diff --git a/frappe/desk/search.py b/frappe/desk/search.py
index 7bcfe646ab..202a0c40f3 100644
--- a/frappe/desk/search.py
+++ b/frappe/desk/search.py
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ def sanitize_searchfield(searchfield):
 				_raise_exception(searchfield)
 
 # this is called by the Link Field
-@frappe.whitelist()
+@frappe.whitelist(allow_guest=True)
 def search_link(doctype, txt, query=None, filters=None, page_length=20, searchfield=None, reference_doctype=None, ignore_user_permissions=False):
 	search_widget(doctype, txt, query, searchfield=searchfield, page_length=page_length, filters=filters, reference_doctype=reference_doctype, ignore_user_permissions=ignore_user_permissions)
 	frappe.response['results'] = build_for_autosuggest(frappe.response["values"])