Apply for a residence permit for the purpose of research

If you would like to carry out a research project at a German research institution, you can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of research.

If you come from a third country, you can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of research. To do so, you must have concluded a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution in Germany.

In terms of residence law, third countries include all countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

With the residence permit you may:

• take up research work at the research institution with which you have concluded the hosting agreement and
• carry out teaching activities

If the research institution is mainly financed by public funds, it is considered a recognized research institution. In this case, you only need a hosting agreement.

If the research institution is not publicly funded, it must confirm in writing that it will cover all costs incurred by public bodies up to 6 months after the end of the hosting agreement:

• for your living expenses during an unauthorized stay in the EU
• for deportation, if applicable

With a residence permit for research purposes, you can research and teach in another EU country for up to 180 days under certain conditions.

If your research project changes during your stay, you will still retain your residence permit.

Under certain conditions, you can be accompanied by family members:

• • Your spouse is over the age of 18.
  • The persons joining you can communicate easily in German.
  • They have sufficient living space.
  • The family's livelihood is assured.

The foreigners authority responsible for the place of residence (district, independent city)

The foreigners authority responsible for the place of residence (district, independent city)

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• You have a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute and, if required, 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.

• An appeal against a negative decision by the immigration authority can be lodged with the competent administrative court.

• There is no preliminary procedure (objection) in Lower Saxony.

Detailed information can be found in the negative decision.

You must apply for a residence permit at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
• If the application can only be made in person, arrange an appointment with the immigration office.
• During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents checked (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to issue the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• In the case of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment for an interview at the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the eA card to be issued.
• If your application is approved, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can collect your eAT card from the Foreigners' Registration Office

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Unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen können Sie von der Gebühr befreit werden oder Sie zahlen eine ermäßigte Gebühr.: Fee 100,00 EUR (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Ausstellung der Aufenthaltserlaubnis: Fee 100,00 EUR

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