Research Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 4-8 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 75
- Validity
- At least 1 year; for EU-funded projects at least 2 years; tied to hosting agreement duration
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Under Section 18d of the Residence Act (AufenthG), researchers from third countries can obtain a residence permit to conduct research at a recognized research institution in Germany. A hosting agreement (Aufnahmevereinbarung) with the research institution is required, in which the institution commits to covering living and return travel costs for up to 6 months after the research position ends. The researcher must hold a doctoral degree or an appropriate university degree giving access to doctoral programs. This permit allows supplementary teaching activities and work at the research institution. After completing research, a 9-month job-search period is available. The residence permit fee is EUR 100 for the initial issuance.
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
Must conduct research at a recognized research institution in Germany under a valid hosting agreement
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Employment
Must have a hosting agreement or employment contract with a recognized German research institution. The institution must be listed in the EURAXESS or recognized by German authorities.
Required status: Hosting agreement or research contract with recognized institution
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Criminal record
Must not pose a threat to public safety or order. Clean criminal record required.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Biometric, 35x45mm, white background, not older than 6 months
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Hosting agreement with financial commitment from research institution, or blocked account; Minimum amount: EUR 992 per month (2025) via hosting agreement or blocked account
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National Visa Application Form for Research Stay (Section 18d); Form url: https://digital.diplo.de
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://digital.diplo.de; Location: German embassy or consulate
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Research proposal
Must be peer reviewed: No
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Degree attestation
Attesting authority: University issuing the doctoral or equivalent degree; Must be apostilled: Yes
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Private health insurance
Coverage territory: Germany; Minimum coverage: Equivalent to German statutory health insurance
How to apply
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Document gathering
Conclude a hosting agreement (Aufnahmevereinbarung) with a recognized German research institution. Gather your doctoral degree or equivalent qualification documents.
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Online application
Complete the national visa application for research stay via the German Consular Services Portal
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee of EUR 75
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Document submission
Submit all required documents including passport, photos, hosting agreement, degree certificates, CV, research proposal, proof of financial means, and health insurance
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the embassy appointment
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Processing wait
Wait for the visa decision. Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks.
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Visa collection
Collect your visa from the embassy. After arrival in Germany, register at the local registration office and apply for the residence permit at the foreigners authority.