Applying for a residence permit for mobile researchers

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 application can also be submitted to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, which will forward your application to the relevant immigration authority.

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

Federal Office for Migration and Refugees

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

Federal Office for Migration and Refugees

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• You hold a residence permit from another EU Member State valid for the duration of the procedure for the purpose of research in accordance with Directive (EU) 2016/801.
• 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 can cover your living expenses and health insurance from your income without claiming public benefits.

• Valid passport or passport replacement
• Current biometric photo
• Valid residence permit of the EU Member State for the purpose of research in accordance with Directive 2016/801
• Hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution to carry out a research project
• Proof of livelihood
• Proof of your health insurance
• Tenancy agreement

Issuance of a residence permit for the purpose of research for mobile researchers: 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 mobile researchers at least eight weeks before your valid residence permit expires.
  If you are already in Germany as a researcher within the framework of short-term mobility, the application must be submitted at least 30 days before the end of your permitted stay in Germany.
• Month of objection: 1 month

about 6 to 8 weeks.

• § Section 18f Residence Act (AufenthG)
• Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council of May 11, 2016

• 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