Before arrival

Overview of visa requirements/exemptions for entry into the Federal Republic of Germany

EU citizens
Nationals of an EU country do not require a visa in order to enter Germany to live and work.

Non-EU citizens of "associated" countries
Citizens of associated countries do not need a visa for entering Germany. These countries include Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and the USA. However, if you intend to work in Germany and stay longer than three months, you need to have an eAT electronic residence permit (“elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel”). This is an official document confirming the permission to stay and legally work in Germany. In order to get one, you have to apply for it at the local immigration office (“Ausländerbehörde”).

Non-EU citizens of all other countries
To enter Germany you require a visa. Please contact your nearest embassy or consulate with your letter of invitation/working agreement and apply for a visa three months in advance of your arrival.

Information on entry and stay of researchers from non-EU countries (section 16 to 21 – especially section 20 – Residence Act)
International comparison of skilled labour immigration

The German Residency Act provides for three ways in which researchers from third countries can obtain a legal residence title in Germany while carrying out their research.

Please make sure to bring the following documents with you to Germany

• Passport, which must be valid for at least 12 months
• Visa (if necessary) not only for yourself, but also for any family members who will accompany you to Germany
  Be sure to apply for a visa as early as possible, as it can take as long as three months to process a visa application.
• Documents or certificate confirming that you have received a scholarship from the MPI or another academic or private institution
• Letter of invitation sent to you by MPI
• Any work agreement you may have with the MPI
• Several biometric passport photos, which you will need in order to obtain different identification cards during your stay in Germany
• Birth certificate with verified German translation
• Marriage certificate (if applicable) with verified German translation
• Birth certificate of children (if applicable)
• Certified copies of your academic degrees with translation if necessary
• Insurance papers with German translation (if possible) - If you keep your health insurance you should bring a certificate confirming that you currently possess one. Make sure that your health insurance is accepted in Germany.
• International immunization records
• International driver‘s license
• If you are still enrolled in a foreign university, you should bring an International Student ID. Students often get reduced prices in theatres.You will need to have the following documents ready before your arrival in Germany: Passport, which must be valid for at least 12 months
• Letter of invitation sent to you by the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry
• A document or certificate confirming that you have received a scholarship/contract from the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (or from another academic or private institution in Germany)
• Entrance visa if applicable (issuing authority is the German Embassy in your country)