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Foreigners wanting to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days and who want to work or study in Germany need a visa. Nevertheless, there are several exemptions (see visa requirements).

First of all, the good news: the procedure for admitting third-country nationals for the purpose of scientific research in Europe has been optimised. Find out more about entry and residence requirements for researchers from Non-EU-Countries here: www.bamf.de/forschungsaufenthalte  Federal Office for Migration and Refugees

In general, visa can be obtained from the German mission (Embassy or Consulate) in the respective country. Please be sure to contact the nearest German mission in good time for information and advice on the visa requirements. German missions abroad

Visa requirements for nationals of various countries

• Nationals from the following countries are exempted from the visa requirement: EU Member State or an EEA State (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) plus Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, Republic of Korea (South Korea), New Zealand, and the United States
• Nationals of Andorra, Honduras, Monaco, San Marino are exempted from the visa requirement (visa only needed if the holder wishes to work in Germany before or after the stay).
• Nationals of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, Singapore, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela require a visa if staying for longer than three months. No visa is needed if the stay is shorter than three months.
• All other nationals require a visa, regardless of the length of stay.

For up-to-date information, please go to www.auswaertiges-amt.de/ 

Visa types

The type of your visa depends on the duration of your research stay. Essentially, two types of visas are available:

National Visa: Such a visa is issued for stays lasting three months or more. This is the visa you need for longer (research or study) stays.

Schengen Visa: This visa is issued for short stays of up to three months. Holders of a Schengen Visa must leave the country after three months. Hence, it is not a suitable instrument for doing a doctorate or completing a longer research stay.

Arriving in Germany

Once you have entered Germany, you must report to the registration authority (Bürgeramt or Meldebehörde, just like everybody must who lives in Germany) and then to the Foreigners Authority (Ausländeramt). The staff there will also be able to give you information on residence and work permit issues. Your institutional sponsor may also be able to assist or advise you. Please discuss this with your local embassy or consulate.

We also recommend that you check the following website for further information: www.auswaertiges-amt.de/ www.daad.de/en/form