Traveling with a research visa

Research visa - what is it?

A so-called research visa is reserved for a very small group of people. Only professors or scientists have the opportunity to apply for a visa for research purposes. A residence permit of this type is basically a sub-category of a work visa and is issued under different names in many countries. Depending on the type and location of the research, it may be necessary to apply for a humanitarian visa, an expert visa, a student visa, a cultural visa, a “classic” work visa or another special type of visa. If you are doing research for television or a newspaper, you are a candidate for the so-called journalist visa. Which visa best suits your travel intentions must be clarified on a case-by-case basis. In India, on the other hand, the research visa is clearly defined as a separate type of visa for travel for research and scientific purposes. The term research visa is often used as a synonym. Research opportunities abroad arise, for example, in the following areas: Medicine and health, biotechnology and genetic engineering, materials and substances, information technology and electronics, marine and Antarctic research.

What requirements must be met when applying for a visa?

If you are planning to conduct research abroad as a guest, you must provide proof of your qualifications. First and foremost, you need to explain your research project in detail and rule out other travel intentions. Instead of an invitation letter, as required for a tourist visa, for example, you will need a letter of confirmation from a recognized research institution or from the university on whose behalf you are conducting research. International university collaborations for research purposes are a great opportunity for students of various subjects to gain interesting experience in scientific work and to get to know foreign cultures. In order to apply for a research visa at the relevant consulate, further documents must be submitted in addition to the letter from the institution:

• Complete and correctly completed visa application
• Passport and current passport photos
• Written presentation of the research topic
• Proof of financing for the project

What about the validity of the visa?

The research visa in India is valid for a maximum of three years or for the duration of the research project. In many countries, the travel and research period is usually determined by the dates in the invitation, which you need for your visa application regardless of the visa type. If you have any questions about the research visa, please contact our visa service.