Researcher Visa
🇩🇪 Germany visas · Work
What it is
Residence permit for researchers from non-EU countries holding a hosting agreement or work contract with a German research institute.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- At least 1 year (extendable while requirements continue to be met)
- Processing time
- Not specified on page
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Direct route
- Dependants
- Yes
- How to apply
- Embassy
- Health insurance
- Required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (national (D) visa to enter)
- EUR 75
- Application fee (residence permit, issued after arrival)
- EUR 100
Key requirements
- Hosting agreement or work contract with a German research institute
- Researcher qualification: at least a PhD or qualification giving access to a doctoral programme
- Research institute commits to cover living and return-travel costs for up to 6 months (unless publicly funded)
- Sufficient means for the duration of stay
- Health insurance
Working on this visa
Research at the research institution named in the hosting agreement plus teaching activities; changes to the research project do not remove this entitlement.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 27 July 2026.