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Researcher residence permit in Germany

The programme allows foreign academics and researchers to work at recognised research organisations in Germany on the basis of a hosting agreement. The permit is issued for a set minimum period and can be renewed depending on the length of the research project. The researcher's spouse receives their own residence permit with the right to take up any activity in Germany without restriction.

Source: gesetze-im-internet.de — § 18d AufenthG (research)

Who can obtain this permit

The programme is intended for foreign researchers with a confirmed position at a recognised research organisation, and for their families.

The researcher

  • Has concluded a hosting agreement with a recognised research organisation in Germany
  • Plans to carry out research at the host organisation
  • May combine research with teaching

The researcher's spouse

  • Is married to a researcher who has been granted a residence permit
  • Receives their own residence permit
  • May work in any field in Germany without restriction

When this programme will not suit you

There is no offer from a recognised research organisation in Germany

Programmes for specialists (the EU Blue Card) or for graduates with a higher education degree

Work under an employment contract without researcher status

A work permit (Arbeitserlaubnis) or a standard permit for employees

What it costs

State fee for issuing the permit (up to 1 year)Charged when the residence permit is first issued100 EUR
State renewal fee (up to 3 months)96 EUR
State renewal fee (more than 3 months)93 EUR

Paid separately

  • Consular fee when filing the documents — Charged separately by the consulate and not included in this state fee

Documents to gather

The main documents required for the residence permit

  • A valid hosting agreement (Aufnahmevereinbarung) with a recognised research organisation
  • Written confirmation from the organisation of its financial guarantees (covering living costs and the cost of removal)
  • Passport or another valid identity document
  • Documents on academic qualifications and experience

How the process runs

The permit is obtained through the German immigration authorities and consulates

  1. 1

    Agreeing terms with the research organisation

    variable

    The researcher agrees with a recognised research organisation where the research will be carried out. The organisation prepares the hosting agreement and written confirmation of its financial guarantees covering living costs and the cost of removal for six months after the agreement ends.

  2. 2

    Filing the documents at the German consulate

    up to several weeks

    The researcher files the documents at the consulate in their country of residence: passport, hosting agreement, the organisation's financial guarantees and the researcher visa application.

  3. 3

    Decision on approval

    up to 60 days

    The competent authorities examine the complete file. The residence permit is issued within no more than 60 days of the complete file being submitted. The minimum period of validity is one year, and it may be extended to two years for participants in EU mobility programmes or in multilateral cooperation.

  4. 4

    Registration with the local authorities and formalities for the spouse

    up to several weeks

    After arriving in Germany the researcher registers with the local immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde). The spouse files for their own residence permit, which carries the right to take up any work in Germany.

Timelines and rights

Work

Research work at the host organisation. The spouse receives a residence permit with the right to take up any work in Germany

Who you can bring with you

The spouse can obtain their own residence permit

The researcher's spouse
Receives a residence permit on the basis of the family relationship. May work in any field in Germany without restriction. Language requirements are usually not applied at the initial stage. May apply for a permanent permit subject to certain conditions, including length of residence and pension contributions.

Trips, renewal and the grace period

A valid hosting agreement with a recognised research organisation

The residence permit can be renewed once it expires. Renewal is possible if the researcher continues to work at a recognised research organisation and the hosting agreement remains valid. Updated confirmation from the organisation that the research is continuing and that the financial guarantees remain in place must be submitted. The validity of the renewed permit depends on the length of the project but cannot be less than one year.

What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship

Route to permanent residence

Permanent residence after 3 years on a residence permit under § 18d with German at B1 and 36 months of pension contributions

Route to citizenship

Naturalisation after 5 years of residence

Frequently asked questions about Researcher residence permit

How can permanent residence be obtained after this permit?
After five years of residence in Germany with a researcher permit, holding evidence of 60 months of contributions to the pension system and German at B1, an application can be made for a permanent permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis). Evidence of integration into German society and the absence of security concerns are also required.
Can a researcher combine teaching with research?
Yes, the residence permit expressly states the right to carry out research and to teach at the host organisation.
Is knowledge of German required for this permit?
No particular level of German is required for the initial residence permit as a researcher. Later, however, German at B1 will be required to obtain a permanent residence permit.
What is a hosting agreement and where can it be obtained?
A hosting agreement (Aufnahmevereinbarung) is a document signed between the researcher and a recognised research organisation setting out the project, its duration and the terms of the work. It is prepared by the host organisation (a university or a research institute).
How long does it take to process an application for the permit?
The residence permit for researchers must be issued by the competent authorities within a maximum of 60 days of the complete file being submitted.
How long is the residence permit issued for?
The permit is issued for a minimum of one year. For participants in EU mobility programmes and multilateral research cooperation the permit may be issued for two years. The period may be shorter if the research project ends earlier.

Other ways to move to Germany

Every route in one list — migration programmes: Germany.

The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 7 August 2026.