We strongly encourage everyone who will be working abroad to contact the immigration authorities of the respective country to determine what regulations apply to them.
Different types of situations
Below, you will find a generalized overview of different situations and the steps you need to take to ensure compliance with work requirements in the respective country.
I am working for UiO in the country of which I am a citizen
Example: German citizen working for UiO from his home office in Germany.
If you are going to work for UiO from the country of which you are a citizen - no immigration actions are required for your work performed for UiO.
I am already in possession of a work- or residence permit in the country I am going to perform work from
Example: American citizen starting work for UiO in Australia, a country in which she has a valid permit due to work for another employer.
If you already have a valid work- and/or residence permit in the country you are going to perform work for UiO, you need to check the requirements for the permit and whether they still apply for the work you will now perform for UiO.
Some residence permits contain specific restrictions on whether work can be performed, and some work permits contain specific restrictions on the type of work, change of work, change of position, change of employer, change of payroll etc.
Contact the specific country’s immigration authorities if you are unsure of whether your current permit allows work for a new employer (UiO).
I am a Nordic Citizen working in the Nordics
Example: Finnish citizen working for UiO from Denmark.
The Nordic countries have a cooperation that ensures that citizens of the other Nordic countries are treated equally with the country's own citizens. The agreement on the Common Nordic Labor Market ensures that Nordic citizens do not need a work permit to work in other Nordic countries.
Therefore, if you, as a Nordic citizen, are going to work for UiO in a Nordic country, there are no immigration actions needed.
Members of the Nordic countries: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.
I am an EU/EEA citizen working in an EU/EEA country
Example: French citizen transferring to Spain after being employed by UiO.
The EU/EEA cooperation ensures free movement of labour within the EU/EEA. This means that if you are an EU/EEA national, you can freely work in another EU/EEA country without the requirement of a work permit. However, the EU/EEA country may require you to register your work stay if it lasts beyond 3 months.
Note! Researcher exceptions may exist.
The Registration processes can differ from country to country and there can be different quarantine regulations. We recommend that you contact the country’s immigration authorities for information about the registration process and/or researcher exceptions.
I am a Norwegian citizen and will work outside the EU/EEA
Example: Norwegian citizen working for UiO in the United Kingdom.
Immigration requirements vary from country to country. If you are going to perform work for UiO in another country than the country you are a citizen of, you need to check whether you need a work permit.
Note! Researcher exceptions may exist.
Check with the specific country’s immigration authorities.
I am a researcher from a country outside the EU/EEA and have a valid work permit in an EU country
Example: American researcher working in France and transferring to Spain after being employed by UiO.
A third country national researcher, who holds a valid permit issued by an EU-state, can use their work permit in another EU country for up to 180 days in any 360-day period. If the stay is to last more than 180 days within a 360-day period, a new registration may be required.
Note that this does not apply to the EEA states, unless they have incorporated their own national rules. Clarify with the relevant authorities in that state.
I am from a country outside the EU/EEA and will work within the EU/EEA
Example: American citizen working for UiO in France.
Immigration requirements vary from country to country. If you are going to perform work for UiO in another country than the country you are a citizen of, you need to check whether you need a work permit.
Note! Researcher exceptions may exist.
Contact the specific country’s immigration authorities.
I am from a country outside the EU/EEA and will work outside the EU/EEA
Example: American citizen working for UiO in Australia.
Immigration requirements vary from country to country If you are going to perform work for UiO in another country than the country you are a citizen of you need to check whether you need a work permit.
Note! Researcher exceptions may exist.
Contact the specific country’s immigration authorities.
Terminology
Please be mindful of the fact that different countries use different terminology for the different permits and that the term used for one kind of permit on one country can have a different meaning in another country. You must therefore be sure to check the conditions for the specific permit and that this permit fit the activity that you will perform in that country. The most common terminology for the permit that allow you to work in a country is “work permit”, “work visa” and “residence permit for work”. In some countries you are allowed to work holding only a residence permit, however in many countries you will need both a residence permit and a work permit to work legally. And in some countries a work permit automatically also gives the right to reside without a residence permit in addition.