The German Federal Council (Bundesrat) approved the implementation of the EU Directive on Students and Researchers, which will introduce new regulations regarding students, trainees and scientists. The new regulations will provide more lenient rules for foreign nationals seeking to continue their studies, gain work experience through training programs or perform research and development activities in Germany. The new law is expected to become effective in July or August.
Background
The EU Directive on Students and Researchers aims to promote the European Union as an attractive location for research and innovation and to increase its overall competitiveness while creating jobs.
Student Mobility
The new law will make it easier for students and researchers to move within the European Union during their authorized stay.
Students holding a Student Permit issued by another EU Member State will be able to spend up to 360 days of their studies in Germany.
These relaxed rules will also apply to students participating in EU or multilateral student programs.
Post-Graduate Trainees
Post-graduate trainees will be able to apply for training programs to gain knowledge, skills and work experience in their areas of expertise.
Simultaneously, employers will be able to utilize these training programs to access highly-skilled and educated foreign nationals from countries outside of the European Union.
Mobility of Scientists and Researchers
Scientists and researchers holding relevant permits from other EU Member States will be able to perform their activities in Germany for up to 180 consecutive days during a 360-day period without obtaining additional authorization in Germany.
Further regulations are expected to facilitate the process of obtaining authorization to stay in Germany for purposes of research and development.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
The new regulations should benefit eligible foreign nationals from countries outside of the European Union seeking to continue their studies, gain work experience through training programs and perform research and development activities in Germany.
Interested applicants should consult their immigration professional about the specific requirements for students, trainees and scientists in each EU Member State, as these could vary.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partnering with Talent Beyond Boundaries, Fragomen continues to support displaced people in their host societies.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Kelly Hardman discusses Scotland’s hospitality sector following the UK government’s increase to the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas.
Blog post
Manager Russell Hodges and Immigration Paralegal Natalia Jozwiak discuss the future of the UK's science sector following the country's 2024 re-entry into the Horizon programme and shift in migration policy.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe discusses what is considered US residency now that Prince Harry has changed his primary residence from the UK to US.
Media mentions
Director Willys Mac’Olale shares the impact the AfCFTA will have on Kenya’s economy and immigration policies.
Video
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio explains the process for posting foreign workers to France during the eagerly awaited 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Pierce shares how a Supreme Court visa denial case could impact challenges to employment-based visa denials.
Awards
Partner Kevin Miner is selected by the Daily Report as a finalist in the “Legal Innovators” category of the publication’s 2024 Southeastern Legal Awards.
Blog post
This blog considers how employer sponsorship of long-term residence permits in Europe could be a means for retaining their talent.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of Switzerland's family reunion process for EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals.
Awards
Four Fragomen professionals are recognised in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia in the field of immigration law.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha quais indústrias estão recrutando talentos estrangeiros no Brasil.
Media mentions
Partnering with Talent Beyond Boundaries, Fragomen continues to support displaced people in their host societies.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Kelly Hardman discusses Scotland’s hospitality sector following the UK government’s increase to the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas.
Blog post
Manager Russell Hodges and Immigration Paralegal Natalia Jozwiak discuss the future of the UK's science sector following the country's 2024 re-entry into the Horizon programme and shift in migration policy.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe discusses what is considered US residency now that Prince Harry has changed his primary residence from the UK to US.
Media mentions
Director Willys Mac’Olale shares the impact the AfCFTA will have on Kenya’s economy and immigration policies.
Video
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio explains the process for posting foreign workers to France during the eagerly awaited 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Pierce shares how a Supreme Court visa denial case could impact challenges to employment-based visa denials.
Awards
Partner Kevin Miner is selected by the Daily Report as a finalist in the “Legal Innovators” category of the publication’s 2024 Southeastern Legal Awards.
Blog post
This blog considers how employer sponsorship of long-term residence permits in Europe could be a means for retaining their talent.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of Switzerland's family reunion process for EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals.
Awards
Four Fragomen professionals are recognised in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia in the field of immigration law.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha quais indústrias estão recrutando talentos estrangeiros no Brasil.