Conducting research in another Member State as part of an education programme

Section 18e of the German Residence Act [ Aufenthaltsgesetz AufenthG ]  sets out the rules regarding short-term stays for researchers in possession of a residence permit issued by another EU Member State for research purposes in accordance with Directive (EU) 2016/801 . In these cases, they do not require a German residence permit. This applies for stays of up to 180 days within a 360-day period.

There is a notification procedure for such short-term stays, which is managed by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees . This notification procedure must have been completed before the person in question enters the country.

Long-term mobility (180 days to a year)

Researchers already in possession of a residence permit issued by another EU Member State for research purposes in accordance with Directive (EU) 2016/801 who wish to carry out some of their research in Germany for a period of more than 180 days and no longer than one year (referred to as long-term mobility) may be given a residence permit in accordance with Section 18f of the German Residence Act.

Applications for residence permits in accordance with Section 18f of the German Residence Act can be filed either with the competent Aliens Department or with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. If the application is filed with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, the latter will take receipt of the application and forward it to the competent Aliens Department.

In addition to the residence permit issued by the initial EU Member State (for research purposes in accordance with the REST Directive), the following documents must also be submitted: a recognised, valid passport/equivalent document, the hosting agreement or contract with the host research institute, proof of the individual's ability to support themselves financially.