Entry Requirements
Information on visas
Issue of Visas
International scholars should apply for an entry visa or a residency permit as early as possible at the visa department of an agency of the German government (embassy or consulate) in their native country. The applicant must generally apply for the visa in person and provide an invitation letter from their host institute as well as evidence that he or she has sufficient financial means for the stay (confirmation of scholarship, private funds, etc.). The applicant must also bring his or her passport. The passport must be valid for the extent of the stay as indicated in the invitation letter. In certain cases, the applicant’s passport must be valid for several months beyond this date. International scholars who plan to bring their family with them should announce this intention when applying for a visa.
Health requirements for the issue of a visa also differ from country to country. Moreover, various states or even regions in Germany may require certain vaccinations, documents, or health examinations before or after entry in Germany.
Here you can find out whether you need a visa for visits to Germany and
the Schengen states of up to 90 days. Foreigners wanting to stay longer
than 90 days in Germany, who want to work or study in Germany, as a rule
automatically need a visa.
You should in no case enter Germany with a tourist visa in the hope of being able to have it changed it to a long-term visa after arrival! Tourist visas are valid for a maximum of 3 months. They cannot be extended, and they cannot be changed to another type of visa or a residency permit.
Entering Germany without a Visa
If you are a citizen of an EU member country, one of the EEA member countries Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, or of Australia, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic Korea or the USA, you only need a valid passport to enter Germany. You must then apply for a residency permit within 3 months after your arrival in Germany. Resident registration upon arrival, registration after a move within Germany, and cancellation of registration before departure is required of all international scholars.
More detailed information is available at:
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/diplo/en/Infoservice/FAQ/VisumFuerD/Uebersicht.html