Visas for other purposes
If you need a visa for research in Germany or re-entry based on your previous residence, we can help you understand the documents, mission requirements and interview preparation. Our aim is to make the preparation stages clearer and help you organise your planned activity. Timing and decisions depend on the competent authorities.
Research visa
Who is it for?
- For researchers, including postdoctoral researchers, professors and some doctoral candidates. The appropriate residence route depends on whether the programme primarily involves study or research work.
- For people with an appropriate hosting agreement or contract with a research organisation in Germany, such as a university, research centre or laboratory.
Requirements and documents:
- Agreement with the research institution: documentation identifying the host organisation, research project and duration. Check whether an invitation meets the requirements of the selected category.
- Evidence of academic qualifications and research activity: your degree certificate and, where requested, publications, conference materials and other evidence.
- Proof of funding: living costs must be covered by your own funds, salary, a scholarship or confirmed institutional funding.
- Insurance: health insurance valid in Germany and suitable for the intended stay.
- Required language skills (where applicable): the host institution determines the working language. Research may be conducted in English; German may be needed depending on the project.
Visa application process:
- Submit the application: follow the current appointment or online application procedure, then submit the documents and attend an interview if required.
- Assessment: the documents, research purpose and conditions of the chosen visa route are assessed.
- Wait for the decision: after approval and entry, arrange the required residence title with the local foreigners authority within the applicable time limit.
Re-entry visa
Who is it for?
- For people who previously lived lawfully in Germany and left temporarily but no longer have a document permitting their return. Not every trip requires a new visa: the validity of the previous residence right and travel documents must first be checked.
- For example, a residence document may have been lost or expired during a stay abroad. Re-entry eligibility depends on the circumstances and coordination with the competent foreigners authority; a residence right is not automatically restored.
Requirements and documents:
- Details of the previous residence title or visa: the document type, validity dates and purpose of residence, with copies of previous documents where available.
- Reason for returning: explain the reason for returning, such as continuing studies, employment, family life or treatment.
- Proof of funding: evidence of income or another accepted way of covering living costs in Germany, where required.
- Health insurance: an insurance policy valid for the relevant period of stay.
Visa application process:
- Submitting the application: contact the embassy or consulate with your previous permit details and travel dates. Contact your foreigners authority in advance to clarify the approval process.
- Checks and approval: the authorities check the documents, legal basis and eligibility to return.
- Visa issuance: once the visa is issued, follow its entry conditions and arrange any further residence documentation with the foreigners authority after returning.
How we help
If you are planning to apply for a long-stay visa for Germany, we are ready to help. Our team can:
- Review your documents and advise on preparing them correctly for your application.
- Explain how to submit your embassy application step by step.
- Help you prepare for an interview and understand the next steps.
Contact us if you want to study in Germany or improve your language skills. Our priority is to make preparing for your trip clearer and more convenient.