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Which visa and work permit regulations apply for university professors?
As a rule, university professors from non-EU countries require a work visa or a residence permit for scientific staff (§ 18 Residence Act). You may apply for an EU Blue Card, provided that specific salary limits are not exceeded. A valid employment contract with a German university is generally a prerequisite for obtaining a residence and work permit. The HR department of your university is available to you for further questions and details.
Extension of residence permits
Residence permits for scientific staff are generally limited to the duration of the employment contract. Extensions are possible, provided the employment contract is extended as well and all other preconditions are fulfilled (e.g., sufficient income, health insurance etc.).
How long in advance should one plan a professorship in Germany?
The planning phase depends largely on your country of origin. Visa applications for non-EU nationals may take several months. Applicants should plan ahead at least three to six months in order to have all necessary documents available for submittal.
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What does the recognition process for overseas degrees and qualifications look like?
Foreign university degrees must be officially recognised in Germany for a work permit as a professor to be issued. Such recognitions are often issued through the central certification authority of the Standing Conference of Education Ministers (“Kultusministerkonferenz”) or other expert bodies. Please note that you must initiate and carry through this process individually, and that it may take several months to complete.
Do special requirements need to be met when working at a German university of applied sciences?
Yes. German universities set clear and specific requirements for professors. In some cases, it is possible for professors to not have completed a doctorate or habilitation; in such cases, appropriate practical experience will have had to be gained by the applicant instead.
More.
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The employment contract
A typical employment contract for university professors should include the following items:
- Duration of contract (fixed-term or indefinite)
- Salary (incl. potential bonuses)
- Holiday entitlement
- Work time and lecturing duties
- Regulations re. secondary employment
- Termination notice
Additionally, before receiving their employment contract, professors receive a special letter with all necessary information enclosed. A sample contract may help applicant ensure that all necessary requirements have been met.
Sample contract for download (=still missing!)
What does the German Working Conditions Act entail?
The German Working Conditions Act (“Arbeitsschutzgesetz aka “ArbSchG”) regulates all matters concerning the good health and safety of employees in Germany. The act obligates the employer to take all necessary measures of accident prevention and risk assessment.
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Information on salaries and taxation
If you come to Germany as an overseas university professor, we urge you to comprehensively inform yourself on the subjects of salary, taxation and social insurance. These aspects are important for your financial planning and integration into the German work environment.
German tax regulations for guest academics with employment contracts
As a rule, guest academics holding a valid employment contract are subject to German income tax.
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German tax regulations for guest academics holding stipends
Here, it all depends on the type of stipend held by the professor in question. Stipends issued for professional training purposes are often tax-free, as long as specific conditions are met.
Double taxation agreements
Germany has concluded so-called double taxation agreements with many countries in order to avoid double taxation of earnings. These agreements determine which country has the right of taxation. Whether you as a guest academic are taxed in Germany or your home country depends on your residence status and the duration of your stay.
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Whom may I turn to for assistance and advice with all of these matters?
Each university of applied sciences has contact points available for individual consultation, such as the “Welcome Centre”.