Residence permit for foreign researchers: The exemption provision applies
It is entirely possible for foreign researchers to undertake external assignments such as examining or supervising without this being an obstacle to a residence permit. That was the conclusion reached when Forskerforbundet raised the issue in a meeting with UDI.
11.11.2025
This autumn, Forskerforbundet has become involved in the issue of foreign researchers from outside the EU/EEA who are denied residence permits because they have undertaken grading assignments or other external assignments in addition to their main position. The newspaper Khrono has had several reports on the issue, and Forskerforbundet has also received several inquiries from foreign members who are concerned about the situation.
On Monday, November 3, Forskerforbundet's president Steinar A. Sæther raised the issue in a meeting with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
– It was a positive and clarifying meeting. UDI is well aware of the issue and they informed us that new guidelines are likely to be in place in 2026. In the meantime, the current exemption provision for scientific employees applies, he says.
The exemption provision means that scientific employees from outside the EEA can undertake external assignments related to their academic work. But there are limits.
– It is important for members to be aware that UDI assesses the extent of external assignments. External assignments on a large scale, such as supervising master's students or a particularly large number of grading assignments, may be problematic under the Immigration Act. In such cases, it is important to inform UDI about the external work in order for the exemption provision to apply, Sæther informs.
The Immigration Act, section 23 letter d), requires that the residence permit, as a general rule, must be linked to full-time work for one employer:
«The employment offer shall as a general rule apply to full-time employment for a single employer, although exceptions may be made based on individual assessment of the nature of the position.»
If you take on assignments for multiple employers, the exception applies, and you must therefore report such assignments. Otherwise, you risk losing your residence permit.
Work is now underway to amend the Immigration Act so that scientific employees and researchers will have a more flexible residence permit.
– We are waiting for a consultation proposal and hope that a new regulation can be implemented during 2026. We will of course follow up on this work with a view to putting in place a more flexible regulation for foreign researchers. It is gratifying that the authorities also see this need, Sæther concludes.