Visiting UiB as a guest researcher

Staying less than six months?

• There are no requirements for stays shorter than six months.

Staying more than six months?

• Stays longer six months requires an ID check with the Norwegian Tax Administration and submitting a notification of change of address after your arrival in Norway. Follow the steps at skatteetaten.no to book an appointment.

Staying less than 90 days?

• For stays under 90 days, you do not need to register with the police or the tax administration. 

Staying over 90 days?

• For stays over 90 days, you register online with UDI and then attend an in person appointment at the Service Centre for Foreign Workers (SUA) in Bergen. This is to get a registration certificate and an ID-number (if applicable). Bring your passport or national ID, an invitation letter and proof that you can support yourself.

Read detailed information about online registration in our knowledge card (uib.no).

Do I need an entry visa?

Whether you need a visa to enter Norway depends on your citizenship.

• Citizens of visa-free countries can travel to Norway and the Schengen area without an entry visa for short stays.
• Citizens of countries that require a Schengen visa must obtain an entry visa before travelling to Norway.

If an entry visa is required, UiB can provide an official invitation letter. The letter should describe the purpose and duration of your visit and specify who is financially responsible for travel, accommodation, and other expenses.

Do I need a residence permit?

Whether you need a residence permit depends mainly on the length of your stay and your citizenship.

• Many visiting researchers can stay in Norway for up to 90 days without a residence permit.
• If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you will normally need to apply for a residence permit before or during the immigration process, depending on your circumstances.

Please read our knowledge item for detailed guidance on residence permit requirements and links to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).

We recommend starting the application process as early as possible, as processing times may vary.

If your spouse, partner or children are moving to Norway with you, we recommend that you submit your applications together. Applications submitted at the same time are usually processed together.

Are your family members EU/EEA citizens?

• Register their right of residence with the police.
• If they will stay in Norway for more than six months, you must also register their move with the Norwegian Tax Administration.

Are your family members non-EU/EEA citizens?

• They can apply for family immigration through UDI.
• More information is available in our knowledge cards.

You must have health insurance throughout your stay.

Use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access necessary healthcare services during your stay in Norway. If you plan to stay for more than three months, you should obtain an S1 certificate from the relevant authority in your home country.

Guest researchers and their family members can contact Strandsiden Legesenter, which offers same-day appointments for UiB guests.

We also strongly recommend taking out travel insurance.

You must have health insurance throughout your stay.

You are responsible for arranging private health insurance that covers medical expenses in Norway for the entire duration of your stay.

Guest researchers and their family members can contact Strandsiden Legesenter, which offers same-day appointments for UiB guests.

We also strongly recommend taking out travel insurance.

Kindergarten (Early Childhood Education and Care, ECEC)

• Kindergarten (barnehage) is the most common form of childcare in Norway for children aged 1 to 5. However, short-term placements can be difficult to secure due to limited availability. Families are encouraged to explore the options available through UiB's kindergarten Sammen or  contact kindergartens in your area directly.

Nanny

• Nannies (dagmamma) are less common in Norway and can be relatively expensive, but they are often available.

Stay-at-home parent

• If one parent is staying at home, children can remain at home until a kindergarten place becomes available. Parents may also wish to explore open kindergartens (åpen barnehage) and other activities designed for families with young children.

Children aged 6 to 16 who stay in Norway for more than three months are required to attend school. Public schools are free of charge and follow the Norwegian national curriculum.

To ensure that students receive appropriate support, their Norwegian language skills are assessed upon enrolment. Students who do not have sufficient Norwegian proficiency to follow regular instruction are entitled to special language support in accordance with Norwegian regulations

Admission

• To enroll a child in school, contact the school directly before you come to Norway. List of public schools in Bergen. 

Options

• Most private schools in Bergen teach in Norwegian. However, families seeking education in English may consider The International School of Bergen.
• Home schooling is permitted in Norway, although it is relatively uncommon. Parents who wish to home-school their children must contact the Municipality of Bergen in advance.