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
Author
Attorney
Reading Time
9 Min.
Release Date
05.02.2025
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 Research visa
5.1 Hosting agreement or research contract
5.2 Proof of financing
5.3 Other documents for researchers
6. FAQ 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 the residence permit for researchers is the possibility of short-term and long-term mobility within the EU, i.e. the possibility of traveling and researching within the EU. In order 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 in Germany benefit from a special residence permit in accordance with Section 18d of the Residence Act (AufenthG). In order to be recognized as a researcher in Germany, the following criteria must be met:
You have a doctorate or an appropriate university degree that allows access to doctoral programs
You work for a recognized research institution
Your main purpose in Germany must be to carry out research (i.e. research must not be a secondary purpose).
3. Requirements for a research visa
The residence permit according to Section 18d of the Residence Act enables international researchers to carry out a research project in Germany - without the approval of the Federal Employment Agency. It is ideal for scholarship holders, scientists and researchers who want to work in Germany, even without a regular employment relationship.
3.1 Effective Hosting Agreement
A research visa according to Section 18d of the Residence Act requires that the applicant has concluded an effective hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution in Germany to carry out 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 the residence permit. If the institution is not recognized, it must also submit a written declaration of cost coverage that guarantees 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 issuing a 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 himself and has adequate health insurance. Finally, there must also be no criminal offenses that would justify deportation.
CONTACT US
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The residence permit is usually 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 programme with mobility measures, the minimum validity is two years.
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 want 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 that is based in a member state and conducts research is considered a research institution. Research is any systematic, creative and legally permissible activity that aims to expand the state of knowledge, including knowledge about people, culture and society, or to use such knowledge to find new applications.
4.2 Application for recognition
Research institutions can apply to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) for recognition of the institution . The application must be submitted in writing and must contain 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 derive, and
Information on the activities of the research institution showing that it conducts research domestically.
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 the extension refused if it no longer conducts research or no longer fulfils its obligations under Section 18d of the Residence Act. This is particularly problematic if the research institution is no longer economically viable, for example due to insolvency . If the 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 foreign missions are obliged to report relevant information about possible violations to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.
5. Required documents Research visa
International researchers, scientists and academic staff who wish to apply for a research visa in Germany must submit a number of documents . To obtain a research visa, applicants must submit the following documents:
5.1 Hosting agreement or research contract
The most important document for issuing a visa is the hosting agreement or a research contract with a recognized research institution. According to Section 38f of the Residence Ordinance, this must contain the following information :
Commitment 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 prove that he or she can finance his or her living expenses during his or her stay in Germany. This can be done by providing the following evidence:
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. Firstly, a valid passport must be presented that is valid for at least three months beyond the end of the planned stay. Evidence of health insurance that covers the entire research period is also required. In addition, the applicant must prove his or her scientific qualifications , usually through a university degree and corresponding research evidence or scientific publications.
If a spouse or children are traveling with you, additional documents are required. These include a marriage certificate or the birth certificates of the children, as well as proof of securing the livelihood of the entire family.
CONTACT US
Are you looking for a lawyer in German immigration and foreigners law? We are happy to support you in residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities and administrative courts.
Contact us to book a video call consultation with a German immigration lawyer!
VISAGUARD.Berlin Legal Services
6. FAQ Research Visa
What is the correct additional provision for researchers?
Researchers receive the additional condition to the visa “Researchers, gainful employment only permitted in accordance with Section 18d Paragraph 5 of the Residence Act.”
Is it necessary for the immigration authorities to be involved in the visa process for a research visa?
The approval of the immigration authorities at the future German place of residence for the issuance of the
A visa is not required for researchers who have concluded a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a recognized research institution. For non-recognized research institutions and applicants with relevant previous stays in accordance with Section 31 Paragraph 1 Clause 1 No. 2 bb) Residence Ordinance, the approval of the immigration authorities is required.
How long is a research visa valid?
According to current guidelines, national visas for researchers are generally issued for a period of one year. This means that the maximum permissible period of validity for national visas according to Article 18, paragraph 2, sentence 1 of the Schengen Agreement is exhausted. If the intended length of stay is less than one year, the visa must be limited accordingly.
Is naturalization possible with a research visa?
No, according to Section 10 of the Swiss Citizenship Act, naturalization with a research visa is generally not possible. You must therefore first change to another residence permit (e.g. EU Blue Card).
Does the research visa also entitle you to teach?
Yes, according to the visa handbook, the residence permit for researchers entitles you to teach, which may also be self-employed. You should ask a lawyer for details.
