Residence permit for the purpose of research

Please note in particular our information under:
  • Performance specification

    You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of research if you have concluded a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution in Germany to carry out a research project.

    With a German residence permit for research purposes, you can also conduct research and teach in another EU state for a limited period of time. Some Member States require a separate notification to the respective competent authorities for this purpose. You can find information on the homepage of the Federal Office for Migration and on the procedure and contact details of the respective National Contact Points in other EU Member States (see "Further information").

    The residence permit for the purpose of research is a temporary residence title. It is issued for at least one year, and for at least 2 years if the applicant participates in a Union or multilateral programme with mobility measures. If the duration of the research project is shorter, it is issued for its duration, but for at least one year if participating in a Union or multilateral programme with mobility measures.

    The residence permit entitles the holder to take up research activities at the research institution designated in the hosting agreement and to take up teaching activities. Changes to the research project during the stay do not lead to the discontinuation of this entitlement.

  • Process flow

    The residence permit must be applied for at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

    • Depending on the foreigners authority and your concerns, it may be possible to apply via the internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
    • If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment with the Aliens' Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be received and your documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
    • In case of an electronic application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receipt of your online application to arrange an appointment at the Aliens' Registration 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 granted, the Aliens Department will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
    • After about six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the Aliens' Registration Office.
    • The eAT card must always be collected in person.

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

  • Requirements

    • Hold a recognised and valid passport or passport replacement and, if required, an appropriate visa.
    • There is no interest in deportation against you.
    • Their stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
    • You have concluded a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution to conduct a research project in Germany.
    • A declaration of assumption of costs by the research institution is available.
      In principle, the research institution must undertake in writing to assume costs, the public bodies up to six months after the termination of the hosting agreement or contract. These include the costs of subsistence during an unauthorised stay in an EU member state and for deportation.
      However, a declaration of assumption of costs is not required in certain cases. Contact your competent foreigners authority in this regard.
    • You can secure your livelihood and health insurance cover from your income without claiming public benefits.
  • Which documents are required?

    • Valid passport
    • Visa, if required
    • Current biometric photo
    • Hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution
    • Proof of livelihood (e.g. proof of income)
    • Proof of your health insurance
    • Rental agreement
    Special information for - District of Waldeck-Frankenberg

    Application for a residence permit

  • What are the fees?

    • Issue of residence permit for the purpose of research: EUR 100
    • Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be considered.
  • Processing time

    about 6 to 8 weeks.

    If you have concluded a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution that is recognised to carry out the special admission procedure for researchers in the Federal territory, the Foreigners' Registration Office must issue the residence permit within 60 days of submitting the application. The list of recognised research institutions and the information on this can be found under "Further information".

  • Legal basis

    Special information for - District of Waldeck-Frankenberg

Who do I need to contact?

Please contact the foreigners authority responsible for your area.

Special information for - District of Waldeck-Frankenberg

Do you live in the northern district: municipality of Willingen (Upland), municipality of Diemelsee, town of Diemelstadt, town of Volkmarsen, town of Bad Arolsen, city of Lichtenfels, town of Bad Wildungen, municipality of Vöhl or in the town of Waldeck? Then you will find the right contact persons for your request here:

First letter Surname

Responsible processing

Aa - Aln, H, I, S, Y, UMA

Sabine Schlüter

Aa - Aln

Claudia Schweinsberg

Alo - Az, H, I, S

Jenta Sesselmann

B, E, D, Mj - Mz, L, U, V, W, X

Detlef Reimann

B, E, L, Mj - Mz

Jörg Jordan

C, G, Alo - Az

Eleni Bangert

C,G

Judith Schlömer

D,W

Elfi Schäfer

F, J, K, Ma - Mi, N

Elke Geiseler-Matsuda

F, J, Kh - Kz, U, V, Y, X

Franziska Brücher

Ka-Kg, 0, P, Q, Z

Ruslan Kosjan

Ma-Mi, N, UMA

Claudia Jellen

O, P,Q, R, T, Z

Beate Hocke

R,T

Monika Plathe


If you live in the southern district: Gemeinde Edertal, Stadt Frankenau, Stadt Frankenberg (Eder), Gemeinde Allendorf (Eder), Stadt Hatzfeld (Eder), Gemeinde Burgwald, Gemeinde Haina (Kloster), Stadt Gemünden (Wohra) or in the Stradt Rosenthal, you will find your contact persons here:

First letter Surname


Responsible processing

A-K

Carolina Bergener

A-K

Denise Klauke

A-K

Gerlinde Schäfer-Vogel

L-Z

Dominik Stenzel

L-Z

Andreas Hartmann

Responsible departments

Responsible staff