Norway offers specialized residence permits for researchers who finance their research activities through independent means. This article outlines the requirements, application process, and conditions for obtaining a residence permit as a researcher with independent funding under Section 6-20 of the Norwegian Immigration Regulations.
Who Qualifies as a Researcher with Independent Funding?
To qualify for this specific permit, an applicant must:
Hold higher education qualifications at a master's level or above
Plan to conduct research at a Norwegian university, institute, or similar institution
Finance their stay in Norway through independent funding rather than employment in Norway
This permit category is specifically designed for researchers who:
Come to Norway under an agreement with a university or institute but remain on the payroll of their employer abroad
Take a sabbatical year for research in Norway
Receive stipends or grants that don't constitute regular employment relationships
Distinguishing Between Different Types of Research Permits
It's crucial to understand the distinction between different categories of researchers under Norwegian immigration law:
Researchers employed in Norway: If a researcher is hired by a Norwegian employer on a full-time basis with regular salary, they should apply for a residence permit as a skilled worker under Section 6-1 of the Immigration Regulations.
Researchers with independent funding: Researchers who are not employed in Norway but finance their stay through other means (foreign employer's salary, stipends, or private funds) should apply under Section 6-20.
PhD students: Doctoral candidates who are employed by a Norwegian university or institute should apply as skilled workers under Section 6-1. If they only receive a stipend or are self-financing, they should apply as students under Section 6-19.
Requirements for Obtaining the Permit
1. Research Purpose and Affiliation
The applicant must document that the purpose of their stay is to conduct research at a Norwegian university, institute, or similar institution. This typically requires:
An invitation or agreement with the Norwegian institution
A detailed description of the research tasks to be performed during the stay
2. Independent Funding
The researcher must finance their stay in Norway through independent means, which may include:
Salary from an employer in their home country
Foreign scholarships or stipends
Personal savings
Norwegian stipends provided by the host institution (as long as it doesn't constitute a regular employment relationship with salary according to collective agreements)
3. Sufficient Maintenance and Accommodation
Applicants must document:
Sufficient funds for maintenance, at least equivalent to the full support amount from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen)
Secured appropriate accommodation (house, apartment, bedsit) that meets public requirements
For rental accommodations, a written lease contract approved by the landlord, housing cooperative, or property manager
4. Return Prerequisites
Since this permit is temporary and doesn't form the basis for permanent residence, immigration authorities will assess the likelihood that the applicant will leave Norway when the permit expires. This assessment considers:
Whether the applicant has previously applied for asylum or other types of permits
Previous experiences with researchers from the applicant's home country
Previous experiences with the applicant's references in Norway
Whether it would be legally and practically possible to return the applicant to their home country
Applications may be rejected if authorities find it unlikely that the applicant will return to their home country after their research stay or if they suspect the applicant has other purposes for seeking the permit.
Permit Benefits and Limitations
A residence permit for researchers with independent funding:
Allows residence for research at a specific university, institute, or similar institution
Permits part-time work up to 20 hours per week alongside the research, and full-time work during regular holiday periods
Forms a basis for family immigration
Does not form a basis for permanent residence
Can be granted for up to two years initially, in accordance with the research stay's duration
The specific research institution and the applicant's status as a "researcher with independent funding" will be specified in the decision document.
Application Process
Where to Submit Applications
First-time applications generally must be submitted from outside Norway, but the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) makes an exception for researchers with independent funding.
Researchers may apply from within Norway if they:
Have legal residence in Norway
Are not staying in Norway in connection with an asylum application
Are not awaiting departure following rejection of an asylum application
Applications from within Norway should be submitted in person to the police in the district where the researcher resides.
Required Documentation
Applications should be submitted electronically through the Application Portal. Exceptions may use the UDI's paper application form.
Required documentation typically includes:
Completed application form
Valid passport
Photo meeting specific requirements
Documentation of education at master's level or higher
Invitation/agreement with the Norwegian research institution
Description of the research project
Documentation of financial means to support the stay
Documentation of accommodation
Receipt for the application fee payment
Application Fee
All applicants must pay an application processing fee when submitting their application. Failure to pay the fee will result in rejection of the application.
Renewal of Permits
Permits can be renewed if the conditions for the initial permit continue to be met. The applicant must demonstrate:
Continued need for the permit beyond a general desire from the applicant or commissioning party
That the need is related to the specific applicant
Continued sufficient maintenance
Unlike first-time applications, renewal applications do not require documentation of secured accommodation.
Renewal applications should be submitted to the police district where the applicant resides, generally requiring personal appearance. Renewed permits can be granted for up to two years but won't exceed the period applied for or the duration of the research project.
Appeal Process
Rejected applications can be appealed according to the rules in Chapter 6 of the Public Administration Act. Appeals must be submitted to the authority that notified the applicant of the decision (Norwegian foreign service mission or police), not directly to the UDI.
Residence Permit Revocation
Residence permits may be revoked if the applicant has knowingly provided incorrect information or concealed information of significant importance for the decision. Before revocation, immigration authorities must notify the permit holder of the potential revocation and provide an opportunity to comment, typically within three weeks.
Conclusion
Norway's residence permit for researchers with independent funding provides a valuable pathway for international researchers to conduct work at Norwegian institutions without formal employment relationships. By understanding the specific requirements, limitations, and application procedures, researchers can better navigate the immigration process and focus on their academic pursuits in Norway.
