nuoristotila) are places where you can spend time with other
young people.
Youth clubs in Savonlinna include the following:
 Haka-alue: Kangasvuokontie 13, 57220 Savonlinna
 Posse, a youth club in the centre of town (Nutu ry), Kaarlonkatu 1 A ,
57100 Savonlinna,
 Punkaharjun Nuokkari, Kauppatie 2, 58500 Punkaharju
 Kerimäen AVIS, Ristisolantie 3, 58200 Kerimäki
There are instructors at youth clubs who can help for instance with
homework. The Linnalan nuoret association also organises excursions,
camps and other activities.
 97
 RE LI G ION
RELIGION
Finland has freedom of religion (uskonnonvapaus). This means that every
adult can freely choose to which, if any, religious community (uskontokunta)
he/she wishes to belong.
Christianity is the majority religion in Finland. Some 78.3% of Finns are
members of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland, while 1.1% are
members of the Orthodox Church of Finland.
There are also Catholic, Jewish and Muslim congregations and other smaller
religious communities. About 20.2% of Finns are members of no religious
community.
Savonlinna has, among others, the following parishes:
SAVONLINNA PARISH
(SAVONLINNAN SEURAKUNTA)
Kirkkokatu 17
57100 Savonlinna
tel. 015 576 800
www.savonlinnanseurakunta.fi
VARKAUS ORTHODOX PARISH
(VARKAUDEN ORTODOKSINEN SEURAKUNTA)
Savonlinnan kirkko
tel. 040 502 1838
Erkonkatu 11
57100 Savonlinna
www.ort.fi
SAVONLINNA FREE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
(SAVONLINNAN VAPAASEURAKUNTA)
Lemminkäisenkatu 52
tel. 015 510 550
57200 Savonlinna
www.savonlinna.skv.fi
SAVONLINNA PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
(SAVONLINNAN HELLUNTAISEURAKUNTA)
Tottinkatu 4
tel. 044 757 8736
57130 Savonlinna
www.helluntaikirkko.org
 98
 RE LI G ION
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
(MYÖHEMPIEN AIKOJEN PYHIEN JEESUKSEN KRISTUKSEN KIRKKO)
Savonkatu 10
tel. 015 531 458
57100 Savonlinna
www.mormonit.fi
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
(JEHOVAN TODISTAJAT)
Pohjolankatu 5
57200 Savonlinna
tel. 050 530 4935
 99
NOTES
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Welcome to Savonlinna!

Transcription

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