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Welcome Centre for International Researchers

Visa

The type of visa you need depends on the length of time that you will be in Germany, the purpose of your stay in Germany and your nationality.

The following visa types are most commonly used in the field of research:

The Welcome Centre will be happy to advise you in figuring out which visa is most suitable for your individual case.

If your spouse and/ or children will be accompanying you during your stay, we advise you to submit all applications at the same time, even if your family is arriving later.

The national visa is issued for a period of twelve months (except if the stay is planned for a shorter period of time). After arriving in Germany, you must apply for a residence permit (at least approx. 6-8 weeks before your visa expires) based on your initial visa at the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde). Detailed information can be found here.

 

Short stays of up to three months

From EU countries, the European Economic Area and Switzerland

Researchers from these countries are exempt from visa requirements. You do not need a separate residence and work permit.

Exceptions from visa requirements

Nationals from some countries are allowed to enter Germany without a visa for stays of up to three months. A list of these countries can be found on the homepage of the Federal Foreign Office "Country Visa Requirements". Please note that, in general, you cannot apply for a residence permit for a longer stay after entering Germany and must leave the country after 90 days at the latest. If you are not sure how long you would like to stay in Germany, you should already apply for a visa in your home country or country of residence.

Also for British nationals, the Schengen entry requirements for visa-exempt countries apply. You can apply for the residence permit (including stays over 90 days) after the visa-free entry.

From all other third countries

If you do not belong to one of the groups mentioned above, you must apply for a visa to enter Germany. If you plan to stay in Germany for less than 90 days per 6 months, a Schengen-Visa (Category C) should be acceptable. Please note that a Schengen visa cannot be extended and a residence permit can only be applied for under very specific conditions. This means that you must leave the country at the latest after 90 days. In order to obtain a Schengen-Visa, you must prove that you are able to financially support yourself during your stay in Germany. It is also required that you have a travel health insurance good for all Schengen countries with a 30,000 Euro minimum limit of liability. When filling out your Schengen-Visa application, be sure to state “scientific activity” or “research” as your purpose for travel. You can complete your application online and print it out by clicking here. The holder of a Schengen-Visa is entitled to free movement and residence in all countries which have joined the Schengen Agreement (so-called Schengen States).

Stays of more than three months

From EU countries, the European Economic Area and Switzerland

Researchers from these countries are exempt from visa requirements. You do not need a separate residence and work permit. 

From Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, UK and the USA

Researchers from these countries do not need a visa to enter Germany. However, upon arrival, you must apply for a residence and work permit at the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde).

If you wish to work in Germany immediately after entering the country, you must apply for a visa that allows you to pursue gainful employment at the relevant German missions abroad before entering the country.
 

From all other third countries

Researchers from all other countries must apply for a visa to enter Germany at any German embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence. We recommend that you apply for the visa that allows you the most freedom in terms of your stay. However, the type of visa you may apply for depends on many factors, including how much you earn and if your family intends to join you during your stay.

Visa Application

You can find out whether it is already possible to apply for a visa for Germany online in your country of residence on the Federal Foreign Office's new Consular Services Portal. Note: It is not yet possible to apply online for a research visa (§ 18d AufenthG).

Detailed information and checklists regarding the documents required for visa applications can be found on the respective website of the German mission abroad.

As a rule, you must submit at least the following documents when applying for a visa:

  • Application form (short-term stay, long-term stay)
  • Valid passport
  • Bio-metric passport photo (35 x 45 mm)
  • Proof purpose of stay (e.g. invitation letter, Hosting Agreement, job offer, letter of admission for doctoral studies) 
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources (e.g. Hosting Agreement, letter of award, blocked account)
  • (Travel) health insurance
  • For family members, marriage and birth certificates

Useful Tips

  • A Schengen visa can only be converted into a long-term residence permit under very specific conditions.
  • Keep in mind that applying for a visa can take several months in some countries.
  • Please ensure that your passport is valid for the entire length of your desired stay in Germany.
  • Fee Waiver: Recipients of a German scholarship who receive public funding (e.g. DAAD, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation) are exempt from paying fees for their visa and residence permit.