Working & Researching in Heidelberg Visas and Entrance Formalities
The requirement of a visa to enter Germany depends on the citizenship as well as on the planned length of visitor's stay.
Researchers can apply either for a residence permit for research purposes §18d or a Blue Card §18g. The following is an overview of the most important German visa and entrance regulations depending on the citizenship.
European Union (EU), European Economic Area and Switzerland
Citizens of EU countries and those of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland do not need a visa. A personal identification card is sufficient to enter Germany. If your stay in Germany is longer than 90 days you are obliged to register your residency. Please remember to register your place of residence within two weeks after arriving in Heidelberg at one of the local Residents’ Offices.
Australia, Great Britain, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea and USA
Citizens of the above countries can also enter German without a visa. For a stay longer than 90 days you will, however, need a residence permit. You can apply for this after your arrival at the Foreigners' Registration Office of the city of Heidelberg. Please remember to also register your place of residence within two weeks after arriving in Heidelberg at one of the local Residents’ Offices.
Please note: In case of receiving an employment offer by Heidelberg University we recommend to apply for a visa at a German consulate or embassy in your home country before coming to Germany. Generally without a valid visa a working contract cannot be issued. If you have any questions regarding this matter we will be happy to advise you.
All other countries
- Short stays of less than 90 days
If your stay in Germany will not be longer than 90 days per half year, a so-called Schengen visa (C Visa) is generally sufficient. You must apply for this at a German consulate or embassy in your home country before coming to Germany.
Please note: A Schengen visa can not be extended or changed to cover a different purpose. You must leave Germany at the latest when the 90 days are over.
- Stays of longer than 90 days
If you are planning to stay in Germany for more than 90 days, you will need a national visa (D-Visa). You must apply for this at a German consulate or embassy in your home country before coming to Germany.
In this case, do not enter Germany with a Schengen Visa (C Visa)! The Schengen visa is only valid for 90 days and can not be extended. After the three months are up, you must travel back to your home country at your own cost and apply there for an appropriate visa.
The national visa, however, allows you to enter and stay in Germany. To travel within the first three months of your stay to another Schengen country (for example to a conference) is possible.
The national visa is generally issued for a period of three months. After entering Germany you must apply for a residence permit based on this visa. Recently is has become possible to obtain a National Visa valid up to one year, given that you are not planning to stay longer than one year. Please inquire at your local German embassy about this possibility.
Please note
In case of doubt please contact the German consulate or the local embassy pertaining to the specific case.
A visa application for a longer stay in Germany or for permission to work will take several months to process.
Every family member needs a separate visa. If a partner wishes to work in Germany this should be mentioned in the visa application.
Special regulations for highly-qualified applicants
Highly-qualified applicants are scholars, teachers and researchers with specialized expertise in their fields (like professors and academic group leaders). Highly-qualified applicants are permitted to immigrate if they have an employment position in Germany. They can immediately obtain an unlimited residence permit, which automatically allows them to take up employment. Candidates simply need to submit an application to the Foreigner´s registration office in Heidelberg.