Research Visa Germany

While there is no minimum qualification level as such for scientists in their field of choice, there are some prerequisite criteria that must be met for the applicant to be eligible for a research visa. These are as follows:

• The applicant must already have a hosting agreement drawn up and in place between them as a researcher and an established research institute in Germany
• This agreement must be in place for a duration of between three months and one year
• The applicant must be able to prove they have sufficient health insurance cover in place for the intended duration of their stay in Germany
• The applicant must be able to prove they have accommodation for the intended duration of their stay
• The applicant must be able to prove they have at least a single qualification in a field related to their research project – although there’s no stipulated minimum level for this qualification
• The applicant must be aged over 18
• The applicant must not have been refused a German visa before.

If the researcher is also applying to bring their immediate family with them under family reunification rules, family members must meet the following criteria:

• A spouse must be legally married or in a civil partnership with the applicant
• Any dependents must be aged under 18 and unmarried
• The applicant must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient accommodation to house all of their immediate family for the intended duration of their stay in Germany
• The applicant must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support their immediate family for the intended duration of their stay
• All applicants must be able to demonstrate at least a basic knowledge of the German language.

The application for a German Research visa should be accompanied by some supporting documentation to prove the applicant’s eligibility. Once received, the German immigration authorities may request further documents and this will place the application on pause until such documentation is received.

The following constitutes the standard supporting documents to be submitted along with the application form, notwithstanding any further requests:

• A valid passport that expires no sooner than six months after the intended end of the applicant’s stay
• Two passport standard photographs of the applicant, taken no longer than six months ago
• A covering letter written by the applicant explaining the purpose of their intended stay in Germany and an outline of their research project

• A ‘no objection letter’ from the applicant’s educational establishment or research institution in their usual country of residence, stating that they have contractual obligations in their home country which they will return to
• A confirmation letter from the Germany university, educational establishment or research institution giving details of their stay in the country, the research to be carried out and details of financial remuneration
• Proof of any relevant qualifications in the scientific field the research is to be conducted in; there is no minimum level for this but it’s generally considered that the more, the better
• Proof of accommodation for the duration of the intended stay (this may be a rental agreement, hotel reservation or letter from a host)
• Proof of health insurance coverage valid for the intended duration of the stay.

Sign hosting agreement with relevant research institute

It is a prerequisite of any science research visa that the applicant must have a signed hosting agreement with an educational establishment (usually a university) or relevant research business in place before any application is filed. This must be confirmed, signed and dated ahead of the application.

File visa application form online

The application form for the research visa should be filed online through the German immigration office website. This notifies authorities of the intention to file formally through a visa. The completed application should be printed, as copies will need to be provided along with the supporting documents.

Collect all required supporting documents

All supporting documents should be collected and compiled ahead of the in-person visa interview, as the inability to provide anything on the day will result in the appointment being cancelled and the application being halted.

Attend visa interview and pay fee

A visa interview at the local German Consulate should be booked and attended in-person by the applicant. At this interview the applicant must present both the printed, signed copies of the application form and the supporting documents. The applicant must be able to recall details on their intended research to an interviewer.

Receive decision

In most cases it takes two weeks to receive a decision on a researchers’ visa application. This decision will be supplied to the applicant in writing, usually by post. In the event of a visa refusal, any recourse for appeal will be detailed.

Travel to Germany

Once an application has been accepted for a research visa, the applicant is free to travel to Germany as soon as it is valid. Work on the research project may commence and the visa holder may legally reside in the country for the visa duration.