Researcher with own funds
Who it's for: Researchers with a master's degree who will do research in Norway funded by their own means rather than a Norwegian employer.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 3 Nov 2026
Requirements at a glance
- Job offer needed: No
- Minimum education: Master's degree
- Money to show: NOK 170,368
- Main fee: NOK 5,400
- Family can join: Some family members
- Can lead to permanent residence: No
- Decision time: Official processing-time tool
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main fee | NOK 5,400 | — | udi.noOfficial · 3 Nov 2026 |
| Money to show | NOK 170,368 | — | udi.noOfficial · 3 Nov 2026 |
Figures marked check could not be confirmed on a live official page, or come from a secondary source.
What the official pages say
7 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.
Job offer neededNoOfficial wording
“If you are a researcher who has an employer in Norway, you must apply for a residence permit as a skilled worker.”
Minimum educationMaster's degreeOfficial wording
“The term researcher refers to a person with a master's degree who is to engage in research.”
Money to showNOK 170,368Official wording
“NOK 15 488 per month, or NOK 170 368 per year”
Main feeNOK 5,400Official wording
“Permit for researchers with own funds (applicants over the age of 18 - also renewals) NOK 5 400”
Family can joinSome family membersOfficial wording
“Your spouse or cohabitant and children can usually apply to come and live with you in Norway .”
Can lead to permanent residenceNoOfficial wording
“The period you have this permit does not count if you later wish to apply for a permanent residence permit.”
Decision timeOfficial processing-time tool ↗Official wording
“Here you can find UDI’s waiting times for first-time applications, renewals, and appeals.”
We have not yet recorded: Study place needed; Work experience; Language; Age limit; Salary threshold; Occupation list. That does not mean there is no rule — confirm on the official page. Official page.
Other work with a sponsor routes in Norway
- Employee of a foreign company on assignment in Norway
- Athletes or coaches
- Residence for an EU/EEA employee (registration)
- Posted worker from an EU/EEA company
- Employee of a foreign company in another EU/EEA country on assignment
- Employees of international companies on assignment for the Norwegian branch
- Journalist on assignment for a foreign media institution
- Other media personnel on assignment for a foreign media institution
- Offshore worker on a mobile installation
- Religious leaders/teachers
- Russian cross-border workers
- Unskilled Russian workers in Northern Norway
- Seafarers on ships in Norwegian waters
- Skilled worker with an employer in Norway
- Trainees
All visa types in Norway
Every visa type we have listed, grouped by purpose, with links to the official pages.
Norway visa typesBefore you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.