Aufenthaltserlaubnis für mobile Forscher beantragen

If you wish to work as a researcher at a German research institution and already hold a residence permit from another EU Member State for the purpose of research, you can obtain a residence permit under certain conditions.

You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of research if you hold a residence permit for the purpose of research from another EU Member State that is valid for the duration of the procedure.

The residence permit for the purpose of research for mobile researchers is a temporary residence permit. It is issued for the duration of the research project, but for a maximum of one year.

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 authorization.

If the application for a residence permit is submitted at least 30 days before the start of the stay in Germany and the residence title of the other Member State is still valid, the stay and employment in Germany are deemed to be permitted for up to 180 days within a period of 360 days from the date of entry before a decision is made on your application.

• valid passport or passport replacement
• current biometric photo
• valid residence permit from the EU Member State for the purpose of research in accordance with Directive 2016/801
• Hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution to carry out a research project
• Proof of livelihood
• Proof of your health insurance
• tenancy agreement

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• You hold a residence permit from another EU Member State valid for the duration of the procedure for the purpose of research in accordance with Directive (EU) 2016/801.
• 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 to carry out a research project with a research institution in Germany.
• 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 for mobile researchers: 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 application for a residence permit.
• 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 Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
• After about 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.

The application can also be submitted to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, which will forward your application to the relevant immigration authority.

about 6 to 8 weeks

• Application for a residence permit for the purpose of research for mobile researchers at least eight weeks before your valid residence permit expires.
  If you are already in Germany as a researcher within the framework of short-term mobility, the application must be submitted at least 30 days before the end of your permitted stay in Germany.
• 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 Portal.

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 mobile researchers
• Foreign nationals who hold a valid residence permit from another EU member state in accordance with Directive (EU) 2016/801 for the purpose of research and who wish to work at a German research institution for more than 180 days but no more than one year can obtain a residence permit for mobile researchers.
• 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.
• The residence permit for mobile researchers is a temporary residence permit. It is issued for the duration of the research project, but for a maximum of one year.
• If the application for a residence permit is submitted at least 30 days before the start of the stay in Germany and the residence title of the other Member State is still valid, the stay and employment in Germany are deemed to be permitted for up to 180 days within a period of 360 days from the date of entry before a decision is made on the application.
• Spouses of holders of mobile researcher permits 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 charged 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 application can also be submitted to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, which acts as the National Contact Point for the implementation of Directive (EU) 2016/801.

the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence or the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees

the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence or the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees

• 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