Research permits
Researchers may need one or more permits when conducting research in the Faroe Islands, depending on the area the researcher wants to explore and the type of research he or she plans to conduct.
There is no central coordination of research applications in the Faroe Islands. Scientists need to identify all relevant permits themselves and obtain these from relevant authorities.
It is advised always to contact the responsible authority/agency to learn if a permit is needed.
Marine research
Marine scientific research in the Faroese fisheries zone or the continental shelf of the Faroe Islands acquires consent is accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Chapter XIII).
Foreign nationals requiring to conduct marine scientific research in Faroese waters may contact the relevant national authorities in their home country for guidance, in most cases the Foreign Ministry.
The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes the formal decision on permit for marine scientific research in Faroese waters in consultation with Faroese authorities.
An application for permission with detailed information on the intended research must be sent no later than six months before the planned conduct of the research. Deviation from this rule may be given.
In general, foreign vessels will not be allowed to conduct research on the continental shelf of the Faroe Islands (12 miles from shore).
Foreign vessels conducting research in Faroese waters must deliver a report on the research results to the Faroe Marine Research Institute.
Hydrographical surveys may acquire special permits.
Biological research
The Faroe Islands are part of the Ramsar Convention – an international treaty for the preservation of areas with special significance for birdlife and biological diversity. Three areas have been appointed Ramsar areas – Mykines, Nólsoy, and Skúvoy.
Most bird species are protected and only limited and strictly regulated hunts of species that are not protected is allowed. Nesting areas are also protected during breeding season.
Dispensation can be given for catching protected birds for scientific purposes.
Permits needed for biological research:
- Permit from landowner to do field research and collect samples
- Permit from the National Museum to collect samples from preserved species
- Permit from the Faroese Food and Veterinary Authority to fish in water used for smolt breeding
Permits needed for bird ringing:
- Ringing permit (a Danish license for ringing of birds)
- Plastic ring permit (a special license needed for plastic rings which are typically used for placing transmitters on birds)
Permits needed for sending samples abroad:
- Export permit for biological samples from CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) species. The recipient must also have an import permit.
- In some cases a “zoosanitary certificate” from the Faroese Food and Veterinary Authority is needed.
- Certificate of origin. Can be obtained from and has to be stamped by the Tax and Customs Authority.
Biomedical research
Researchers carrying out research on human data are obliged to inform all participants of the purpose of the data processing and get their acceptance. All personal data must be protected and it must be ensured that the data can by no means be traced back to the individual.
All biomedical research has to be approved by the Research Ethics Board.
Research related to medicine has to be approved by the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer.
Genetic research related to Faroese citizens has to be approved by the Genetic Biobank.
When carrying out research involving data on human health at the National Hospital several requirements must be met:
- A formal agreement must be signed between the researcher and the National Hospital
- A risk evaluation based on the processing of personal data must be made
Geological research
Permits are needed when carrying out geological research in the Faroe Islands, depending on what kind of work is being carried out.
Onshore surveys
For research related to hydrocarbon onshore in the Faroe Islands, the scientific project leader must acquire permission from Faroese Geological Survey.
When carrying out field work where samples will be taken it is necessary to acquire permit from the landowners. Faroese Geological Survey is able to assist with logistics of this kind.
For research based on archive sampling researchers can apply for permission to use samples from cores and other material in the archive of Faroese Geological survey.
Offshore surveys
For offshore surveys with relation to hydrocarbon in the Faroese territory (domestic or international),the scientific project leader must acquire permission for the cruise from Faroese Geological Survey.
For international offshore surveys with no relation to hydrocarbon in the Faroese offshore territory, the scientific project leader must acquire permission for the cruise through the national embassy of the project leader.
Cultural heritage and Archeological research
Faroe Islands National Museum is responsible for all archeological research projects in the Faroe Islands. Foreign researchers who want to conduct archeological research in the Faroe Islands must contact the National Museum.
All land based archeological sites, visible and hidden, are protected. It is forbidden to disturb archeological sites in any way. Use of metal detectors near an archeological site is only allowed with special permission from the National Museum.
Archeological objects older than 100 years on land and at sea, up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline, including shipwrecks, are the property of the Faroe Islands.
Objects from the Second World War are protected under the same rules.
All archeological finds on land or at sea must immediately be reported to the National Museum. If the item has been picked up, it must immediately be handed to the Museum. Metallic items must undir no circumstances be cleaned before handed over to the Museum.
