Can I work while studying?

Yes, 140 full days or 280 half days per year, plus unlimited work as a student research assistant.

What happens after I graduate?

You get an 18-month residence permit to look for qualified work, with unrestricted employment rights during the search.

How fast can I settle after a German degree?

Two years of qualified employment after graduation can qualify you for a settlement permit.

🇩🇪 Germany

Research and Student Routes

Hosting agreements with research institutions, plus the 18-month post-study job search permit for graduates of German universities.

Germany Research Visa (§18d) and Student Routes

Book a strategy call Check my fit

At a glance

Sponsor: Hosting institution
Lottery: No
Residence: Settlement in 2 years after a German degree
Difficulty: Low to moderate
Processing: 1-3 months

PhD candidatesPostdocsResearchersMaster's studentsLab scientistsAcademics

What this visa is

Researchers enter Germany on a hosting agreement (Aufnahmevereinbarung) with a recognised research institution, which replaces the usual labour market checks. Students enter on a study permit, may work 140 full or 280 half days a year, and after graduating get 18 months to look for qualified employment with unrestricted work rights during the search. Graduates of German universities reach a settlement permit after just two years of qualified work.

The EU Researchers Directive and Germany's own academic policy aim to keep universities globally competitive and retain the graduates they train.

Who it is for

PhD candidates, postdocs and researchers with an institutional host, and international students at German universities planning to stay and work after graduation.

Why people choose it

Low or no tuition

Public universities charge only semester contributions in most states.

Hosting agreement simplicity

No labour market test for researchers.

18-month job search

Unrestricted work while looking after graduation.

Fast settlement

German degree plus 2 years of qualified work gives a settlement permit.

Family reunification

Researchers can bring family with full work rights.

EU mobility

Short research stays in other member states are permitted.

Self-assessment

Tick what already applies to you.

Documents you will gather

9 items. Track them as you collect each one.

0 of 9 ready

How the process runs

Step 1
Admission or hosting agreement
Secure the institutional offer (2-6 months ahead).
Step 2
Funding proof
Blocked account or scholarship confirmation.
Step 3
Visa application
National D visa at the German mission (1-3 months).
Step 4
Arrival and Anmeldung
Register your address and enrol.
Step 5
Residence permit
Issued for the length of study or the hosting agreement.
Step 6
Post-study search
18 months to find qualified work, then Blue Card or settlement.

What it costs

National D visa

€75

Per applicant.

Blocked account

~€13,092 per year

Released monthly after arrival.

Semester contribution

€150 - €400 per semester

Often includes a public transport pass.

Residence permit

€100

Issued locally.

Health insurance (student rate)

~€120 per month

Discounted public rate for students under 30.

Fees change regularly. Figures are indicative and for educational purposes only, not legal advice.

Questions people ask

Most public universities charge no tuition for bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes, only a semester contribution. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU fees.