Welcome to North Karelia!

The Stay and Live in North Karelia - Elä ja Osallistu Pohjois-Karjalassa (ELO) regional project aims to improve the availability of labor in North Karelia by developing services that help internationals settle in the area and supporting the integration of new residents. The project is led by the City of Joensuu in collaboration with other municipalities, such as Liperi, Kontiolahti, Nurmes, Juuka, Kitee, Outokumpu, Lieksa, Ilomantsi and Tohmajärvi, and the North Karelia Regional Council.

Each municipality offers its own integration services. If you live in Ilomantsi or Tohmajärvi, you can get help with residence permits and citizenship by contacting the Residence Permits Specialist in Joensuu.

We are working towards our goals by offering support and services that help you settle, network, and build a life in North Karelia. The project strengthens local cooperation, supports networks that help immigrants settle, and encourages active participation from residents.

We collaborate with various organizations and communities to ensure you have all the support and assistance you need. We also aim to improve the skills of those working in these services so they can provide even better help.

We work closely with the Work in North Karelia (WiNK) project, which helps foreign talents find jobs and settle in North Karelia. The project is also building a network in North Karelia that supports the employment and integration of international talents.

Both the WiNK and ELO projects help North Karelia retain international talent in the region. Our goal is to help those who come here from abroad to stay in the area long-term.

The project runs from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It is co-financed by the European Social Fund.