Applying for a residence permit for mobile researchers

You must apply for a residence permit at the Foreigners’ Registration Office 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 online. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic applications for residence permits.
• If you can only submit your application in person, please arrange an appointment with the Foreigners’ Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to produce an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• If you submit your application electronically, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will contact you once your online application has been received to arrange an appointment at the office, if necessary. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (please bring these 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 Authority will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
• After around six to eight weeks, you can collect your eAT card from the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
• The eAT card must, as a rule, 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.

You can also submit your application to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, which will forward it to the relevant immigration authority.

Contact the foreigners authority.

• You hold a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• You hold a residence permit issued by another EU Member State for the purposes of research, in accordance with Directive (EU) 2016/801, which is valid for the duration of the proceedings.
• Their stay does not jeopardise or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have entered into an admission agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution in Germany to carry out a research project.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance cover from your income without having to rely on state benefits.

• Valid passport or passport substitute
• Current biometric photo
• Valid residence permit issued by an EU Member State for the purposes of research in accordance with Directive 2016/801
• An admission agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution for the purpose of carrying out a research project
• Proof of livelihood
• Proof of your health insurance
• Rental agreement

• Section 18f of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
• Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, a traineeship, voluntary service, school exchange programmes or educational projects, and to work as an au pair

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification.
• Action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld.

• You can obtain forms specific to the Foreigners’ Registration Office from your local Foreigners’ Registration Office; these may also be available online.
• Online procedure occasionally possible
• Personal appearance required: yes

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment: Issuance for mobile researchers in Saxony-Anhalt

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