International researchers

You are planning a research stay or doctoral studies at the University of Hamburg and are looking for an academic host for your stay?

You can find information on how you can contact a potential academic host on EURAXESS Germany. Additionally, Support for Doctoral and Early Career Researchers provides information for the preparation of your doctoral studies at the University of Hamburg including how to choose a doctoral supervisor.

To enter the Federal Republic of Germany, you normally need an entry visa.

EU nationals and nationals of certain countries (e.g., Australia, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Canada, Liechtenstein, South Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States) do not need a visa to enter Germany. However, non-EU nationals might still need a visa if they would like to start their employment in Germany right after arrival.

Make sure to check well in advance whether you need a visa to enter Germany and to apply for this visa in good time at the German Diplomatic Mission in your home country.

• See the Federal Foreign Office’s list of countries for which there is/is not a visa requirement.
• Find your local German Diplomatic Mission for specific information on visa application.
• Note that the 3-month Schengen visa (tourist visa, visitor’s visa, business visa, visa to attend a language course without the intention of pursuing university study) cannot be converted into a residence permit in Germany. In case you have a Schengen visa and would like to apply for a residence permit, you must leave Germany and re-enter with a special visa issued by the German Mission responsible.

Depending on your specific situation, a national visa based on one of the following sections of the Residence Act - AufenthG might be relevant for you:

• Section 16b AufenthG – Higher education;
• Section 18b AufenthG – Skilled workers holding a university degree;
• Section 18d AufenthG – Research;
• Section 18g AufenthG – The EU Blue Card.

The requirements of these visa types vary, as do the documents you would need for the visa application. Please check the website of your local German Mission to see what you need to apply for the national visa. If you are unsure which visa type might be suitable for your situation, feel free to contact the Welcome Service: Registration form.

Mobility in the EU: Students and Researchers

Students and researchers from outside the EU who are studying or researching within the EU and hold a residence permit issued by an EU member state are entitled to special mobility rights within the EU under certain conditions based on the Directive (EU) 2016/801. These rights make it easier to enter, stay in and move between different EU member states for the purpose of studying and conducting research.

Please note that, for some types of mobility, you might have to be a part of a multilateral study or research program or be covered by an agreement between the higher education institutions. Additionally, to make use of these mobility rights, your host institution in Germany has to notify the National Contact Point at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees before you enter Germany.

Federal Office for Migration and Refugees provides more information about this type of mobility here: BAMF - Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge – Mobility as a student and BAMF - Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge - Mobility as a researcher. If you are unsure if this type of mobility is applicable to your situation, please contact us: Registration form.

Applying for a visa

Family members with citizenship of an EU or EEA country do not need a visa or a residence permit if they would like to accompany you during your research stay. Third-country nationals of certain countries (e.g., Australia, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Canada, Liechtenstein, South Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States) also do not need a visa to enter Germany.

If family members with citizenship of a third country that requires a visa (see the Federal Foreign Office’s list of countries for which there is/is not a visa requirement) would like to accompany you:

• Please refer to the information on the visa application procedures for your family members on the website of the relevant German Mission abroad.
• Please also refer to the website of the relevant German mission abroad for information on the regulations for using foreign public documents in Germany.

In case your family members will need visas to accompany you, it is advisable that you and your family members apply for your visas together.

You will find further information on the topic of family reunification on the website of the Hamburg Welcome Center.

If you have questions about the eligibility and the application process for the family reunification visa, feel free to contact us: Registration form.

Applying for a residence permit

For long-term (over 90 days) stays beyond the expiration of their visas, your accompanying family members with citizenship of a third country will need to apply for residence permits after their arrival to Germany. The Hamburg Welcome Center provides a list of required documents for your family members' applications for a residence permit ("Checklist Family Reunification"). Please also remember to bring relevant documents, such as your marriage certificate and, if applicable, your children's birth certificates to Germany with you.  

Work permit for spouses

Spouses with citizenship of a third country who have obtained a visa or a residence permit for the purpose of family reunification may take up employment in Germany without additionally applying for a work permit.

You will find further information on housing on the website of our Housing Service.

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany.

When applying for your visa or residence permit, you will need to show that you have sufficient health insurance.

