Residence permit for the purpose of research

If you want to work as a researcher in Germany, you can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of research.

You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of research if you have concluded a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution in Germany to carry out a research project.

With a German residence permit for research purposes, you can also research and teach in another EU country for a limited period of time. To this end, some Member States require separate notification to the relevant competent authorities. You can find out more on the homepage of the Federal Office for Migration and on the procedure and contact details of the respective National Contact Points in other EU Member States (see "further information").

The residence permit for the purpose of research is a temporary residence permit. It is granted for at least one year, or for at least 2 years if participating in a Union or multilateral programme with mobility actions. If the duration of the research project is shorter, it shall be granted for its duration, but for at least one year in the case of participation in a Union or multilateral programme involving mobility actions.

The residence permit entitles the holder to take up research activities at the research institution specified in the hosting agreement and to take up teaching activities. Changes to the research project during the stay do not lead to the loss of this entitlement.

Responsibility lies with the Foreigners' Registration Office in whose district you are registered as having your main residence.

Please contact the locally responsible immigration authority.

• Valid passport
• Visa, if required
• Current biometric photo
• Hosting agreement or equivalent contract with a research institution
• Proof of subsistence (e.g. proof of income)
• Proof of your health insurance
• Lease

• Forms specific to the immigration authority can be obtained from your immigration office, which may also be offered online.
• Online procedures possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• Personal attendance required: yes

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and, if necessary, an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in expulsion against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• You have concluded a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution for the implementation of a research project in Germany.
• A declaration of assumption of costs from the research institution is available.
  In principle, the research institution must undertake in writing to bear the costs, the public authorities up to six months after the termination of the hosting agreement or the contract. These include the cost of living during an unauthorised stay in an EU member state and for deportation.
  However, a declaration of assumption of costs is not required in certain cases. Please contact your local immigration authority in this regard.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage from your income without using public benefits.

§ 18d Abs. 1 AufenthG

The residence permit must be applied for at the immigration authority responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the immigration authority and concerns, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your immigration authority offers the electronic application for a residence permit.
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to produce an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• In the event of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you upon receipt of your online application in order to make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence title (eAT card).
• If your application is granted, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT card at the Foreigners' Registration Office.
• The eAT card must always be picked up in person.

Fees apply for the issuance of the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority

• Application for a residence permit for the purpose of research: at the latest eight weeks before the expiry of your valid visa or residence permit.
• Month of opposition: 1 month

about 6 to 8 weeks.

If you have concluded a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution that is recognised for carrying out the special admission procedure for researchers in Germany, the Foreigners' Registration Office must issue the residence permit within 60 days of submitting the application. The list of recognised research institutions and the relevant information can be found under "Further information".

• Issuance of residence permit for research purposes: EUR 100
• Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or exemption may be considered.