§ 18d AufenthG ("residence permit for reseachers")

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Are you a PhD student or a postdoc with an employment contract aiming to complete a research stay at the University of Tübingen or its related institutions? Then the appropriate residence permit for you is the residence permit according to § 18d AufenthG ("researcher"). 

Requirements

To obtain a § 18d AufenthG ("researcher") residence permit, you need:

  • To hold a doctoral degree or an appropriate higher education qualification which gives you access to doctoral programs.
  • To have been selected by a research organization (e.g. University of Tübingen, Max Planck Institute, etc) and admitted to an EU country to carry out your research.
  • To prove secured livelihood, health insurance coverage and adequate housing.

Additionally, you will be asked to provide a hosting agreement upon your appointment at the German embassy or consulate. To find out who is authorized to issue the hosting agreement in the institution where you will conduct your research, please contact your personal support 

Required Documents
  • Valid passport: Your current original passport. 
  • Current biometric passport photo: A recent photo that meets biometric standards.
  • Hosting agreement: An agreement with a recognized research institution in Germany confirming the execution of a research project.
  • Proof of secured livelihood: Documents demonstrating that you can support yourself without relying on public funds.
    • Employment contract
    • Scholarship agreement
    • Bank statements to prove sufficient available personal funds 
  • Proof of health insurance coverage: Confirmation of valid health insurance for the entire duration of your planned stray. 
  • Proof of adequate housing: Documents proving that you have suitable accommodation for yourself and, if applicable, your family. 
  • Proof that there is no interest in your expulsion
  • Proof of the financial responsibility declaration from the research institution
What opportunities does the § 18d AufenthG ("researcher") residence permit offer?

The § 18d AufenthG ("researcher") residence permit offers many advantages over other types of residence permits. It is advantages include: 

  • Under certain conditions you are entitled to get child benefits. Your spouse won’t have to prove German language ability if you want to bring your family with you.
  • The § 18d AufenthG ("reseacher") visa is issued much faster than any other visa. 
  • The immigration office cannot deny your § 18d AufenthG ("researcher") residence permit if you have a valid hosting agreement. The hosting agreement gives you a legal entitlement to this residence permit.
  • No enrollment at the University is needed. You do not have to pay the semester fee if you choose not to enroll during your doctoral studies. 
  • Eligibility to obtain a settlement permit after three years in Germany. 

Possible disadvantages of the § 18d AufenthG ("researcher") residence permit

  • Higher financial requirements than other types of residence permit, such as the § 16b AufenthG ("student") residence permit. 
  • Your employment is tied to the University of Tübingen or its related institutions. You therefore cannot take up a part-time job at an employer outside of the University.

The § 18d AufenthG ("researcher") residence permit ties you to the University of Tübingen much more than any other type of residence permit. Please keep in mind that you will need

  • A host at the University or its related institutions 
  • A work contract at the University or its related institutions / a scholarship / sufficient private funding
  • A valid research project 

at all times during your stay in Germany. If you fail to provide the above-mentioned, your residence permit cannot be extended! 

Can I get a § 18d AufenthG ("researcher") residence permit without a work contract?

Yes. PhD students and Postdocs without a work contract can obtain a hosting agreement if

  • they can prove that they are the recipient of a scholarship or
  • they can prove sufficient private funding (e.g. bank statements) in EUR 

to cover the cost of living during the entire duration of their research stay. 

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