Apply for a residence permit to look for a job after completing a research activity
As a researcher, you have a legal entitlement to a residence permit to look for a job. The residence permit will be issued for a maximum of 9 months directly following your previous research activity. This enables you to find a job that is appropriate to your qualifications. The aim of the search can also be self-employment. This residence permit allows you to work without restriction.
Who should I contact?
To the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence.
Responsible authorities
Landkreis Emsland - Fachbereich Sicherheit und Ordnung
Mo. - Do. 08:30 - 12:30 Uhr u. 14:30 - 16:00 Uhr
Fr. 08:30 - 12:30 Uhr
Ausländerbehörde seit 01.10.2009:
Mo., Di., Do. 08:30 - 12:30 Uhr u. 14:30 - 16:00 Uhr
Fr. 08:30 - 12:30 Uhr
Wichtig: Terminvereinbarung (telefonisch oder per E-Mail) erforderlich
Requirements
You have carried out a research activity in Germany, completed it and held a valid residence permit for the purpose of research (§ 18d or § 18e AufenthG). Further general conditions for the granting of a residence permit are:
- a secure livelihood,
- a clarified identity,
- possession of a valid national passport.
Applications / forms
- Forms: none
- Online procedure possible: no
- Written form required: no
- Personal appearance required: yes
Which documents are required?
- Valid national passport
- Proof of a secure livelihood (e.g. employment contract and pay slips, bank statements, submission of a declaration of commitment by a third party)
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of qualification (degree certificate, diploma or certificate from your university confirming successful completion of a course of study)
- 1 current biometric photo
- Please enquire at the foreigners authority responsible for you whether you need to submit further documents
What are the fees?
Fixed costs: Fee EUR 98,00
Fee: 98,00 EURPayment in advance: no
Process flow
You can only apply for a residence permit in person at the aliens' registration office responsible for your place of residence.
- You submit the required documents in the original and pay the application fee.
- The Aliens' Registration Office will check whether the conditions for issuing the permit are met.
- If all requirements are met, the Aliens' Registration Office will take your biometric data (photo, fingerprints) and order the electronic residence permit (eAT) from Bundesdruckerei GmbH.
- As soon as the eAT is ready, it will be handed over to you by the Aliens' Registration Office.
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
Application before expiry of the current residence permit. It is recommended to apply 4 to 6 weeks before the current residence permit expires.
Application Deadline: 4 WeeksAn interview 4 to 6 weeks before the previous residence title expires is recommended.
Processing duration
- The processing time can vary in the locally responsible foreigners authorities (about 5 to 6 weeks).
Processing Time: 5 WeeksDepending on the local immigration office (about 5 to 6 weeks).
Appeal
Administrative court action
You can find detailed information on this in the decision rejecting your application.



