Germany Researcher Visa – Eligibility and How to Apply
With a Germany researcher visa, you will be able to remain in Germany for a specific period as you search for employment.
Anyone who wants to research in Germany must have a visa if he is a citizen of the non-EU member country.
However, the visa must be submitted about 2 to 3 months before the start of your stay in Germany.
Once you have this visa, you can work in the company you have a contract with or can also serve as a teacher in another institute.
In addition, you can also research in other EU states without requiring their visas except Denmark, Ireland and UK.
When you have completed your research, you can live in Germany for up to 9 months to find a job and this requires applying for a settlement permit.
In this article, you will learn all about the Germany researcher visa, the eligibility criteria, the documents required, and steps to apply for the visa. Now, let’s explore!
What is Germany Researcher Visa?
Germany researcher visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to stay in Germany for a specific period to conduct research.
To be eligible for a research visa in Germany, you must have original research results that will be of benefit to the German public.
Without a doubt, Germany is one of the very many countries that seek outstanding employees and encourages young skilled workers to establish a source of income and get highly paid positions.
In addition, Germany researcher visa does not guarantee that you will start research immediately in Germany. It only allows you to stay in the country pending the time you get a job in the research institute.
Why research in Germany?
Whether you hope to gain international experience, arrange research partnerships or find long-term career prospects in a new environment.
Here are five reasons why you should come to Germany for research.
#1. Germany is a leading science and research nation
German industry and Germany’s public research organisations are among the world leaders in many sectors when it comes to research developments.
More so, interesting development opportunities for international researchers also exist in research-intensive industry and with small and medium-sized enterprises.
#2. You will find your research project here
Germany has a broad, innovative and diverse research landscape with stable framework conditions for research and development.
Higher education institutions and non-university research centers in Germany offers the very best conditions for international researchers.
More so, you will work with researchers from all over the world in interesting interdisciplinary projects.
#3. Opportunities to develop freely
Indeed, research requires freedom. If you visit Germany for research, you will live in one of the world’s safest and freest countries.
Freedom of research is highly valued by the constitution. You can research and teach here in freedom.
As an international researcher, you will also be able to travel easily to other Schengen countries to conduct research there.
#4. Germany is cosmopolitan and international
If you travel to Germany, you will feel at home and enjoy high quality of life at relatively low living costs.
An excellent healthcare system, a diverse and reliable infrastructure, a clean environment and beautiful landscapes make life in Germany pleasant.
#5. Germany will give you a warm welcome
As an immigrant, will receive a warm welcome in Germany.
More so, simplified residence and employment regulations applies to highly qualified international academics and researchers and their family members.
You will also find a wide range of support available from funding organizations.
In addition, many doors are also open to you as a specialist especially in research industries like the automotive and chemical sectors.
Where to apply for Germany researcher visa
Applying for the Germany researcher visa is easy; you first have to identify the German embassy or consulate near you. Then visit and apply for the visa.
However, if your country of origin does not have a consulate/embassy for Germany, you can apply through the Visa Application Center (VAC).
After registration, your visa should be ready in two weeks from the day you finish registration. However, in rare cases, it can take as long as 3-4 months.
Application fee for Germany researcher visa
The German researcher visa fee depends on the type of visa you apply for. The long-term visa fee is €75, while the short-term visa to Germany is €80.
Most importantly, you need to understand that if your visa is not approved you will not be refunded your application fee.
Eligibility criteria to obtain a Germany researcher visa
To be eligible for the Germany researcher visa you must meet the eligibility criteria to obtain the visa. They are as follows.
- You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for Germany researcher visa.
- Medical insurance or travel insurance for your stay in Germany.
- Hold a degree (minimum of Bachelor’s degree) from an accredited German university or a foreign university.
- You must have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in your field of study.
- Statement of bank account that confirms that you will be able to cater for your need before you get a job at a research institute in Germany.
Documents needed to obtain a Germany researcher visa
If you meet the eligibility criteria for a Germany researcher visa, the next step is to get your documents ready for your visa application.
Most importantly, these documents must be complete in other to prevent rejection of your visa application.
Thus, here is the list of all documents you will need to procure a Germany researcher visa.
- A valid international passport.
- Proof of purchased health insurance for researchers
- Germany national visa application form.
- 2 Passport photograph that meets Schengen guidelines. The passport size should be 35x40mm and it must show both edges of your face clearly.
If you wear glasses, the passport photograph must show your eyes clearly with no flash reflection off the glasses and no tinted lenses.
- Personal covering letter explaining the purpose of your stay in Germany, period of stay and other details. Must be very convincing.
- No-objection letter of your local university / research institute, which states that you have contractual obligations in your home country, which you will return to.
- Invitation letter form German university / research institute confirming conditions of your stay in Germany, including payment (scholarship).
- Proof of academic qualification (academic Degree Certificate, or mark sheets) in original.
Guidelines on how to apply for a Germany researcher visa
As it is known, every successful application process requires dedication and attention.
Therefore, you need to pay optimum attention to the following steps to launch you into greatness.
Here are the steps to apply for the Germany researcher visa.
Step 1: Check for eligibility
First, you must check for your eligibility for the Germany researcher visa.
However, the eligibility requirements have been stated above, you can go through it once again to be sure you meet all requirements.
Step 2: Complete the German application form
Complete the German researcher application form and input the correct data.
The application format for the visa is the same, regardless of the country you are applying from.
You will need to input your personal information, information about your background, the purpose for entering Germany and other details.
Step 3: Make a visa appointment
Make a visa interview appointment with the German embassy in your home country.
Note that you can schedule this interview in person or online at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center.
Step 4: Submit the necessary documents
Without a doubt, it is very important to start to compile and collate all the necessary documents for your interview and application process to prevent delay.
Step 5: Attend the visa interview
On the day of your appointment, you need to be punctual. There you will meet a visa consular to whom you need to give the documents as required.
They might ask some personal questions about your whereabouts, the intended trip and other travel details.
Thus, make sure your answers are correct and that they comply with the information in the application form and the other documents. The interview may last around 10-15 minutes.
Step 6: Proceed to pay the visa fee
Lastly, make full payment of the German researcher visa fee. It is a non-refundable €75. You can make payments online, in cash, or through bank transfer.
Note that if you do not make the payment your visa application will not be processed.
Step 7: Wait for an answer on your application
You need to wait until you get a response on your visa application. Although in most cases, it takes no more than 15 days for processing a visa.
Additionally, there are times when this process takes quite much longer.
If you get your visa, make sure to understand carefully the labels attached to the visa, including the period it permits you to remain in Germany.
If your visa application is denied, read the reasons why the consulates or embassy didn’t grant you a visa and try to fulfil it the next time you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a research visa open for Germany?
Yes, the research visa is open for Germany. This visa is for people who are looking for a job in research institute.
The visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to six months.
What is the fastest way to get a German visa?
The fastest way to get a German visa is through Express Visa. This visa-processing mode is available for fast processing of your visa within 1 to 2 days.
How long does it take German visa to be approved?
The processing time for visa applications (short stay) takes up to 15 days.
However, if you apply for a long-term residence permits or visa for employment the processing time will be up to several months.
How long can you stay in Germany without a visa?
You can stay in Germany without a visa for 90 days. During this period, immigrants can only engage in business.
What is an alternative for the German visa for researchers?
An alternative for highly qualified scientific researchers is EU Blue Card but it is limited to only those with a professional degree and a certain salary threshold.
Conclusion
There are many job opportunities for researchers in Germany. Likewise, Germany has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe.
Therefore, your decision to obtain a Germany researcher visa is valid.
