Residence permit

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Residence Permit for Research

Foreign nationals who are planning to work as a researcher in Germany should apply for a residence permit that states this purpose.

A residence permit for research purposes is typically issued for at least one year and can be extended upon application. If the research project is carried out for a shorter period of time, the residence permit will be limited to the duration of the research project. 


Requirements


Visa for researchers
Exceptions

  • Citizens of certain countries can apply for a residence permit after entering Germany. More on this in the article on visas.
  • Citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland enjoy unrestricted freedom of movement.

A hosting agreement or a contract concluded with the hosting research organisation.
The research organisation has committed to pay any costs resulting from a potential illegal residence in Germany after the hosting agreement has ended, for a period of up to six months. This requirement may be waived if the research organisation is mainly financed by public funds or the research project is of particular public interest.

Sufficient health insurance (Annex 1).


Submit application

Submit application

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Apply for a residence permit

Information and documents for applying for your residence permit in Hamburg can be found in the Forms and Checklists section.

More

Prospects after completion of the research activity

After completion of the research activity, the residence permit is extended by up to nine months for the purpose of seeking gainful employment corresponding to the researcher's qualifications, provided that the degree has been confirmed by the host institution and this gainful employment may be taken up by a foreigner. The residence permit authorises the holder to pursue gainful employment during this period.