Quick summary
#German citizens and Person with settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)s use Aufnahmevereinbarung to petition for eligible family members per BAMF requirements. For related guidance, see the Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) page. For related guidance, see the Family Reunion Visa page.
RESEARCHER: Research Visa (§18d)
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form Aufnahmevereinbarung?)
#As such, the Aufnahmevereinbarung is a pivotal element in Germany's commitment to fostering international research collaboration and innovation. For related guidance, see the Form AUFNAHMEVEREINBARUNG page. For related guidance, see the Research Visa (§18d) page.
First page of Aufnahmevereinbarung form
Source: Aufnahmevereinbarung online portal
Context and workflow
#Processing times for the Aufnahmevereinbarung depend on the case type and current workload. Always consult the official AA processing time tool for the latest information.
Why this matters
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
- This form acts as a cross-check point: details here must match other forms and supporting documents.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Receipt confirmation (Eingangsbestätigung)
- Provide biometrics at the local foreigners' authority (Ausländerbehörde)
- Electronic residence permit card issuance
- Aufnahmevereinbarung is commonly filed alongside Form VIDEX-NATIONAL.
Who uses it
German citizens and Person with settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)s use Aufnahmevereinbarung to petition for eligible family members per BAMF requirements. For related guidance, see the Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) page. For related guidance, see the Family Reunion Visa page.
When it is used
- RESEARCHER: Research Visa (§18d)
- When applying for Researcher — Aufnahmevereinbarung is typically required as part of the application
Requirements snapshot
#- To ensure compliance with German employment and immigration regulations.
Failure prevention (What causes Form Aufnahmevereinbarung rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Lack of clarity in the employment terms.
- Discrepancies between the form and supporting documents.
What you need (What do you need for Form Aufnahmevereinbarung?)
#- The current edition of Aufnahmevereinbarung
- Applicant identification documents and photographs
- Evidence of financial support during the stay
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- Copy of your filed or approved VIDEX-NATIONAL (Required with researcher visa application)
Checklist (What is the Form Aufnahmevereinbarung checklist?)
#- Access the latest Aufnahmevereinbarung form and its accompanying instructions directly from the official AA website.
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of Aufnahmevereinbarung
- Sign, date, and submit Aufnahmevereinbarung with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form aufnahmevereinbarung. Check the current fee on the official BAMF fee schedule. | See official schedule |
Can the Form Aufnahmevereinbarung fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
AA will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see National Visa Application (Long-term Stay).
Fees change; always verify on AA.
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Schengen / National Visa | 15 to 60 daysas of February 2026 |
- Processing time for Aufnahmevereinbarung under "Schengen / National Visa": 15 to 60 days (as of February 2026).
- Processing times for Aufnahmevereinbarung vary by category and processing location. Verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Processing times for this form vary by AA office and current workload. Verify current processing times with AA.
- While pending: track your case status using your File reference number (Aktenzeichen), respond promptly to any requests for additional documents, and update your contact information with AA if it changes.
Where to file
#Submit your application at the designated AA office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Submit application
Submit your application at the AA office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official AA website before submitting. For related guidance, see Form SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION.
Strategy tips
#Examples (What are examples for Form Aufnahmevereinbarung?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- Common weakness: Sponsor forgets to sign; form returned, causing delay.
- A citizen files Aufnahmevereinbarung to petition for their spouse to immigrate
- A permanent resident uses Aufnahmevereinbarung to sponsor their unmarried child under 21
- An applicant in the Researcher category files Aufnahmevereinbarung as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form Aufnahmevereinbarung?)
#- Some applicants assume that being part of the EU exempts them from filing the Aufnahmevereinbarung, but it is still required for research purposes.
- Filing Aufnahmevereinbarung allows the beneficiary to immediately enter or remain in the country — The petition only establishes the relationship. The beneficiary must separately apply for a visa or change of status.
- All family relationships qualify for immigration sponsorship — Only certain family relationships are eligible. The sponsoring relative must be a citizen or permanent resident, and the specific relationship must be in a qualifying category.
- Paying the AUFNAHMEVEREINBARUNG filing fee does not guarantee acceptance — the fee is generally non-refundable even when the form is rejected for technical errors.
- A fee waiver for AUFNAHMEVEREINBARUNG is not automatic — only specific qualifying categories are eligible, and a waiver request can be denied while the underlying form is still expected to be filed.
- AUFNAHMEVEREINBARUNG can be rejected before substantive review for technical errors such as “Ensure form edition is current.”
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update Aufnahmevereinbarung, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#A software engineer submitted their petition with all supporting documents
The case was approved within the standard timeline
Prepare all evidence before filing to avoid delays
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form VIDEX: National Visa Application (Long-term Stay): Filed together: Required with researcher visa application (Hosting pathway)
- Unlike Form BLUE CARD APPLICATION: EU Blue Card Application: Related form in this immigration process (Hosting pathway)
What happens after you submit
#- Receipt confirmation (Eingangsbestätigung)
- Provide biometrics at the local foreigners' authority (Ausländerbehörde)
- Electronic residence permit card issuance
- Receive decision on work permit or visa application
- Begin employment under the terms of the agreement
Verification
#This guide is based on official AA instructions for the Aufnahmevereinbarung and is updated with changes in form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements on the official AA website.