Visa and Residence Permit

Who Needs a Visa?

Several factors are decisive in determining whether you need a visa and if so, what kind. Your nationality is the most important factor. The length of your stay can also be relevant - there are different visas and requirements for short- and long-term research stays. The type of visa you need will also depend on whether you are coming as a doctoral candidate, a visiting researcher, an employee, or some mix of the three. You can find further detailed information on this subject on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

1. Researchers from the European Union, EEA Countries, and Switzerland 

If you are a citizen of another European Union country, a country from the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, it is very easy to come to Germany, as you do not need a visa to enter the country or a permit for a longer stay. All you need to enter is a valid passport or identity card. Like all residents of Germany, you simply need to register with the local authorities after your arrival. 

2. Researchers from Third Countries

If you are a citizen of a “third country”, i.e. neither a citizen of the EU, the EEA, nor Switzerland, you will likely need a visa to enter Germany. To get the right visa for the purpose of your stay, check with the German diplomatic mission in your country. They can help you determine the type of visa you need and the steps required to obtain it. Start the process several months in advance to make sure your visa arrives in time. 

Citizens of certain third countries do not need a visa to enter Germany. However, if you plan to stay for longer than 90 days, or if you are going to be employed by the University of Bamberg, you will need a residence permit in order to stay longer or to work. Under certain conditions, these citizens may also apply for a residence permit after their arrival in Germany. However, please allow sufficient time for processing your residence permit, for example until you start your new job.

You can find an up-to-date overview of visa requirements and visa exemptions for all countries on this webpage of the Federal Foreign Office.

Short-term mobility options

There are several options for short-term mobility. It is possible to carry out your research stay in Bamberg on a Schengen visa, which allows you to remain here for up to 90 days. To do so, you will need an invitation letter from the University of Bamberg.

If you are already in the EU and hold a valid residence permit for doctoral students or researchers, you can come to Bamberg for a study or research stay relatively easily. You can study in Bamberg for up to 12 months or carry out research in Bamberg for up to six months. However, the University of Bamberg must notify the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees that you are planning to stay in Bamberg no later than 30 days before your arrival.

Residence Permit 

If you are a citizen of a third country, it is likely that you will need to obtain a residence permit at some point. If you have applied for a visa before, this is a relatively easy process. If you are permitted to enter Germany without a visa but must apply for a residence permit, you should contact the Welcome Center. They can advise you on the steps you need to take before you leave your last place of residence and what you will need to do once you arrive in Bamberg. 

Residence permits are issued by the Foreigners’ Office of the City or the District Office of Bamberg.