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Here is an overview of the types of residence permits we are going to take a look at:

Not sure which one is for you? Scroll down for a little quick TL;DR!

Hey, I am an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen!

Please note that if you are an EU citizen, you are allowed to enter Germany with just your valid ID and stay up to 3 months. To be able to stay more than 3 months however, you should register with the local authority. In that case, your information will be forwarded to the Immigration Office. It is usually assumed that you already fulfill the requirements for the right of free movement, however in accordance with the European Free Movement Directive, you could possibly be requested the following documents:

  • A confirmation of employment or a certificate of employment from the employer,
  • Proof of a self-employment activity,
  • Proof of sufficient means of subsistence and health insurance coverage for non-employed persons,
  • If you are looking for a job, proof that you have been seriously pursuing your job search with justified chances of success.

If you would like to read more about it, you can visit the official information center here


The CISPA Ecosystem
Residence Permit for Research

The following applies to me:

  • I am a non-EU citizen
  • I am about to be a PhD candidate/PostDoc at CISPA
  • My gross salary is NOT above €41,041.80 (as of 2024)
Residence Permit for Research (According to Part 4, Section 18d of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory)

We offer
EU Blue Card

The following applies to me:

  • I am a non-EU citizen
  • I will be a Faculty or a Research Group Leader at CISPA (or a PhD Candidate/PostDoc)
  • My gross salary IS above €41,041.80 (as of 2024)
Take a look at EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act)

We offer
Settlement Permit ("Permanent Residence")

The following applies to me:

  • I have had a Blue Card for at least 33 months, and I still have it OR,
  • I have a Blue Card for the last 21 months, and I speak at least B1 German OR,
  • I have a 18d visa, it's been at least 4 years, and I want to keep staying and working in Germany (I have paid at least 48 months of mandatory or voluntary contributions to the statutory pension insurance fund) OR,
  • I had a student visa, completed my masters in Germany and have worked with a work visa and paid at least 24 months of mandatory or voluntary contributions to the statutory pension insurance fund
Take a look at Settlement Permit (also known as "Permanent Residence")

We offer
What about the others?

I want to bring my family (partner and children) with me!

Residence permit for spouse/partner and children



ⓘ Another alternative: Visa Navigator by the German Ministry for Foreign Affairs, where you can answer a few questions and have a general idea about which visa or permit you require.



Your CISPA International Welcome Hub Team

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