You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of research if you have been recognized as a person entitled to international protection in an EU member state and have resided in that state for at least two years after being granted protection.

The residence permit for research purposes for beneficiaries of international protection is a temporary residence permit. It is issued for the duration of the research project.

The residence permit entitles the holder to engage in research activities at the research institution specified in the hosting agreement and to undertake teaching activities. Changes to the research project during the stay do not result in the loss of this entitlement.

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or harm 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 person entitled to international protection in another EU member state where you have resided for at least 2 years following the granting of that protection.
• A declaration of financial responsibility from the research institution is available.
  In principle, the research institution must commit in writing to covering costs incurred by public authorities for up to six months after the termination of the admission agreement or contract. These include the costs of the foreign national’s living expenses during an unauthorized stay in an EU member state and the costs of deportation. In certain cases, the declaration of financial support is not required. Please contact your local immigration office regarding this matter.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance coverage from your income without relying on public benefits.

You must apply for a residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence. The process is as follows:

• Depending on the Foreigners’ Registration Office and the nature of your request, it may be possible to apply online. Check whether your Foreigners’ Registration Office offers the option to apply for a residence permit electronically.
• If you can only apply in person, schedule an appointment with the Foreigners’ Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be reviewed (be sure to bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to issue an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• If you submit your application online, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to schedule an in-person appointment at the office, if necessary. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be reviewed (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken to issue 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 pick up the eAT card at the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
• The eAT card must generally be picked up in person.

Fees apply for the issuance of the residence permit. The timing and method of payment vary depending on the agency.

• You can also get free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the “Work and Life in Germany Hotline” on the Federal Government’s website Phone: 030 1815-1111
  Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
   

• List of recognized research institutions:

https://www.bamf.de/SharedDocs/Anlagen/DE/Forschung/ListenAnerkennungsverfahren/001-liste-der-anerkennungen.html?nn=282656

Section 18d (6) of the Residence Act

• Applying for a residence permit for research purposes for persons entitled to international protection: no later than eight weeks before your current visa expires
• Appeal period: 1 month

• 
  Application period: 0–8 weeks; apply no later than eight weeks before your current visa expires

About 6 to 8 weeks.

If you have signed an admission agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution that is recognized for conducting the special admission procedure for researchers in Germany, the Foreigners’ Registration Office must issue the residence permit within 60 days of the application being filed.

You can find the list of recognized research institutions and related information under “Further Information.”

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• Valid passport
• Current biometric photo
• Visa, if required
• Proof of status as a beneficiary of international protection in another EU Member State
• Proof of the duration of stay in the EU Member State that granted the protection status
• Admission agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution for the purpose of carrying out the research project
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses
• Proof of health insurance
• Rental agreement

Issuance of a residence permit for research purposes for persons entitled to international protection: EUR 100

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

• Fee: 100.00 EUR
  Issuance of a residence permit for research purposes for persons entitled to international protection

• You can obtain forms specific to your local immigration office at that office; in some cases, they may also be available online.
• Online procedures are possible in some cases
• Written submission required: yes
• In-person appearance required: yes