As a researcher, you have a legal right to be granted a residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment. The residence permit will be granted for a maximum of 9 months immediately following your previous research activity. This will enable you to find a job that matches your qualifications. The aim of your search may also be to become self-employed. This residence permit allows you to work without restriction.
 

You have carried out research in Germany, completed it, and held a valid residence permit for the purpose of research (§ 18d or § 18e AufenthG). Other general requirements for a residence permit are:
- a
secure livelihood, - a verified identity,
- possession of a valid national passport.

You can only apply for a residence permit in person at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence.
You must submit the original copies of the required documents and pay the application fee.
The immigration office will check whether the requirements for granting a residence permit are met.
- If all requirements are met, the immigration office will record your biometric data (photo, fingerprints) and order the electronic residence permit (eAT) from the Federal Printing Office
.- As soon as the eAT is ready, it will be handed over to you by the immigration office.

Information for skilled workers from abroad can be found on the German Federal Government's portal
https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/

The legal basis can be found on the Laws page on the Internet
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__20.html
 

The legal basis, Section 20 (3) No. 2 of the Act on the Residence, Employment, and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (AufenthG), can be found on the following website:

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__20.htmlhttps://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__20.html

- Appeal
Detailed information on this can be found in the notice rejecting your application.
- Administrative court action

Submit your application before your current residence permit expires. We recommend that you visit the office 4 to 6 weeks before your current residence permit expires.

• Application deadline: 4 weeks. It is recommended
  that you visit the office 4 to 6 weeks before your current residence permit expires.

- Processing times may vary depending on the local immigration authorities (approximately 5 to 6 weeks).

• 5 weeks
  Depending on the local immigration office (approximately 5 to 6 weeks).

- The immigration office responsible for your place of residence.
 

- Valid national
passport - Proof of secure livelihood (e.g., employment contract and pay slips, bank statements, declaration of commitment from a third party)
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of qualifications (degree certificate, transcript, or certificate from your university confirming successful completion of your studies
) - 1 recent
biometric photo - Please check with your local immigration office to see if you need to submit any additional
documents.  

Fixed costs: Fee EUR 98.00

• Fee: EUR 98.00

- Forms: none
- Online procedure possible: no
- Written form required: no
- Personal appearance required: yes