Welcome
Scientific research in Germany
General information
Researchers usually require a national visa to enter Germany for a planned scientific stay if they wish to work in Germany.
Researchers are third-country nationals who
- Hold a doctoral degree or a suitable university degree that gives access to doctoral programs and
- Are selected by a research institution and admitted to the territory of an EU Member State,
- Carry out a research activity for which such a degree is normally required.
This also includes doctoral students who are enrolled at a foreign university and want to travel to Germany for research.
If you are enrolled at a German university to complete a full-time doctoral study in Germany, please refer to “Student visa”.
Canadian citizens as well as citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America can apply for a residence permit after entering Germany at the local immigration authority, without applying for a visa beforehand. Please note that until the work permit has been issued you will not be able to work yet.
If you want to start working immediately after your arrival in Germany, you should apply for a visa about 8-10 weeks prior to the intended departure.
Necessary documents
Please do not staple the documents!
- Completed and signed application form:
Please fill out the online application (VIDEX) form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. Please ensure that the barcode is printed in high quality. - Printed and signed Declaration Use of Mail Services
- Printed and signed Visa Declaration
- Valid national passport (issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival in Germany, with 2 subsequent blank pages) - original plus 1 copy of the data page
- Recent biometrical passport photograph, stamped (35 x 45 mm, front facial view, white background, not older than 3 months). Digitally altered pictures will not be accepted. - please do not attach the photo to the application form
- For non-Canadian citizens: Proof of Canadian residence permit, e.g. PR card, work/study permit - original plus 1 copy of the data page
- Prepaid self-addressed Xpresspost envelope (Canada Post only), Regional standard to Ontario or National standard to all other provinces (shipment to a Canadian address only). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
- Proof of housing, e.g. hotel/hostel/AirBnB (min. for the first week) with full address
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To be provided prior to final approval of the visa application:
Proof of sufficient health/travel insurance coverage valid in Germany (including details about coverage: at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs. Please highlight relevant passages in the insurance terms and print only the relevant pages)
- Visa fee: see here
- Personal cover letter explaining the purpose of your stay in Germany
- Enrolment/confirmation letter of your local university / research institute (only when currently enrolled in a university / research institute)
- Invitation letter from the German university / research institute confirming conditions of your stay in Germany including payment (scholarship)
- Hosting agreement (“Aufnahmevereinbarung”) - original and 1 copy
Further information regarding recognized research institutions are available on this website - Proof of academic qualification (doctoral degree or appropriate German or foreign university degree giving access to doctoral programs – original and 1 copy
- Proof of sufficient funds for the entire stay
Please note that all documents other than in German or English must be translated into German language.
Incomplete application may result in the rejection of your application. You might have to come again for a new appointment.
Please note that you may be asked to present additional documents. Submission of the required documents does not guarantee that a visa will be granted.
Additional information and appointment booking
- Once you have obtained your visa please check carefully that all entries are correct and in accordance with your application. Please inform the visa section immediately if there are any mistakes.
- Your entry visa will allow you to travel within the Schengen area. However please be aware that you will be still subject to the 90 days within 180 days rule outside of Germany.
- Upon your arrival the border authorities may examine whether the requirements for your entry continue to be valid. Entry may be refused by the border authorities although you are in possession of a valid visa. We advise you to carry with you documents giving evidence to the purpose of your stay.
- Please do not forget to register at the registration office (Meldebehörde) shortly after you arrive in Germany and to make an appointment with the foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde). Be aware that some foreigners authorities have long waiting times for appointments.
- Explore a wealth of resources to help you take the first steps towards living and working in Germany: Make it in Germany
All Canadian residents need to apply in person at the German Consulate General in Toronto. You will have to prepare all the necessary documents (see above) and book an appointment online. New appointments are added periodically to the website, please continue to check the website if you see no available appointments.
If you select to apply by postal mail, you will only be issued a 90 days Youth Mobility visa which will have to be extended upon arrival in Germany. There may be longer wait times in Germany for this appointment at your local Foreigners authority (“Ausländerbehörde”)
See more detailed information above under ‘How to submit your application - When applying by mail’.