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§6-20 — Residence Permit for Researchers with Own Funds
VisasNorway§6-20 — Residence Permit for Researchers with Own Funds
NorwayNorway•Europe
Open

§6-20 — Residence Permit for Researchers with Own Funds

Work Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 day – 4 months

Estimated Cost

NOK 5,400 NOK

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Overview

Research permit for master's-degree-holders conducting self-funded research at Norwegian institutions, renewable for up to 2-year periods tied to project duration.

Residence Permit for Researchers with Own Funds allows self-funded scholars to conduct research at Norwegian institutions. Applicants must hold a master's degree or higher, secure a research affiliation, and demonstrate sufficient funds (NOK 166,859 annually). The permit is for independent researchers not employed by a Norwegian employer.

Duration is up to 2 years per grant, renewable for additional 2-year periods tied to the research project. Standard fee is NOK 5,400. Work is permitted part-time (up to 20 hours weekly) or full-time during holidays. Family members may accompany. Processing takes up to 4 months.

This visa is ideal for independent scholars and externally-funded researchers seeking advanced study and professional development at Norwegian institutions without a formal employment contract.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Master's degree or higher

Research affiliation with a Norwegian institution

Sufficient funds (at least NOK 166,859 per year)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Proof of master's degree

Research project description

Proof of sufficient funds

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows part-time work (20 hours/week) plus full-time employment during holidays without employer sponsorship
  • Family members can accompany without requiring separate visa applications
  • Remote work permitted while maintaining research affiliation with Norwegian institution
  • Research-based independence — no job offer needed, funded via grants or personal savings
  • Modest application fee of NOK 5,400 compared to employment-based work visas
  • Research affiliation provides access to Norwegian institutions without formal employment contract

Worth Knowing

  • Minimum annual self-funding requirement of NOK 170,368 (2025/2026)
  • Master's degree or equivalent required as baseline qualification
  • Processing takes up to 4 months from application submission
  • No pathway to permanent residence or citizenship — remains temporary status throughout permit duration

Application Process

1

Confirm research affiliation

2

Apply via UDI portal

3

Pay fee

4

Visit VFS Global for biometrics

Application Forms

UDI Application PortalFill online

Verified Claims (3)

Last verified Jun 27, 2026
Max Stay
Up to 2 years per grant, renewable for additional 2-year periods tied to the duration of the researc…
udiregelverk.no
Max Stay Estimate
type: years, initialDays: 730, notes: Up to 2 years per grant; renewable for additional 2-year perio…
udiregelverk.no
Renewable
true
udi.no

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