For the visa application the following documents need to be handed in personally and in original at the consular section of the German Embassy in Seoul.

• one filled out and signed application form (online / PDF)

• valid passport (the original will be returned to you after application) + one copy of the identification pages. The passport should be valid for at least 3 month after the expiration date of the visa

• Proof of Korean residence permit (Alien Registration Card), if applicable + one copy
  

• two recent passport size photos not older than 6 months (light background – 3.5x4.5 cm)
  

• a hosting agreement (Aufnahmevereinbarung) between the research organisation and the researcher according to §18d AufenthG (Please see a sample on the website of BAMF)
  

• either the certificate of employment of the current employer or the attestation of an ongoing graduation
• proof of the most recent university degree

• Proof of funding, e.g.
  

  • confirmation of a scholarship issued by the inviting research facility
  • document confirming the cost absorption by the sending research facility
  • employment contract including details about salary
  • own salary slips and bank statements of the last 6 month

• Proof of valid and sufficient private medical insurance in Germany, for example“Incoming” insurances in Germany (not required if employed in Germany). Travel insurance is not sufficient.

In individual cases the submission of additional documents might be necessary.

Fellow spouses and minor children need – beside the above mentioned visa application forms – the following documents:

• valid passport (the original will be returned to you after application) + one copy of the identification pages. The passport should be valid for at least 3 month after the expiration date of the visa

• Proof of Korean residence permit (Alien Registration Card), if applicable + one copy
  

• two recent passport size photos not older than 6 months (light background – 3.5x 4.5 cm)
  

• document proving the relation to the applicant (e.g. marriage/birth certificates). Apostille, legalisation or verification procedure might be necessary in individual cases depending on the issuing country. Please consult the website of the German mission in the country of origin.)
• Proof of valid and sufficient private medical insurance in Germany, for example “Incoming” insurances in Germany. Travel insurance is not sufficient.

In individual cases the submission of additional documents might be necessary.

Please note:

- The regular visa processing time can differ from case to case. Depending on the presented documents, it will take 1-4 weeks. Therefore we would recommend to hand in the application as early as possible. 

In the visa procedure, the interest in entering the country must be carefully weighed against the security interests of the Federal Republic of Germany. In the case of visa applications for study and research stays and comparable employment, particular care must be taken to ensure that the knowledge acquired in Germany cannot be misused for purposes that could impair or threaten the peaceful coexistence of peoples and/or public order, security or health in Germany. 

In individual cases, this can lead to a longer processing time for the visa application (up to several months). It is therefore strongly recommended that you apply for a visa well ahead of your intended travel date. 

- The visa application fee is 75 Euros and is to be paid on application in cash in KRW (at current exchange rate) or with Visa/MasterCard in Euro. If the visa is refused or the application withdrawn by the applicant, the visa fee will not be reimbursed. The visa fee can be waived, if the applicant receives a scholarship from German public funds.

- Please note that there is no legal right to a visa. Submitting the above mentioned documents does not automatically guarantee the issuance of the visa.