Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of research for beneficiaries of international protection

You must apply for a residence permit at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
• If you can only apply in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents checked (bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• In the case of an electronic application, the Immigration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Immigration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• If your application is approved, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the immigration office.
• The eAT card must always be collected in person.

Fees are charged for the issue of the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have concluded a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract to carry out a research project with a research institution in Germany.
• You have the status of a beneficiary of international protection or a beneficiary of international protection in another EU Member State where you have resided for at least 2 years after being granted protection.
• You have a declaration of assumption of costs from the research institution.
  In principle, the research institution must undertake in writing to assume the costs, the public authorities up to six months after the end of the hosting agreement or contract. This includes the costs for the foreigner's living expenses during an unauthorized stay in an EU member state and for deportation. In certain cases, the declaration of assumption of costs is not required. Please contact your local immigration office in this regard.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance from your income without claiming public benefits.

• Valid passport
• Current biometric photo
• Visa, if required
• Proof of the status of the beneficiary of international protection in another EU Member State
• Proof of length of stay in the EU Member State granting protection status
• Hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution to carry out the research project
• Proof of livelihood
• Proof of your health insurance
• Tenancy agreement

Issuance of a residence permit for the purpose of research for beneficiaries of international protection: EUR 100

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be possible.

• Application for a residence permit for the purpose of research for beneficiaries of international protection: no later than eight weeks before your valid visa expires
• Objection period: 1 month

about 6 to 8 weeks.

If you have concluded a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution that is recognized to carry out the special admission procedure for researchers in Germany, the immigration authority must issue the residence permit within 60 days of the application being submitted.

The list of recognized research institutions and information on this can be found under "Further information".

§ Section 18d (6) AufenthG

• § Section 18d (6) Residence Act

• Foreigners authority-specific forms can be obtained from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online.
• Online procedure occasionally possible
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes

15.07.2020