Basic Information

General Information

Researchers are third country citizens who:

1. Have a doctoral degree or possess a suitable qualification for direct admission to a doctoral program, and

2. Selected by a research institution and granted entry into the territory of an EU Member State,

3. Conduct research that would normally require such a degree.

Note: This also includes PhD students.

If the applicant has obtained a PhD (individual PhD) within the framework of a work contract or research agreement with a German university or research institution, he/she must apply for a research visa.

Foreign students who have been admitted to a German university for a doctoral degree or to a full-time doctoral program (systematic doctoral program) may apply for a doctoral student visa. A systematic doctoral program should include a training program that includes a curriculum, usually with an interdisciplinary focus. For more information, please contact the German University. The admission school decides whether it needs the verification certificate from the Audit Department.

If your family wants to move with you, it is recommended that you submit your application at the same time. Please refer to visa information about Family Reunification and Accompanying Children.

The following list of materials can be used to check whether the application documents are complete. All documents shall be submitted in the form and order required in the list.

List of application materials for researchers and PhD students in Germany

Unless otherwise stated, 3 copies of each material must be submitted (original and 2 copies). That is, after the original is returned to the applicant, the visa Office will leave 2 sets of the same application information.

¨ Two complete and signed German visa application forms in German or English must contain the notification of Article 54 of the Residence Act. Please use our electronic visa application form.

o 3 recent biometric ID photos (Format: see photo sample Foto-Mustertafel)

¨ A valid travel passport (autographed with at least two blank pages). The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the validity of the visa.

o 2 copies of passport information page

¨ Motivation Letter

¨ Personal Resume

¨ College Education

If you obtain a degree in China, you must provide university diploma and degree certificate

If for research

o Acceptance agreements or corresponding contracts with German research institutions. The acceptance agreement/contract must contain certain basic contents. See this hier for a sample protocol.

o The invitation letter of a German university or research institution must indicate the content of academic activities, the duration of stay and the expenses to be borne during the stay

o If the majority of the costs of the research project are not funded by public funds, written proof of commitment will be required, i.e. proof of commitment of costs incurred by the public institution within the next six months after the termination of the acceptance agreement

o Proof of adequate financial means

Proof of funds:

The applicant must provide proof of funds of at least €947 per month during his/her stay in Germany if he/she is not employed.

Proof of funds can be in the following forms:

- Corresponding contract

- Scholarships from German or European institutions, scholarships from the China Scholarship Council

- Restricted withdrawal account-Sperrkonto  

When submitting your application, you must provide the expenses required for the first year of residence. If the stay is less than one year, the total amount will be reduced accordingly.

If there is an employment relationship,proof of the statutory minimum wage with a net income of at least €1,647 per month need to be provided.

o Proof of adequate medical insurance

If you are an employee and must participate in statutory health insurance in Germany, please note that this insurance is only applicable in cases where you are residing and working in Germany. If you enter Germany before this, you must obtain private health insurance until your employment relationship begins and statutory health insurance takes effect.

If you do not have a legal obligation to participate in statutory health insurance after entering Germany, you must provide proof of coverage for the entire duration of your visa (usually six months).

For full-time doctoral study

o The following materials can be used as proof of admission as a doctoral candidate:

- Doctoral admission letter from a university or

- Statement of acceptance from the Doctoral Committee or

- Confirmation of inclusion in the directory of doctoral students of university departments

o Proof of adequate financial resources:

Proof of financial resources

A minimum of €861 per month is required during your stay in Germany. When submitting an application, you must provide proof of funds for at least one year, i.e. a total of at least €10,332.

Proof of funds can be in the following forms:

- Scholarships from German or European institutions, scholarships from the China Scholarship Council

-Restricted withdrawal account-Sperrkonto  

- A formal financial guarantee

If the stay is less than one year, the total amount will be reduced accordingly. 

o Proof of adequate medical insurance

If you as a student plan to participate in statutory health insurance, please note that this insurance is only valid for those who have already resided in Germany and have enrolled in a university. If you enter Germany before enrolling, you must purchase private health insurance until you have enrolled and the statutory health insurance has taken effect.

Non-chinese applicants

o A valid Chinese residence permit to prove their permanent residence

Visa fee

o The visa fee is 75 euros, which must be converted into RMB and paid in cash

Integrality

o Complete application materials: □ Yes □ No, the selected documents are still missing