Incoming visiting researchers

• Funding the visit

International scholars organize their periods of research in Germany themselves. In order to facilitate the financial side of the visit, it is possible to draw their attention to grants, programs, etc. offered by German funding bodies. International scholars require confirmation of support from the host institution (Betreuungszusage) in order to submit a funding application.

A list of funding programs offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, DAAD) is available on the DAAD website under “Study and research in Germany > Finding Scholarships > Scholarship Database.” Young scholars have the opportunity to apply for three- to six-month research fellowships as well as three-year doctoral scholarships. Those holding a doctorate can apply for up to three months of funding and can also apply for a scholarship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

In some programs such as the Gastdozentenprogramm (visiting lecturer program) offered by the DAAD and Aufbau internationaler Kooperationen (support for initiation of international collaboration) offered by the DFG, the applicant is the German university. 

• Written invitation for a visa

International scholars from non-EU countries usually require a written invitation in order to apply for a German visa. The invitation should be printed on the official letterhead stationery of Universität Hamburg and contain the following:

- name of the guest and reason for the invitation

- date/time frame of the invitation

- details of field and location of work

- (where applicable) details of accommodation

- details of assumption of costs or insertion of sentence “Costs for the visit to Universität Hamburg will not be covered.”

• Health insurance

Before entering Germany international scholars must take out health and liability insurance policies valid in Germany. The following insurance companies offer health insurance policies in Germany: AOK, Barmer, Care College, DAK, GEK, HEK, HKK, HMK, IKK, KKH, TK.

• Accommodation

The Service for Newly Appointed Professors and International Guest Researchers at Universität Hamburg will be glad to help you before and during your stay with any questions about settling in and the course of your stay at our University. It can also advise you on finding accommodation and day care, taking out health insurance, and other everyday matters.

• Registration in Hamburg and residence permit

It is not necessary to register the international guest with the German authorities for short visits of up to three months. However, if the guest will be staying for longer than three months, he or she must register in person at the Hamburg Welcome Center within two weeks of arriving in Germany. Guests must bring the completed registration form, a passport, a rental contract, and the €10 registration fee.

For visits longer than three months, international scholars must also extend their visas at the Registration Office for Foreigners. Please click here for information on residence permits. Guests must bring a valid passport, rental contract, proof of health insurance, proof of funding to cover the visit (such as confirmation of scholarship award), accompanying letter from the institute regarding the purpose of the visit, two biometric passport photos, and a valid residency registration certificate (Meldebestätigung).

• Granting visiting scholar status

The form for granting visiting scholar status clarifies access to facilities and equipment and must be filled out by the inviting professor for each visiting scholar.

Application for the grant of Visiting Scholar Status (English)

Application for the grant of Visiting Scholar Status (German)