Health insurance is divided into public (statutory) health insurance and private health insurance. The type of insurance you may (or must) choose depends on the purpose of your stay in Germany and how you are financing your stay. Different requirements apply for EU nationals and non-EU citizens. 

Travel health insurance does not generally meet the statutory requirements. At most, it covers your entry into Germany and/or a stay of up to 90 days.

More useful links:

• How to prove sufficient health insurance coverage from the Hamburg Welcome Center,
  Overview of public and private health insurance providers in Germany.

When you move to Hamburg, you will need to register your address at your local customer service center. This has to be done within 2 weeks of moving to your new address in Hamburg. You can book an appointment with a Hamburg customer service center online.

Be aware that if you live in Lower Saxony or Schleswig-Holstein, and not directly in Hamburg, other customer service centers are responsible for you. 

Every household in Germany must pay a radio and television broadcast fee (Rundfunkbeitrag). Even if you live in a student dormitory, your room—if it is not part of a shared flat—is probably considered its own household and is subject to the fee. The fee can be waived only in exceptional cases. See the multilingual information on the Rundfunkbeitrag website for exact regulations regarding the fee obligation: Welcome! - Rundfunkbeitrag.

In Germany, many business transactions are handled without cash, via a bank account. If you are planning a longer stay, we advise you to open a bank account at a German bank. A bank account will enable you to make regular payments, for example, for rent or electricity, via automatic payments or a direct transfer.

The most common and practical type of account is the so-called “Girokonto” (a current account).

Opening an account

Opening a bank account is usually easy. You will need to submit the following documents:

• Registration certificate (Anmeldung),
• Identity card/Passport,
• If applicable, student ID or proof of admission to doctoral studies,
• Proof of income can make it easier to open a bank account (salary slips, bank statements, or proof that you hold a scholarship).

Generally, banks charge account fees. These vary depending on the bank and the scope of services. We suggest comparing banks and accounts to find the option that will fit you best.

Eurocheck (EC) and Maestro cards

Shortly after you open your account, you will receive a Eurocheck card (EC card) or Maestro card and PIN. The EC and/or Maestro card can be used for cashless payments and to withdraw money at ATMs in Germany or abroad. The EC card is more popular and more widely used than credit cards.

There are no extra service charges to take money out of one of your own bank’s or banking group’s cash machines but service charges are levied by other banks.

Credit cards

In Germany, credit cards are not as popular as in other countries. Small shops often do not accept credit cards.

You will find further information on this topic on the website of the Hamburg Welcome Center.

Basiskonto

Anyone residing in the European Union who does not have an account has the right to a Basiskonto. To apply, it is sufficient to provide a postal address; an officially registered address is not required. A Basiskonto is a simple bank account that allows you to deposit and withdraw money, make direct debits, and transfer payments. However, the account cannot be overdrawn and does not provide any credit. Additionally, the Basiskonto is also normally not free of charge.

You can read more about the Basiskonto here: Opening a bank account - Hamburg Welcome Center

Social security number assignment occurs centrally through the German statutory pension insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung). Normally, you’ll receive a letter from Deutsche Rentenversicherung with your personal social security number within four weeks after you take up an employment or register with a health insurance company.

If you haven't received your social security number yet but are already covered by statutory health insurance, you can contact your health insurance company.

Health insurance is one of the five pillars of Germany’s social security system. The other four are: unemployment insurance, accident insurance, retirement benefits, and nursing care benefits.

You do not need to submit any separate applications to obtain your Tax Identification Number. Typically, approximately 2–4 weeks after you've successfully registered your address in Germany, your personal tax identification number will be automatically mailed to you.

In the rare event that you did not receive your tax identification number, you can request a new statement at the Federal Tax Office. Your tax identification number will be sent to you by post.

If you have entered Germany with a visa and are planning to stay beyond the expiration of your visa, you need to apply for a residence permit before your visa expires.

If you have entered without a visa and are allowed to stay for up to 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit within the first few weeks of your arrival if you intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days.

You will be able to apply for a residence permit after registering your address in Hamburg.

Please use the online service Residence Permit Hamburg to request an appointment with the local immigration office for your application for a residence permit. Via the online service you can already upload important documents for your application for a residence permit. Here you will find a checklist of documents you need to apply for a residence permit. After the completion of the online service, you will receive a confirmation per email with further information.

