You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of research if you are 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 the purpose of research for persons entitled to international protection is a temporary residence permit. It is issued for the duration of the research project.

The residence permit entitles the holder to undertake research at the research institution specified in the hosting agreement and to take up 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 is no interest in expelling you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have concluded an admission agreement or a corresponding contract for the implementation of 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 two years after being granted protection.
• A declaration of cost coverage 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 end of the admission agreement or contract. This includes the costs of the foreigner's living expenses during an unauthorized stay in an EU member state and for deportation. In certain cases, the declaration of cost coverage is not required. Please contact your local immigration office for more information.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance from your income without claiming public benefits.

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

• Depending on the immigration office and your specific situation, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your immigration office offers electronic applications for residence permits.
• If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• If you apply electronically, 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 supporting documents will be checked (please 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 immigration office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT card at the Foreigners' Registration Office.
• The eAT card must always be picked up in person.

There are fees for issuing the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

• You can also obtain free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the "Working and Living in Germany Hotline" on the German government's website Phone: 030 1815-1111
  Service hours: Monday to 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

Approximately 6 to 8 weeks.

If you have concluded an admission agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution that is recognized for carrying out the special admission procedure for researchers in Germany, the immigration office must issue the residence permit within 60 days of the application being submitted.

The list of recognized research institutions and related information can be found under "Further information."

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

• Valid passport
• Current biometric photo
• Visa, if required
• Proof of international protection status in another EU member state
• Proof of the duration of stay in the EU member state granting protection status
• Admission agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution for the implementation of the research project
• Proof of means of subsistence
• 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 reduction or exemption from fees may be considered.

• Fee: EUR 100.
  00 Issuance of a residence permit for the purpose of research for persons entitled to international protection

• Forms specific to immigration authorities can be obtained from your immigration authority; in some cases, these are also available online.
• Online procedures possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes