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Apply for a Residence Permit for Research Purposes

If you would like to conduct a research project at a German research institution, you can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of research.

  • Basic information

    If you are from a third country, you can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of conducting research. To do so, you must have entered into a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution in Germany.

    Under residence law, “non-EU countries” include all countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

    With this residence permit, you are permitted to:

    • begin your research activities at the research institution with which you have concluded the admission agreement, and
    • teach

    If the research institution is primarily funded by public funds, it is considered a recognized research institution. In this case, you only need a letter of acceptance.

    If the research institution is not funded by public funds, it must confirm in writing that it will cover all costs incurred by public authorities for up to 6 months after the end of the admission agreement:

    • for your living expenses during an unauthorized stay in the EU
    • for deportation, if applicable

    With a residence permit for research purposes, you may, under certain conditions, conduct research and teach in another EU country for up to 180 days.

    If your research project changes during your stay, you will still retain your residence permit.

    Under certain conditions, you may be accompanied by family members:

    • Your spouse is over 18 years of age.
    • The accompanying family members must be able to communicate in German at a basic level.
    • You have sufficient living space.
    • The family’s livelihood is secured.

    Requirements

    • Their livelihood is secure, and they have adequate health insurance coverage.
    • Your identity and nationality have been verified.
    • There are no grounds for deportation or an entry ban against you.
    • You meet the passport requirement.
    • You entered the country with the required visa. Your stay is lawful. 
    • You have entered into an admission agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution.
    • If the research institution is not publicly funded, you may submit a statement from the institution confirming that it will cover your expenses.
    • Your primary residence is in the city of Bremen. 

  • Procedure
    • The application and the required documents can be submitted to us by email or mail. 
    • If necessary, the Immigration Office will request additional documents.
    • If your application is approved, you will receive an appointment to come in for an interview.

    More information

    Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is provided for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

    Starting May 1, 2025, passport photos will only be accepted in digital form. The passport photo must be taken using a registration system on-site at the Office of Migration, at a photo studio, or at a photo service provider. You cannot submit a digital passport photo from your cell phone. For more information, please visit our website. Limited exceptions to the biometric requirements are permitted for infants and young children.

    A residence permit can only be issued for the duration of your national passport’s validity. Please apply for renewal well in advance of your national passport’s expiration date.
    If you do not have a valid national passport, you must provide evidence of your efforts to obtain one (for example: written confirmation from the embassy, reasons for any delays).

  • Necessary Documents
    • National Passport / Proof of Identity
    • A current biometric passport photo
    • Proof of Employment
      • Agreement with a research institution to conduct a research project, including funding, or a contract with a research institution
      • A written statement from the research institution confirming that it will cover the foreign national’s living expenses during an unauthorized stay in a member state of the European Union and will bear the costs of the foreign national’s deportation for up to six months following the termination of the admission agreement.
      • Proof of health insurance
    • If the application is filed by an authorized representative: Power of attorney specifying the subject matter of the proceeding
    • If you already have a residence permit or another German residence authorization for the federal territory
      • Copy of your residence permit
    • If you have entered the country and are applying for a residence permit for the first time, you must also:
      • Entry stamps, as well as a visa for entry or a residence permit from another EU country in the passport (if applicable)
    • Proof of primary residence in the municipality of Bremen

  • Forms

  • Fees / Costs

    100,00 EUR When a residence permit is issued for the first time as an electronic residence permit
    93,00 EUR When renewing a residence permit as an electronic residence permit
    27,60 EUR For Turkish nationals up to age 24 for initial issuance / for renewal
    46,00 EUR For Turkish nationals aged 24 or older: for initial issuance / for
    renewal
    56,00 EUR when the residence permit is issued for the first time as a label
    49,00 EUR when renewing a residence permit as a label
    6,00 EUR in addition, for taking a digital passport photo at the on-site self-service terminal

  • Deadlines & processing time

    What deadlines must be paid attention to?

    8 weeks You should apply for a residence permit no later than 8 weeks before your current visa or residence permit expires.
    You will be granted a residence permit for the purpose of research for at least one year, unless the research project ends earlier. If you are participating in a European Union or multilateral program that includes mobility measures, the residence permit will be granted for at least two years; if the program is shorter, the permit will be granted for at least one year.

    How long does it take to process

    Once we receive your application, we will need some time to process and review it. Once the review is complete, we will get back to you.

  • Legal Bases

  • More Information

This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.

The official information in German is complete and correct.

Updated on 11.08.2026

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