Visa for researchers
All information for foreigners who want to stay in Germany for research purposes.
Here you learn ...
when researchers can apply for a research visa in Germany
which groups of people fall under the term researcher
how research institutions can apply for recognition
which documents researchers and research institutions need
Table of Content
1. Researching in Germany as a foreigner
2. What are researchers?
3. Requirements for a research visa
3.1 Effective hosting agreement
3.2 General requirements for granting a permit
4. Recognition of research institutions
4.1 What is a research institution?
4.2 Application for recognition
4.3 Revocation of recognition of research institutions
5. Required documents for research visa
5.1 Hosting agreement or research contract
5.2 Proof of financing
5.3 Other documents for researchers
6. Conclusion Research visa
1. Researching in Germany as a foreigner
Third-country nationals who fall under the definition of a researcher or who carry out scientific activities within the meaning of the REST Directive are entitled to a residence permit for research in Germany . One advantage of a residence permit for researchers is the possibility of short-term and long-term mobility within the EU, i.e., the ability to travel and conduct research within the EU. To apply for a residence permit for researchers in Germany, various requirements must be met . These requirements are presented in this article.
2. What are researchers?
Researchers from third countries who wish to undertake research activities in Germany benefit from a special residence permit pursuant to Section 18d of the Residence Act (AufenthG). To be recognized as a researcher in Germany, the following criteria must be met:
You have a doctorate or a suitable university degree that allows access to doctoral programs.
You work for a recognized research institution .
You must be in Germany primarily for research purposes (i.e. research must not be a secondary purpose).
3. Requirements for a research visa
The residence permit under Section 18d of the Residence Act allows international researchers to conduct a research project in Germany – without the approval of the Federal Employment Agency. It is ideal for scholarship holders, scientists, and researchers who wish to work in Germany, even without a regular employment relationship.
3.1 Effective hosting agreement
A research visa under Section 18d of the Residence Act requires that the applicant has concluded a valid hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution in Germany to conduct a research project. This can be either a recognized research institution or a non-recognized institution. In the case of a recognized research institution, proof of the contract is sufficient to obtain a residence permit. If the institution is not recognized, it must also submit a written declaration of cost coverage , guaranteeing that public costs that may arise up to six months after the completion of the research project are covered.
3.2 General requirements for granting a permit
Researchers must also meet the so-called general requirements for granting a residence permit ( Section 5 of the Residence Act ), in particular, they must have a valid and recognized passport . Another important criterion is that the applicant can support themselves and has adequate health insurance . Finally, they must not have committed any crimes that would justify deportation .
The residence permit is generally issued for the duration of the research project, but at least for one year . If the research project is carried out within the framework of an EU or multilateral program with mobility measures, the minimum validity is two years.
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4. Recognition of research institutions
4.1 What is a research institution?
The recognition of research institutions is a key aspect for foreign scientists who wish to work in Germany. According to Section 18d of the Residence Act (AufenthG) in conjunction with Section 38a Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) , any public or private institution based in a Member State that conducts research is considered a research institution. Research is any systematically pursued, creative, and legally permissible activity that aims to expand the state of knowledge, including knowledge about humanity, culture, and society, or to use such knowledge to find new applications.
4.2 Application for recognition
Research institutions can apply for recognition from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). The application must be submitted in writing and include the following information:
Name, legal form and address of the research institution,
Surnames and first names of the legal representatives of the research institution,
the addresses of the research centres in which foreign nationals with whom hosting agreements or corresponding contracts have been concluded are to work,
a copy of the statutes, the articles of association, the foundation deed, any other legal transaction or the legal norms from which the purpose and subject matter of the research institution's activities arise, and
Information on the activities of the research institution showing that it conducts research in the country.In the application process for research institutions, officially prescribed forms and input masks must be used, which are provided by the BAMF.
4.3 Revocation of recognition of research institutions
The recognition of a research institution can be revoked or its renewal refused if it no longer conducts research or no longer fulfills its obligations under Section 18d of the Residence Act. This is particularly problematic if the research institution is no longer financially viable, for example due to insolvency . If recognition was obtained through fraudulent deception, threats, or bribery, it will also be withdrawn. A culpable violation of hosting agreements can also lead to revocation. In these cases, a blocking period of up to five years is imposed, which also applies to successor institutions. The immigration authorities and diplomatic missions abroad are obliged to report relevant information about possible violations to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.
5. Required documents for research visa
International researchers, scientists, and academic staff wishing to apply for a research visa in Germany must submit a number of documents . To obtain a research visa, applicants must submit the documents explained below to the authorities.
5.1 Hosting agreement or research contract
The most important document for visa issuance is the hosting agreement or research contract with a recognized research institution. According to Section 38f of the Residence Ordinance, this must contain the following information :
Obligation of the researcher to strive for the successful completion of the research project
Obligation of the research institution to accept the researcher
Information on the legal relationship, in particular on the activity and remuneration
Clause on invalidity if no residence permit is issued according to Section 18d of the Residence Act
Start and expected completion of the research project
If applicable: Information on residence in other EU countries in accordance with Directive (EU) 2016/801
5.2 Proof of financing
The applicant must provide evidence that they can support themselves during their stay in Germany. This can be done by providing the following:
Employment contract with salary information
Scholarship or funding commitment
Own funds (e.g. blocked account with sufficient balance)
5.3 Other documents for researchers
Various documents are required to apply for a visa or residence permit for researchers in Germany. First, a valid passport valid for at least three months beyond the end of the planned stay must be presented. Proof of health insurance covering the entire research period is also required. Furthermore, the applicant must provide evidence of their academic qualifications , usually through a university degree and relevant research evidence or scientific publications.
If a spouse or children are traveling with you, additional documentation is required. These include a marriage certificate or the children's birth certificates, as well as proof of financial security for the entire family.
Summary of this Page
International researchers from non-EU countries can apply for a residence permit pursuant to Section 18d of the Residence Act (AufenthG) to conduct research in Germany. They must have a recognized higher education qualification and a valid hosting agreement with a research institution. This residence permit also allows mobility within the EU. The residence permit is valid for at least one year, and for EU programs, at least two years. Various documents are required for the visa, including a research contract, proof of funding, and academic qualifications. Family members may also travel with the researcher if additional documentation is provided. The research visa also permits teaching activities, possibly even as a self-employed activity – legal details should be clarified with a lawyer. Naturalization with a research visa is not possible – for this, a change to another residence permit (e.g., an EU Blue Card) is required beforehand.
