If you are from a non-EU country, you may be eligible for a residence permit for research purposes. To qualify, you must have signed a hosting agreement or a similar contract with a research institution in Germany.
Under residence law, third countries include all countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
With the residence permit, you may:
- begin your research activities at the research institution with which you have concluded the hosting agreement and
- teach
If the research institution is primarily funded by public funds, it is considered a recognized research institution. In this case, you only need a letter of acceptance.
If the research institution is not funded by public funds, it must confirm in writing that it will cover all costs incurred by public authorities for up to 6 months after the end of the admission agreement:
- for your living expenses during an unauthorized stay in the EU
- for deportation, if applicable
With a residence permit for research purposes, you may, under certain conditions, conduct research and teach in another EU country for up to 180 days.
If your research project changes during your stay, you will still retain your residence permit.
Under certain conditions, you may be accompanied by family members:
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- Your spouse is over 18 years of age.
- The accompanying family members can communicate in German at a basic level.
- You have sufficient living space.
- The family’s livelihood is secured.
The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence
