Germany — Study (PhD and research (§16b or researcher visa §18d))

Main requirements

A PhD in Germany usually needs a master's degree and a supervisor who accepts you. Two visa options: enrolled doctoral candidates use the study visa (§16b) with a supervision confirmation (Betreuungszusage); with a research contract and a hosting agreement (Aufnahmevereinbarung, §18d) you use the researcher visa. The embassy notes that if you meet Blue Card requirements you may choose between the Blue Card and the researcher permit.

Documents

For §16b: the standard study-visa documents plus the Betreuungszusage; the embassy says the master's degree and transcripts suffice. For §18d (embassy list): invitation from the institution stating duration, funding and project; Aufnahmevereinbarung; German or English proof or employer confirmation; degree and transcripts with German translation certified by the Iranian MFA; research description; motivation letter; CV; work records, payslips and social insurance records; health insurance; EUR 75 in cash.

Language

Language is set by the university/research group; for §18d the embassy asks for German or English proof or an employer confirmation that language skills suffice.

Costs and proof of funds

A §16b doctoral visa needs EUR 992/month (EUR 11,904/year, 2026). The Tehran embassy also accepts scholarships from the Iranian Ministry of Science or Iranian educational institutions. For the researcher visa the embassy page states EUR 13,092/year (labelled 2025; check the embassy page for the current figure before applying), proven by employment contract, blocked account, declaration of commitment or Sperrkontoerklärung with bank statement. Note: the Tehran study-visa page (§16b) does not list an employment contract as proof of funds, only a declaration of commitment, blocked account, Sperrkontoerklärung or scholarship; so if you have a paid position with a contract, the researcher visa (§18d), which accepts the contract, is usually the simpler route. Per German customs, if you enter Germany from a non-EU country carrying EUR 10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it to customs yourself. Doctoral studies at public universities (including Baden-Württemberg) carry no tuition.

Steps and timeline

Find a supervisor and position first, then get admission or a contract. Register on TLScontact: 'NEW National visa: Students Master/ PhD' for §16b, 'NEW National visa Researcher' for §18d. Per the embassy (2026-10-14), appointments are again issued for the Master/PhD list; the Researcher list currently only serves people already on the old list on 18 January 2026, then the new list. Spouses and minor children of researchers can apply at the same time; families of §16b doctoral students register separately on the family-reunion list, except family members included in a DAAD scholarship.

Notes for Iranian applicants

Under EU Council Decision 2010/413/CFSP (Art. 21) member states must prevent specialised teaching of Iranian nationals in disciplines that would contribute to proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities or weapon delivery systems, and per BAFA these sanctions were reinstated in 2025; universities may therefore run export-control checks on Iranian applicants in such fields. Check this with the supervisor before accepting. Iranian airspace is closed per the embassy site (2026-10-14). Release and translate your master's documents early.

After arrival (work while studying, post-study stay, path to permanent residence)

After the PhD you can get up to 18 months to look for a job (DAAD), then move to a Blue Card or skilled-worker permit. A settlement permit requires among other things at least three years' stay, self-sufficiency and German B1 (DAAD).