Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zweck der Forschung beantragen

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. Some member states require a separate notification to the relevant authorities. You can find out more about the procedure and contact details of the respective National Contact Points in other EU Member States on the homepage of the Federal Office for Migration (see "Further information").

The residence permit for the purpose of research is a temporary residence permit. It is issued for at least one year, and for at least two years if you are participating in a Union or multilateral program with mobility measures. If the duration of the research project is shorter, it is issued for the duration of the project, but for at least one year if participating in a Union or multilateral program with mobility measures.

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 result in the loss of this entitlement.

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

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and - if necessary - an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have concluded a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution to carry out 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 assume the costs, the public authorities up to six months after the end of the hosting agreement or contract. This includes the costs of living during an unauthorized 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 office in this regard.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance from your income without claiming public benefits.

• Issuance of a residence permit for the purpose of research: EUR 100.00
• Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be possible.

You must apply for a residence permit at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic applications for residence permits.
• If you can only apply in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents checked (bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• In the case of an electronic application, the Immigration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Immigration 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 permit (eAT card).
• If your application is approved, the Immigration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
• After around six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the immigration office.
• The eAT card must always be collected in person.

Fees are charged for the issue of the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

about 6 to 8 weeks.

If you have concluded a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution that is recognized to carry out the special admission procedure for researchers in Germany, the immigration authority must issue the residence permit within 60 days of your application. The list of recognized research institutions and information on this can be found under "Further information".

• Application for a residence permit for the purpose of research: no later than eight weeks before your valid visa or residence permit expires.
• Month of objection: 1 month

You can also obtain free advice on the topics of entry, residence and employment from the "Working and Living in Germany Hotline" of the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.

Telephone: +49 30 1815-1111
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment; issuance for the purpose of research
• Foreigners who wish to carry out a research project in Germany and have concluded a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution in Germany for this purpose may be granted a residence permit for the purpose of research.
• The residence permit entitles the holder to take up research activities at a research institution specified in the hosting agreement and to take up teaching activities.
• In accordance with the provisions of Directive (EU) 2016/801, the residence permit pursuant to Section 18d (1) entitles the holder to short-term and long-term mobility to another EU Member State.
• The residence permit is issued for at least one year, and for at least two years in the case of participation in a Union or multilateral program with mobility measures. If the duration of the research project is shorter, the residence permit will be issued for the duration of the project, but for at least one year if participating in a Union or multilateral program with mobility measures.
• Holders of a residence permit for the purpose of research can receive a settlement permit after fulfilling certain requirements.
• Spouses of holders of a residence permit for the purpose of research are also entitled to a residence permit.
• Depending on the foreigners authority and the matter in question, applications can be made online or in person.
• A fee is payable for the issue of the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority.
• Responsible: the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• Foreigners authority-specific forms can be obtained from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online.
• Online procedure occasionally possible
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes