Short-term mobility (up to 180 days within a 360-day period)

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 for research purposes by another EU Member State in accordance with Directive (EU) 2016/801. In these cases, the researchers 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 (from 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 part 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 Foreigners Registration Office or with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. Applications filed with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees will be received and forwarded to the competent Foreigners Registration Office.

In addition to the residence permit issued by the first EU country for research purposes and in accordance with the REST Directive (Directive (EU) 2016/801), the following documents must be submitted:

• recognised and valid passport or passport substitute
• hosting agreement
• contract with the receiving research organisation
• proof of subsistence, including a certificate of health insurance.