Going abroad with your partner or family
Are you planning to bring your partner or family with you on your research stay abroad? Here you can find more information to help you plan for their stay as well.
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A stay abroad can be an exciting opportunity, but it also involves a number of practical considerations for those accompanying you. Whether you are travelling with a partner, children, or your entire family, it is important to familiarise yourself with local rules and requirements related to residence permits, social security, employment, schooling, and childcare before departure.
Visa and residence permit
Residence permits and visa requirements for partners and children vary between countries. In some countries, residence permits for accompanying partners are only available to married couples. This may apply even if you have children together. We recommend contacting your host institution at an early stage to understand the requirements that apply to you and your family.
National insurance and social security
Social security coverage for accompanying partners and children depends on several factors, including nationality, previous membership in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme, and the length of the stay abroad.
Partners who accompany an employee on an assignment abroad may be covered by the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme, but eligibility varies depending on the individual circumstances. Different rules may apply to EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA nationals.
We recommend contacting NAV before departure to clarify what applies to you and your family.
Children accompanying a parent who remains a member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme will normally continue to be covered during the stay abroad.
Working in the host country as an accompanying partner
In many countries, accompanying partners are not automatically allowed to work. The right to work often depends on the type of visa or residence permit issued by the host country.
If your partner plans to work during the stay, it is important to check whether a work permit or additional documentation is required. Requirements vary between countries and may depend on nationality, immigration status, and local regulations.
Partners with regulated professions, such as healthcare professionals, teachers, or lawyers, should be aware that professional qualifications may not be automatically recognised in the host country. In some cases, additional approval or certification may be required before they can practise their profession.
If your partner intends to work remotely for a Norwegian employer while abroad, different rules may apply. We recommend contacting NAV for guidance on social security and remote working regulations.
Schooling for children
As an EEA citizen, your child has the right to attend public school in all other EU/EEA countries. For all countries, you should apply for school in advance before leaving Norway. Contact your host institution for advice on local schools and the application process.
Some schools may request documentation from your child's current school in Norway. In many countries, formal grading and assessment start at an earlier age than in Norway.. The school can also require a language test, especially in English speaking schools. In many cases in English speaking countries, the child will be placed in classes for children with English as second language (ESL).
From intermediate/secondary school and high school, you can ask your Norwegian school to provide you with an English transcript.
Kindergarten and childcare
Childcare arrangements vary considerably between countries. In some locations, nursery or daycare places are less common than in Norway, and the cost of a full-time place may be significantly higher.
If you are planning to use childcare services during your stay, we recommend exploring the available options well in advance, as waiting lists can be long in some areas.
If you choose not to use formal childcare services, local libraries, community centres, family organisations, and places of worship may offer activities and meeting places for young children and accompanying partners. Your host institution may also be able to provide information about childcare options and local family activities