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    Finland Work Permit under an Intergovernmental Agreement 2026

    Special residence-permit route where the work is directly part of an intergovernmental agreement.

    Sources checked · 2026-08-24Reading time · 20 min

    Short answer

    This permit applies only where the work forms part of an intergovernmental agreement. Confirmed employment and evidence linking the duties to the agreement are required. Merely working for a public body or an international project is not by itself enough. The main income must come from the work on which the application is based. Paid employment must meet the applicable collective agreement; if none applies or the work is part-time, at least EUR 1,463/month is required in 2026. The same EUR 1,463 benchmark applies to trade/business or a combination of employment and trade/business. Taxable fringe benefits may be considered.

    1. Core eligibility test

    The parties, purpose of the agreement and why the applicant's duties fall within it should be documented. A generic reference to government cooperation is weaker than a concrete legal/programme basis.

    2. Documents

    Checklist

    • Agreement/programme evidence
    • Confirmed employment
    • Duties description
    • Terms of employment
    • Supply/assignment contract where relevant
    • Income evidence

    3. Income and fees

    The main income must come from the work on which the application is based. Paid employment must meet the applicable collective agreement; if none applies or the work is part-time, at least EUR 1,463/month is required in 2026. The same EUR 1,463 benchmark applies to trade/business or a combination of employment and trade/business. Taxable fringe benefits may be considered.

    2026 processing fee: first permit EUR 530 online / EUR 630 on paper; extended permit EUR 230 online / EUR 430 on paper. A first residence permit is normally filed outside Finland. Recheck fees with Migri on the filing date.

    Frequently asked questions

    Common questions about this topic

    Is employment by a public body automatically enough?

    No. The work itself must form part of an intergovernmental agreement.

    Official sources

    The following official or public sources were checked for this guide. Current authority instructions always take precedence.

    Related ENB service

    Work Permit in Finland

    For employees, specialists and employers who need to prepare a Finnish work-based residence permit file correctly before submission.

    This guide is general information. The related service is a case-specific review of your circumstances and documents.

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    General guides do not replace individual legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. ENB can assess your circumstances and documents separately.