Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of research
Service description
You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of research if you have entered into a letter of acceptance or a corresponding agreement with a research institution in Germany to carry out a research project.
With a German residence permit for research purposes, you may also carry out research and teach in another EU Member State for a limited period. Some Member States require a separate notification to be submitted to the relevant authorities for this purpose. You can find information on the website of the Federal Office for Migration regarding the procedure and the contact details of the relevant 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 a minimum of one year; in the case of participation in a Union or multilateral programme involving mobility measures, it is granted for a minimum of two years. If the research project is of shorter duration, it is granted for the duration of the project; however, in the case of participation in a Union or multilateral programme involving mobility measures, it is granted for at least one year.
The residence permit entitles the holder to undertake research at the research institution specified in the hosting agreement and to undertake teaching activities. Changes to the research project during the stay do not result in the loss of this entitlement.
Procedure
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 payable for the issue of a residence permit. The timing and method of payment vary depending on the relevant authority
Who should I contact?
Contact the foreigners authority.
Prerequisites
- You must hold a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute and, where required, a suitable visa.
- There is no interest in deporting you.
- 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 to carry out a research project in Germany.
- A declaration of financial responsibility from the research institution has been provided.
In principle, the research institution must undertake in writing to cover the costs incurred by public authorities for up to six months following the termination of the hosting agreement or contract. These include the costs of living whilst staying in an EU Member State without authorisation and the costs of deportation. However,
a declaration of financial responsibility is not required in certain cases. Please contact your local immigration authority for further information. - You can cover your living expenses and health insurance cover from your income without having to rely on state benefits.
Which documents are required?
- Valid passport
- Visa, if required
- Current biometric photo
- An admission agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution
- Proof of means of support (e.g. proof of income)
- Proof of your health insurance
- Rental agreement
What fees are incurred?
- Issue of a residence permit for the purpose of research: EUR 100
- Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be possible.
What deadlines do I have to observe?
- Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of research: no later than eight weeks before your current visa or residence permit expires.
- Appeal period: 1 month
Processing time
around 6 to 8 weeks.
If you have entered into an admission agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution that is recognised for conducting the special admission procedure for researchers in Germany, the Foreigners’ Registration Office must issue the residence permit within 60 days of the application being submitted. You can find the list of recognised research institutions and further information on this under ‘Further information’.
Legal basis
Section 18d(1) of the Residence Act
Applications / Forms
- 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
Author
Forwarding service: Deep link to the original portal- Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment; issued for the purpose of research in Saxony-Anhalt
Display of performance in the source portal
- Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment; issued for the purpose of research in Saxony-Anhalt