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Mobile Researcher (Mobiler Forscher)

Working Holiday PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-2 months

Application Fee

100 EUR

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

Same as United States

Avg Salary€39,600

Quality of Life

196/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

The §18f residence permit is Germany's Mobile Researcher permit for third-country nationals who hold a valid research residence title in another EU member state. Issued under EU Directive 2016/801, it covers stays of 181 days to one year at a German research institution, replacing a full standalone visa process.

The permit costs EUR 100, requires a hosting agreement with a German research facility, and is renewable. Spouses can join without the usual language requirement and are immediately entitled to unrestricted work. Holders can progress to a settlement permit (§18c) after sufficient qualifying time.

This visa is ideal for EU-based researchers with a valid research residence permit from another member state who need to collaborate at a German institution for more than six months.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Skilled Worker with Academic Degree (Fachkraft mit akademischer Ausbildung)

Germany

Skilled Worker with Academic Degree (Fachkraft mit akademischer Ausbildung)

ValidityUp to 4 years

Processing1-3 months

View Visa Details

Germany

EU Blue Card

Validity4 years

Processing14-90 days

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid residence permit for research purposes issued by another EU member state (under Directive (EU) 2016/801).

The residence permit from the other EU state must remain valid for the duration of the planned research stay in Germany.

A hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution in Germany.

The research stay must be for a duration of more than 180 days and at most one year.

The application must be submitted at least 30 days before the start of the stay in Germany if the applicant is not already in Germany under a short-term mobility scheme.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

master or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport or passport substitute.

Copy of the valid residence permit for research purposes from another EU member state.

Hosting agreement or contract with the German research institution.

Completed application form for a residence permit.

Biometric passport photo (meeting ICAO criteria).

Proof of health insurance coverage.

Proof of secured livelihood (if not covered by the research contract).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Streamlined for EU-based researchers
Family reunification allowed

Worth Knowing

Requires existing EU research status
Tied to hosting agreement

Application Process

Notify BAMF via host

Apply for residence permit at local authority

Verified Claims (20)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Notify BAMF via host; Apply for residence permit at local authority	bamf.de
Dependent Visa	Family reunification permitted	bamf.de
Fee Breakdown	Administrative Fee: 100 EUR	make-it-in-germany.com
Fees	EUR 100	make-it-in-germany.com
Forms	—	bamf.de
Included Nationalities	—	bamf.de
Job Offer Required	true	bamf.de
Official Info	https://www.bamf.de/EN/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/MobilitaetEU/MobilitaetWiss…	bamf.de

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Overview

This visa is ideal for EU-based researchers with a valid research residence permit from another member state who need to collaborate at a German institution for more than six months.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid residence permit for research purposes issued by another EU member state (under Directive (EU) 2016/801).

The residence permit from the other EU state must remain valid for the duration of the planned research stay in Germany.

A hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution in Germany.

The research stay must be for a duration of more than 180 days and at most one year.

The application must be submitted at least 30 days before the start of the stay in Germany if the applicant is not already in Germany under a short-term mobility scheme.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

master or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport or passport substitute.

Copy of the valid residence permit for research purposes from another EU member state.

Hosting agreement or contract with the German research institution.

Completed application form for a residence permit.

Biometric passport photo (meeting ICAO criteria).

Proof of health insurance coverage.

Proof of secured livelihood (if not covered by the research contract).