After you receive your residence permit, pay attention to its expiration date and make sure to renew it regularly. You can renew your residence permit using the same online service: Residence Permit Hamburg.

With the residence permit, you may leave and re-enter Germany as often as you wish. Please note, however, that most residence permits expire if you spend more than 6 months at a time outside Germany. If you wish to spend more than 6 months outside of Germany for the purpose of research, notify your local immigration office.

Once you have completed your degree or research project, you will need to inform your local immigration office. Depending on your previous residence permit and the reason for your stay in Germany so far, there are various residence permits that might be available for you.

If you have any questions about your residence permit, feel free to contact the Welcome Service: Registration form.

You can find more information about the different types of residence permits from the Hamburg Welcome Center:

• Section 16b AufenthG – Higher education: Residence Permit for Students - Hamburg Welcome Center,
• Section 18b AufenthG – Skilled workers holding a university degree: Residence Permit for Employment - Hamburg Welcome Center,
• Section 18d AufenthG – Research: Residence Permit for Research - Hamburg Welcome Center,
• Section 18g AufenthG – The EU Blue Card: EU Blue Card - Hamburg Welcome Center.

Work permit

Please pay attention to the work permit specified in your visa/residence permit and the additional conditions on the supplementary sheet.

The student visa/residence permit (§16b AufenthG) usually allows you to work 140 full days (more than 4 hours) or 280 half days (up to 4 hours) per year as well as to work part-time as a student ("studentische Nebentätigkeiten'). (Residence Permit for Students - Hamburg Welcome Center)

The visa/resident permit for research (§18d AufenthG) usually specifies your employer or, in case you come to Germany with a scholarship or self-financed, the hosting institution for your research. To pick up a different employment, you would need to get a permission from the Immigration Office. (Residence Permit for Research - Hamburg Welcome Center)

EU Blue Card (§18b AufenthG) holders who wish to change their job in Germany can begin their new job without any trouble as long as their EU Blue Card is still valid. However, they need to notify their local Immigration Office of their new work situation if they change their job within the first 12 months of employment. (EU Blue Card - Hamburg Welcome Center)

Freelance activities (e.g., translation, language courses offered on an hourly basis) must be authorized by your local Immigration Office.

The Hamburg Research Academy advises on funding options for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.

The Research in Germany portal also contains comprehensive information on funding for different career levels.

International researchers at the University of Hamburg can get advice on doctoral and research funding from the Early Career Research Support. They also offer information on subsidizing travel or conference expenses. 

The University of Hamburg’s Family Office provides support and advice on family matters. Feel free to contact them to clarify any uncertainties and discuss any issues (e.g., balancing an academic career and family life). On their website, you can also find a number of useful handouts and brochures.

Children

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees provides a brochure with a lot of tips to make everyday life easier, including comprehensive information about pregnancy and statutory maternity leave, parental leave, and your right to child benefits.

Childcare

Hamburg has many childcare centers. Costs are based on parental income, and can be estimated using Hamburg’s childcare information system.

Schooling

Are you moving to Hamburg with school-aged children? The Hamburg Welcome Center provides detailed information on Hamburg school structure, including diverse schooling options and bilingual schools. 

There are many ways to learn German (or another language) in Hamburg.

See the following pages for information about language courses at the University of Hamburg. 

German as a foreign language

• General German language courses starting from levels A1 and A2. Please note that there are course fees.
• Special Courses offered by the University Language Center and specifically aimed at international researchers and doctoral candidates.
• Language courses from the University Language Center starting from level B1.
• Language Cafés and Language Tandems at PIASTA (available for doctoral researchers).

Courses for other foreign languages

Modern foreign language courses offered by the University Language Center

In addition to the University, there are other possibilities for taking part in a language course, either online or from other language providers. Find out more from the Hamburg Welcome Center.

UHH App: UHHApp : FDM : Universität Hamburg

Using the State and University Library Carl von Ossietzky

If your research stay lasts at least 4 weeks, you can use a library card for the State and University Library Carl von Ossietzky. You can get the card online or at the information desk on the ground floor of the State and University Library Carl von Ossietzky.

Please check the library’s website for the list of documents that you will need to apply for the library card. The website is, unfortunately, only available in German but can be translated in English with a right-mouse click in most browsers. If you are a visiting scholar, you will also need a confirmation of your research stay. A template of this document can also be found on the website, and you will need to get it signed and stamped by your hosting institution at the University of Hamburg.

University Sports

More information on University Sports can be found directly on the Hochschulsport Hamburg website.

Mensa - Student dining halls and cafeterias

The student dining halls and cafeterias on the University’s campus are run by Studierendenwerk Hamburg, and the University staff and students get reduced prices. 

You can find more information on Studierendenwerk’s dining halls and cafeterias directly on the Studierendenwerk website.

Here are some steps that you need to keep in mind at the end of your stay before leaving Hamburg:

• Terminate your rental contract.
• If necessary, terminate contracts for water, heating, and electricity.
• De-register your apartment from the radio and television broadcast fee.
• Terminate your bank account.
• Terminate insurance policies.
• De-register your residential address.

• If you have a contract with the University of Hamburg, the HR Development will be happy to help you with your career planning.
• The University of Hamburg’s Career and Qualification Center (CQC) offers University students and graduates counseling, coaching, and workshops on starting a career. 
• The Hamburg Research Academy offers events on career opportunities for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.
• The Make It in Germany initiative is an information portal for international experts who wish to work in Germany.
• The network Integration through Qualification informs and advises international students and graduates who wish to found a business in Germany.
• Arbeit und Leben Hamburg is a charitable institution in Hamburg that provides general legal advice about the German labor market. Their IQ Projekt "Faire Integration" can answer questions about work contracts.

Whether you wish to develop your transferable skills or gain teaching experience, broad range of courses offered at the University of Hamburg and partner institutions can help you take the next steps. Taking part in the seminars is also a good opportunity to meet other researchers with similar questions and exchange ideas.

• Hamburg Research Academy: Transferable skills, networking opportunities, advice on relevant topics.
• HR Development: Advice, workshops on transferable skills, talks.
• Hamburg Center for University Teaching and Learning: Advanced qualifications for teaching, advice on relevant topics, talks.
• Career & Qualification Center (CQC): Seminars, workshops, advice on starting a career, application document reviews.
• State and University Library (Stabi): Tours and workshops in the Stabi and the department libraries.

• Health : UHH : University of Hamburg
  Physical and mental health are important resources in everyday study and work life. The University offers comprehensive prevention, counseling, and support to prevent stress, strengthen resilience, and promote long-term physical and mental health.
• Antidiscrimination : UHH : University of Hamburg
  Antisemitism, racism, (hetero)sexism, ableism, ageism – the Antidiscrimination Center is the first point of contact if you have experienced discrimination. They offer confidential support and advice in German, English, French and Arabic
• Center for Health and Workplace Cooperation
  Center for Health and Workplace Cooperation’s services are available to all employees of the University of Hamburg. They provide advice and support in the matters of occupational health, conflict prevention and resolution, social work, addiction prevention, and sexual discrimination. They also offer workshops and talks.
• The Family Office—Helping parents in academia
  The University of Hamburg’s Family Office can provide advice and support on a number of topics relevant for students and researchers with children or taking care of relatives.
• Counselling Centre for Social and International Affairs 
  If you are undertaking a doctorate at the University of Hamburg, you can also find advice from the Counselling Centre for Social and International Affairs run by Studierendenwerk Hamburg.

• Mieter helfen Mietern (advocacy organization for renters)
  This organization helps tenants who have problems with the rental contracts or landlords. You must be a member. Based on the supporting documents you provide, lawyers will answer your questions, clarify your rights, and help you formulate letters.
• Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg (consumer protection agency)
  The consumer protection agency Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg can advise you on many topics, such as broadcasting fees, insurance policies, and mobile phone contracts. See the website of the Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg e.V. for an overview of topics.
• ÖRA (public legal advice)
  Legal consultation is available in all areas of the law. Anyone with a low income and who lives or works in Hamburg can get legal advice.
• Women’s advising services
  The women’s advising service supports women in matters related to marriage/partnership, family, separation, divorce, single motherhood, violence, and workplace conflicts.