During the doctorate

If you already have a Master’s degree and have decided to pursue doctoral studies to obtain a doctorate, you will find all the important information about this purpose of stay on this page.

Please bring the following with you…

If you wish to apply for or extend your residence permit, please bring the following documents with you (if we do not already have them):

• Your valid passport
• A current passport photo
• A completed application form
• Proof that you are able to cover your living expenses: Employment contract as a research assistant, current salary statements (last three months); admission agreement; scholarship
• Proof of health insurance
• Letter of admission or current certificate of study
• For extensions: Proof of academic achievement (letter from the university regarding the status of your doctorate)
• Fee: up to € 100.00

Further documents may be required in individual cases. If this applies to you, we will inform you accordingly.

Please note: An appointment is required for the issue and extension of the residence permit. Please send us an appointment request.

Period of validity of the residence permit

A residence permit for the purpose of a doctorate is usually issued / extended for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years. Should your doctorate last less than two years, the residence permit will only be issued for the duration of the doctorate.

Your residence permit can be extended as long as you can still complete the doctorate within a reasonable period of time. A reasonable period of time for completing the doctorate is generally deemed to exist if the average duration of the doctorate in your subject does not exceed three semesters. In addition, a total period of stay of ten years for the purpose of studying, preparing to study and completing the doctorate should not be exceeded.

In order to be able to predict when you are likely to complete your doctorate, we need an assessment from your university regarding the current status of your doctoral studies. Please bring this with you when you extend your residence permit for the purpose of your doctorate. 

Change in purpose of stay

Once you have successfully completed your doctorate, you can usually also apply for a residence permit for another purpose. You may apply for a residence permit for the purpose of paid employment, for instance. A residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment can also be issued (see: After graduation).

When you are completing your doctorate, you may change the purpose of residence as well, except for the purpose of temporary employment.

Paid employment

During your doctorate, you are allowed to complete 140 days per year of paid employment. In addition, part-time student work is generally permitted without time restrictions. Your work as a research assistant within the framework of your doctorate also counts as student work. You do not need a separate work permit for this.

If you wish to take up self-employment or freelance work, you must apply to us for a separate work permit. You can find further information here.

Please note that any paid employment pursued alongside your doctorate must not jeopardise your performance.

Please ask us if you have any questions. We will be happy to help where possible, or tell you where you can obtain assistance.