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Research Residence Permit

GermanyTalent and merit

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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Get your free results Read the five questions ↓

Which exceptional-talent, academic, scientific, artistic, technological, cultural or other profiles does the pathway target?

The route targets researchers coming to work in Germany under Section 18d AufenthG, including doctoral students whose thesis is done under a work contract with a German research facility.

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What achievements, recognition, awards, publications, reputation or other evidence establishes the required level?

A researcher must hold at least a PhD or doctorate or an academic qualification giving access to doctoral programmes (Article 3 Directive (EU) 2016/801).

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Is an employer, nominator, recognised body, peer group or government endorsement required?

A hosting agreement or work contract with a German research institute is required, and the institute must commit in writing to cover living and return-travel costs for up to 6 months after the position ends; this commitment does not apply if the institute is mainly publicly funded.

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  • https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/other/research
    You have concluded a hosting agreement or a work contract with a research institute in Germany. The research institute commits itself in writing to cover your living and travel costs back to your country of origin, which otherwise have to be covered by public funds. This commitment applies for up to 6 months after the research position has ended. This clause is not applicable if your research position is primarily funded by public funds.

Can the holder change employer, work independently, establish a business or conduct other professional activity? What is the family position?

A §18d research residence permit authorises research at the institution named in the hosting agreement and teaching activity. A change to the research project itself does not remove that permission. The official portal also describes limited research and teaching mobility in other participating EU states. Other employment or a change of a restriction stated on the individual title requires the applicable permission under the general §4a(3) rule. These captured materials do not establish independent business activity, a free change of host institution, or the family-reunification conditions for this specific research permit.

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Limits of the record
  • A free change of host research institution, independent business work and family-reunification conditions for a §18d holder are not established by the captured research-specific sources.
  • Current AufenthG §18d(5), host research and teaching
    (5) Eine Aufenthaltserlaubnis nach Absatz 1 berechtigt zur Aufnahme der Forschungstätigkeit bei der in der Aufnahmevereinbarung bezeichneten Forschungseinrichtung und zur Aufnahme von Tätigkeiten in der Lehre. Änderungen des Forschungsvorhabens während des Aufenthalts führen nicht zum Wegfall dieser Berechtigung.
  • Official research visa portal, work/teaching and limited mobility
    With this residence permit, you can work at the research institute listed in your work contract or you can take on a teaching position. It is possible to extend your residence permit provided you fulfil the same requirements. You can conduct research and teach for a limited period of time in other EU states (with the exception of the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark).
  • Current AufenthG §4a(3), title restrictions
    (3) Jeder Aufenthaltstitel muss erkennen lassen, ob die Ausübung einer Erwerbstätigkeit erlaubt ist und ob sie Beschränkungen unterliegt. Zudem müssen Beschränkungen seitens der Bundesagentur für Arbeit für die Ausübung der Beschäftigung in den Aufenthaltstitel übernommen werden. Für die Änderung einer Beschränkung im Aufenthaltstitel ist eine Erlaubnis erforderlich.

What duration, renewal and accelerated or normal longer-term residence pathway is officially stated?

The permit is issued for at least one year and is extendable if the requirements continue to be met; a settlement permit is possible after four years. After the position ends, the holder has up to 18 months to find another position in line with their qualifications, via a residence permit for jobseekers.

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These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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