Residence permit
Contact
Advisor for international doctoral candidates and researchers
Service for international researchers
Face-to-face office hours:
Further information
- Coming to Germany as a scientist (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees BAMF)
- Law on foreigners (Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community)
- Blue Card to work in the EU (including Germany)
- Information on work permits (German Federal Employment Agency)
- Work and retirement in the EU (European Union)
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Rights of residence for researchers from non-EU countries in Germany Overview on potential residence permits pursuant to the German Residence Act (in effect since 01 June 2024)
Residence permit

If you are from a country that is not a member of the European Union, you need a residence permit to stay in Germany, even if you did not need a visa to enter the country. Remember to extend your visa or apply for a residence permit in good time.
A visa extension or residence permit will be required if your stay in Germany exceeds three months. Please send your application in due time. This also applies to countries with a visa exemption agreement with Germany. We recommend you contact the German embassy in your home country or current country of residence as early as possible and well ahead of your intended date of travel.
In Oldenburg, you may also contact the Foreign Resident's Office of the City of Oldenburg ("Ausländerbüro") for any information relevant to your stay, e.g. information on immigration law issues.
Required documents for obtaining a residence permit
Temporary residence permit ("Fiktionsbescheinigung")
Residence title and purpose of residence
Stays for the purpose of a doctorate
Stays for the purpose of employment
Stays for the purpose of research
Scholarship and fellowship
Staff mobility
Please note that the information we provide is not legally binding and no substitute for professional advice, consultation, or services. We strongly recommend that you consult the respective authorities such as the German Embassy in your home country or your local Foreign Residents' Office.