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.
Citizens of the member states of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) enjoy unlimited freedom of movement in Germany and do not need to apply for a residence permit.
Requirements
- Entry with a German visa for research. This visa must be applied for at the German mission abroad in your home country. Exception: Nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand and the United States of America can enter without a visa.
- 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)
You can apply for a research residence permit at your relevant location at Hamburg Service vor Ort - Ausländerangelegenheiten ('Foreigners' Affairs') or at the Hamburg Welcome Center. Contact the relevant authority directly or use the Online Service Residence Permit Hamburg to submit your documents. You can find information about the necessary documents in our section forms.
Intra-European mobility for researchers (up to 180 days)
If you have already been issued a research residence permit in another EU member state, you may stay in Germany for the purpose of research without a German residence permit up to a maximum of 180 days within a 360-day period. Your host research institution must notify the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) that you will perform part of your research in Germany.
Requirements
- You have a residence title for the purpose of research issued by another EU member state (in accordance with EU Directive 2016/801), valid for the full period of your intended stay in Germany.
- Proof of a valid hosting agreement or a similar contract with the host research instution where you want to research.
- Proof that you can finance your stay in Germany.
If the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) does not deny your entry application, it will issue you a entry certificate for the purpose of research in Germany, valid for up to 180 days.
Intra-European mobility for researchers (over 180 days)
If you have already been issued a research residence permit in another EU member state and you plan on doing research in Germany for more than 180 days and up to one year, you must apply for a Residence Permit for Mobile Researchers.
Requirements
- You have a residence title for the purpose of research issued by another EU member state (in accordance with EU Directive 2016/801), valid for the full period of your intended stay in Germany.
- Proof of a valid hosting agreement or a similar contract with the host research institution where you want to research.
- Proof that you can finance your stay in Germany.
If you've submitted your application for a residence permit for more that 180 days at least 30 days prior to your stay in Germany and if you hold a valid residence title issued by another EU member state, you may stay and do research in Germany for up to 180 days, until your application is being decided upon.
