Visa

In many cases, especially for citizens from countries outside the EU, a visa is needed to enter Germany. You can apply for it at the German Mission (Embassy or Consulate General) in your own country, normally, this is done online via their websites.

You will find general information on the procedure on the Federal Foreign Office Consular services portal and the Federal Government’s official website Make it in Germany.

For the fitting visa type, please consult the visa navigator of the Federal Foreign Office and the relevant BAMF information. If the annual gross salary of your MPI contract is at least 50,700 euros (45,934.20 euros for MINT professionals) (2026), you can apply for the EU Blue Card visa.

You may find the Federal Government’s explanatory graphic on the visa process or their webinar “How do I receive a work visa for Germany?” useful.

If you have questions while filling in the online application forms, please contact your local German mission in order to get further information about the requirements for the visa. Note when applying for a visa, the purpose for your stay is research. Among other documents, an invitation letter from the MPI or a so called Hosting Agreement might be needed. The Welcome Office, the personnel responsibles from administration (email <personal@evolbio.mpg.de>) or the director’s assistants will be happy to provide you with these documents - just contact one of us. Remember also that a valid passport is needed for getting the visa and for entering Germany, ideally it should be at least valid for the entire stay.

Generally, a visa is issued for the short term of 90 days. If you intend to work and stay for a longer time, you need to apply for a residence permit at the local foreigners' office shortly after your arrival.

Do not enter Germany with a tourist visa if you want to work or study here. Please note: Tourist visas do not allow for employment and can not be changed into a residence permit!

Citizens from EU Schengen countries will only need a valid passport.