Which residence permit do I need for a doctorate?

There's no separate residence permit for doctorates. There are three options, depending on how you fund your doctorate:

• Student permit (§ 16b): The only option if a university has accepted you as a doctoral candidate but you have no employment contract. You need proof of €992 a month (a scholarship or blocked account). With this permit, besides student jobs at the university, you can work outside 140 full or 280 half days a year.
• Researcher permit (§ 18d): If you have a hosting agreement (Aufnahmevereinbarung) with a university or research institute plus an employment contract or scholarship. If a university employs you on a contract for your doctorate, this permit is usually issued. It's tied to the contract; when the contract ends, you must find a new solution within 6 months at the latest.
• EU Blue Card: Also possible if the salary in your employment contract is above the Blue Card threshold. It can lead to a settlement permit faster.

If you already live in Germany: If you have a permit such as family reunification, an EU Blue Card or a settlement permit, you can do a doctorate with it; you don't need to change your permit. If your current permit is tied to a job and you leave that job for a doctorate, you'll need to change your permit.

Changes during your doctorate: If, for example, your scholarship ends and you find a paid position, or the other way round, you can change your permit type during your doctorate. Inform the LEA of the change in good time.

After your doctorate: Once you finish, you can get an 18-month permit to look for work.