Visa regulations, translation and legalisation of documents, health insurance, housing
Before you make your way to Heidelberg and start working at MPIK, there are a few legal formailities to fulfil. Here we would like to give you an overview of the most important points.
In many cases, a visa is required to enter Germany. You can obtain one from the German embassy in your home country. Allow about two to three months for the application process. You should apply for visas for accompanying family members at the same time.
The addresses of the respective German consulate with information on visa requirements for your country and more detailed information on visa regulations can be found on the following websites of the Federal Foreign Office:
If you belong to one of the following groups, you do not need a visa to enter Germany:
- Group A: Citizens from member states of the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein do not need a visa.
- Group B: The same applies to nationals from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and the USA.
In general, a visa only authorises entry and a stay of up to 90 days in all cases. If you are planning a longer stay, you must apply for a residence permit soon after your arrival. This also applies to nationals of group B.
The International Office at MPIK is responsible for all visa matters.
- Passport or identity card valid for the entire duration of your stay. If your national identity card is not valid for the entire time, you will have to go back to the German immigration office once it has been renewed by your country of origin.
- valid visa (if applicable)
- (travel)health insurance
- biometric photographs
- Marriage certificate (and apostille or legalisation)
- If you are travelling with your children: Birth certificate of your children (and apostille or legalisation should a visa or residence permit be needed) as well as the latest school records
All university certificates (Master/PhD)
If a foreign document is presented in Germany, the German authorities may require proof of authenticity. Depending on the country of origin, different procedures apply to confirm authenticity. Here you will find information from the Federal Foreign Office in English.
Documents in other languages need to be translated into German by a translator who has been sworn in in Germany. In this database you can search for officially authorised, appointed and sworn-in translators and interpreters for your languages and region.
You need adequate health insurance coverage in Germany - and must also provide proof of this for a residence permit. It is therefore advisabel to check in advance whether your health insurance is sufficient of whether you may need to apply for health insurance in Germany.
Within the EU: The insurance company in your home country can tell you whether your insurance cover extends to Germany. Please note that accidents, medical treatment and hospitalisation are covered. Provided that the insurance company also confirms that the insurance cover is valid for the entire duration of the research stay, the presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) fulfils the requirement of sufficient health insurance cover.
If your health insurance coverage for Germany is not sufficient, it is advisable to take out German health insurance for a a longer stay. During your time in Germany, the insurance in your home country may be suspended after consultation.
There are generally two types of health insurance in Germany: private and statutory health insurance. Please note:
- Scholarship holders must take out their own insurance.
- If you have an employment contract and an annual salary that has exceeded 73 800 € for the past three years (as of 2025), you can choose whether you want to take out statutory or private insurance.
- With an employment contract and an annual income below this limit, you are automatically covered by statutory health insurance.
It is worth comparing the range of services offered by the various health insurance companies. You can then take out insurance cover for Germany in your home country.
In any case, it should be ensured that you have comprehensive insurance coverage as soon as you enter Germany. Please make sure that familiy members travelling with you also have health insurance!
You will also receive your German pension insurance number ("Rentenversicherungsnummer") from the health insurance of your choice.
TIP: Are you looking for a doctor who speaks a specific language? Then you may find someone here: arztsuche-bw.de
Under “Erweiterte Suche” you can enter the languages you are looking for.
Heidelberg is an attractive university city where many people enjoy working and living.
This is reflected in the prices and availability of housing. Visiting scientists in particular, who rent a (partially) furnished flat on a short-term basis and/or for a short period, must expect to spend up to 40% of their monthly salary on housing.
The university semesters begin in April and October. Demand for housing is particularly high during this period.
We therefore recommend that you organise your accommodation well in advance - ideally several month before the beginning of your stay.
For the first few days or weeks, it is also possible to rent a room in our guest house, which is located on the MPIK campus. However, the number of places is limited, so it is advisable to book early. Please note that the guest house is located outside the city!
In addition to looking for a home yourself, it is also possible to hire a real estate agent. These can be found via Gelbe Seiten, for example. The agent's fee may be up to two months' rent plus VAT.
The flat does not contain any furnishings if not explicitly stated otherwise in the property advert.
