As a rule, a researcher must have a work permit, but if your stay in Norway is to be financed with your own means, a residence permit is sufficient. NB: Separate rules apply for citizens of EU/EEA countries.
Who can obtain a residence permit as a researcher
- You must be intending to carry out research at a university, institute, etc
- Subsistence and housing must be ensured
- See sections 19 and 20 of the Immigration Regulations for more information
In certain cases, the type of work which comes under this provision also falls within the rules on work permits for skilled workers/specialists or researchers.
How do I apply?
To apply for a residence permit, you must complete an application form. The application must be submitted from your country of origin or another country where you have been legally resident for at least six months. The application must be submitted to your nearest Norwegian foreign service mission (embassy, consulate general). You will also be informed of the decision regarding your application via the foreign service mission.
However, some people may apply for a residence permit from within Norway. This applies to those who qualify as a skilled worker/specialist, and either:
- Have a residence or work permit lasting three months or more
- Have been granted a visa for three months
- Are entitled to live in Norway for three months without a permit (i.e. no visa requirement) or
- Have been granted a visa, i.e. a job seeker’s visa, for a period of less than three months
Applications made from within Norway must be submitted to the police in the district in which you live.
It is also a condition that you are not living in Norway while applying for asylum or while waiting to leave the country following a failed asylum application.
What must the application include?
In addition to a completed application form, you must include:
NB: The requirement for documentation varies from country to country, and may change over time. You should therefore check what requirements currently apply by contacting the Norwegian embassy in the country from which you are applying.
How long will it take to process my application?
Case processing times vary. For an overview of average processing times for the various types of permit, visit www.udi.no/caseprocessingtime, or contact the Information Service (OTS) by e-mail or by calling (+ 47) 23 35 16 00.
We urge everyone to allow plenty of time for their application. In order to avoid unnecessary case processing delays, it is important to take care when completing the application form and to include all the requested documentation.
Permit holder’s entitlement
The permit does not allow other work. It also does not constitute grounds for a settlement permit. The permit does constitute grounds for family immigration.
Can the permit be extended or renewed?
The permit may be renewed, but the overall duration of the permit must not exceed two years.
Can I apply for a permit to work part-time?
In order to obtain a part-time work permit, you must:
- Have been granted a residence permit
- Have a concrete offer of employment in the form of an employment contract
There are no requirements regarding type of work or wage. The working hours must amount to no more than 50% of a full-time job, up to a maximum of 20 hours per week. During the standard holidays, a permit may be granted to work full-time.
The application must be submitted to the police in the district where you live. You can either apply at the same time as you apply for a residence permit or on a separate form (GP-7115 B) once the residence permit has been granted.
The permit is linked to a particular job and a particular workplace. Therefore, you may not take any other work without first applying for a new work permit.
A part-time permit may be renewed in conjunction with the renewal of the residence permit.
Any questions?
If you are still unsure about anything relating to how you apply for a residence permit as a researcher with own means, you can find more information in the UDI circular 2001-066. You can also contact your nearest Norwegian embassy or consulate, or the Information Service (OTS).
