Before your arrival

Foreign academics need a visa to enter Germany, and for longer stays they need a residence permit. As a rule, the visa can be obtained from a German embassy or consulate before coming here. Depending on the length and purpose of your stay, a Schengen visa (for research stays up to three months) or a national visa (research stays over three months) will suffice.
Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area, or of Switzerland, do not need any visa to enter Germany or any residence permit for a longer stay. Researchers who plan a longer stay in Germany (i.e. more than three months) must, generally speaking, only register at their local Residents Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt), where they will receive a freedom of movement certificate. For this, certain documents such as a passport, passport photos, birth certificate etc. must be presented.

Further information at EURAXESS Germany 
Information on entry and stays from the German Foreign Ministry  
City of Münster Citizens Office

After your arrival

The following first steps are important for visiting academics and have to be taken immediately after your arrival in Münster:

• Collecting the first instalment of your scholarship from the University Treasury (Universitätskasse).
  Site plan: University Treasury, Röntgenstraße 17, Room 05
• Opening a bank account at a German bank or savings bank (Sparkasse). For this you will need to bring your passport or equivalent identification.
  List of banks in Münster
• In Germany everyone who moves into a flat or house has to register with the authorities. Within one week of your arrival or move to Münster, you must register yourself and all dependants accompanying you with the City of Münster. 
  Foreigners Registration Office
• If necessary: extension of visa / residence title (also for spouse/partner/children)

A comprehensive list of FAQs covering many aspects of your stay in Germany is provided by EURAXESS Germany, an information platform of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
Click here for EURAXESS Germany

Assistance for your first days in Münster

The International Offices Welcome Centre arranges for assistance to be given to foreign guests by students from the International Centre “Die Brücke” (“The Bridge”). For example, the students help guests to sort out formalities after they arrive in Münster. The assistance includes

• accompanying guests to the Foreigners Registration Office 
• accompanying guests to the bank (to open an account)
• accompanying guests to get health insurance