Visa and entry
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Visa and entry
Entry regulations depend on your nationality as well as on the length and purpose of your intended stay. You will find a general overview on this website; please also check the visa navigator by the German Federal Foreign Office to receive further information if and which visa may be required.
If you need a visa to enter Germany, we strongly recommend to apply for it at the responsible German mission abroad as early as possible. The respective German embassy/consulate will provide further information on entry regulations, required application documents and about the duration of the application process.
Nationals of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland
Nationals of the EU and EEA do not need a visa to enter Germany, and they also do not need a residence permit for an extended stay. A valid passport or identity document will suffice for entering Germany. For an extended stay of more than three months, you need to register with the "Bürgerbüro" in Oldenburg as it is compulsory in Germany to report your current place of residence/address to the local authorities. Swiss citizens and their family members do not need a visa to enter Germany, but they do need to apply for a residence permit upon entry as it certifies the right to freedom of movement that also applies to them.
Nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States
Nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States do not need a visa to enter Germany and may apply for a residence permit upon arrival. However we recommend doing so well in advance as you will not be allowed to work in Germany until your residence title allows you to. If you intend to start working directly upon arrival, it can in some circumstances be advisable to apply for a visa anyway. For further information, please contact the responsible German embassy/consulate abroad.
Nationals of countries with a visa exemption agreement with Germany
Nationals of countries with a visa exemption agreement (also known as visa waiver agreement) with Germany must obtain a national visa/D visa if they plan to pursue an economic activity here. You need to submit your application to the German embassy in your home country prior to your arrival. The visa exemption only applies to visits of up to three months (90 days) and does not allow employment or research.
To obtain a national visa, you will usually have to provide proof of financial support (employment contract, fellowship, proof of own resources), of adequate health insurance coverage, details of your accommodation, proof of your intended activity, and your passport. For further information on the exact documents that are required with regard to your specific situation, please contact your responsible German embassy/consulate. A national visa may be granted for up to twelve months and/or converted into a residence permit. Upon arrival in Germany you must register with the Oldenburg Residents´ Registration Office (Bürgerbüro) to obtain a residence permit at the Foreign Residents’ Office (Ausländerbüro).
Please note:
It is not possible to apply for a national visa/D visa upon entry. Under no circumstances should you overstay your visit of 90 days maximum, as the Schengen law is very strict about entry and exit. If you entered Germany without a visa, but decide to stay longer than three months, you have to return to your home country first and apply for a visa again.
Nationals of third countries
All other nationals of third countries must apply for a visa at the German embassy or German mission in their home country/ current country of residence prior to their arrival in Germany. The visa type depends on the purpose and the duration of your stay in Germany.
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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 (last amendment of 15 September 2019, in effect since 01 March 2020)
Visits up to three months
If you plan to stay in Germany for up to three months, you will usually need to apply for a Schengen visa (short-term stay visa/C visa). Please note that a Schengen visa will not be extended and does not allow employment. To be granted a Schengen visa, a proof of financial resources and of health insurance coverage is required. Both must cover the entire duration of your stay in Germany.
Visits lasting more than three months
If your stay in Germany exceeds three months, you must apply for a national visa (long-term stay visa/D visa). To obtain a national visa, you will usually have to provide proof of financial support (employment contract, fellowship, proof of own resources), of adequate health insurance coverage, details of accommodation, proof of your intended activity, and your passport. For further information on the exact documents that are required with regard to your specific situation, please contact your responsible German embassy/consulate. A national visa may be granted for up to twelve months and/or converted into a residence permit. Upon arrival in Germany you must register with the Oldenburg Residents´ Registration Office (Bürgerbüro) to obtain a residence permit at the Foreign Residents' Office in Oldenburg (Ausländerbüro).
Please note that if you intend to stay longer than three months, under no circumstances should you enter Germany on a Schengen Visa as you will not be able to convert this type of visa into a national visa. Schengen law is very strict about entry and exit.
Highly qualified employees
Highly qualified employees with specialised knowledge and skills who can provide proof of employment may be granted an EU Blue Card. The EU Blue Card is a temporary residence title (permit) that entitles the holder to take up gainful employment. It is issued for the duration of the employment contract with a maximum validity of 4 years.
Visa fees
In general, visa applications are subject to fees. A reduction or exemption from visa application fees may be granted in certain cases.
Travelling to other Schengen countries
Both the Schengen visa/C visa and the national visa/D visa allow you to travel to the countries of the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. However, a separate visa will be required if you intend to travel to EU member states which are not Schengen states (except for Bulgaria), namely the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania.
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.
Further information on visa and entry requirements
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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 (last amendment of 15 September 2019, in effect since 01 March 2020)