Long-stay visas (Type D)
Norwegian Residence permit for researchers with own funds
For researchers who will carry out research in Norway on their own (external) funding rather than under a Norwegian employment contract.
Important information
- Issuing authority
- UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration)
- Core requirement
- A master's degree and a plan to do PhD-level research, funded from your own/external means
- Work rights
- Part-time work up to 20 hours/week (including remote) alongside the research; full-time in holidays
- Family
- Spouse/cohabitant and children can usually apply to join you
Who it's for
- Researchers coming to Norway to do research without a Norwegian employment contract
- Scholarship/grant-funded academics and visiting researchers
- PhD-level researchers with their own or external funding
Requirements
- Hold a master's degree and plan to conduct research at PhD level
- Document your research project and its host/affiliation in Norway
- Show funding sufficient to support yourself during the stay
- Meet identity and general documentation requirements
What you can do
- Carry out your research project in Norway
- Work part-time up to 20 hours per week (including remote work) in addition to the research, and full-time during holidays
- Apply for family immigration for close family members
How to apply
Prepare documentation of your degree, research project, affiliation and funding.
Complete the online application on udi.no and pay the fee. Researchers with own funds may, if they have legal residence, be able to apply from within Norway.
Submit documents at the police (in Norway) or a Norwegian mission abroad; if granted, collect your residence card.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Completed application and paid fee receipt
- Master's degree documentation
- Description of the research project and host institution/affiliation
- Proof of funding to support yourself
Frequently asked questions
This permit is for researchers funded by their own or external means with no Norwegian employer. Researchers employed and paid by a Norwegian institution apply as skilled workers instead.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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