Jump directly to main navigation Jump directly to content Jump to sub navigation

International Office

The International Office (IO) is a facility of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. Each year, the institute hosts a large number of visiting graduate students, postdocs and senior scientists from all parts of the world. The aim of the IO is to make the transitions of our visiting scientists smooth and fast, so that they can benefit from a successful and exciting work period at the institute.

The International Office will help you with the following issues:
  • visa and guidance for application
  • preparation before coming to Germany
  • how to find a flat and housing
  • first steps after arrival
  • financial questions
  • medical and liability insurance
  • healthcare
  • schools and day care in the vicinity
  • support for spouses and children of visiting scientists
  • driving license and vehicle registration
  • visa extension procedures and contacts with the German Foreign office
  • German and English language courses at various levels
  • living in Leipzig
  • travel information
  • cultural and social background information

Contact

Rocco Buchholz
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology   
Deutscher Platz 6
04103 Leipzig
phone: +49 (341) 3550 - 160
mobile: +49 (0)170 / 7633 455
fax: +49 (341) 3550 - 119
buchholz@[>>> Please remove the text! <<<]eva.mpg.de

Things to do before arrival

Visa regulations
EU citizens:Nationals of an EU country do not require a visa in order to enter Germany to live and work.
Non-EU citizens of “associated” countries:Citizens of certain non-EU countries do not need a visa for entering Germany. These countries include e.g. Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and the USA. Please refer to the following list of the German Federal Foreign Office: Table of countries whose citizens require / do not require visas to enter Germany (Link).
Non-EU citizens of all other countries:To enter Germany you require a visa. Please contact your nearest embassy or consulate with your letter of invitation/working agreement and apply for a visa three months in advance of your arrival.
Important documents

You will need to have the following documents ready before your arrival in Germany:

  • passport, which must be valid for at least 12 months
  • letter of invitation sent to you by the Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology
  • a document or certificate confirming that you have received a scholarship/contract from the Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology or from another academic or private institution in Germany
  • entrance visa if applicable (issuing authority is the German Embassy in your country)

Documents needed by families:

  • passport, for each family member as applicable
  • a birth certificate with a verified German translation, for each family member
  • a marriage certificate (if applicable) with verified German translation
Helpful links

Information about Germany 
Find the German mission in your country
Do you need a visa to enter Germany?
Federal Foreign Office

Things to do after arrival

1st step: Registration (at the "Meldebehörde")

You have to register your residence at the "Meldebehörde" within 2 weeks of your arrival in Germany. Bring your passport or your IDcard to the International Office and sign the registration form there. The registration will be done by the IO.

2nd step: Residence Permit

If you intend to work in Germany and stay longer than three months, you need to have an electronic residence permit ("elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel"). This is an official document confirming permission to stay and legally work in Germany. In order to get one you have to apply for it at the local immigration office ("Ausländerbehörde") soon after your arrival.

Although you only have to apply for a residence permit within 3 months we support you to do this as soon as possible after your arrival.

For your residence permit you personally have to bring the following documents to the local Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde Stadt Leipzig):

  1. application form for a residence permit
  2. passport, which must be valid for at least 12 months
  3. one biometric passport photo
  4. copy of your scholarship confirmation or your contract of employment
  5. copy of your recent health insurance contract (which must satisfy the conditions to be accepted in Germany)
  6. copy of your recent rental agreement
  7. methods of payment: If you have a contract of employment with Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology the costs for your residence permit will be 110 Euro, extension 65 to 80 Euro. If you hold a scholarship there will be nothing to pay. Payment is either in cash or via EC-Card.
Helpful links

The electronic residence permit (eAT) 
Federal office for migration and refugees
Studying and education in Germany
Working in Germany
Immigration Act
Living and working in Germany - A guide for international scientists at Max Planck Institutes

Information about Leipzig and Germany

Facts about Germany is a reference book offering all sorts of up-to-date and reliable information about all aspects of modern life in Germany – be it business, culture, or politics. It has figures, facts, and interesting timelines.

EURAXESS Germany provides information and assistance to mobile researchers. The portal contains practical information concerning professional and daily life, as well as information on job and funding opportunities. The services centres help researchers and their family to plan and organise their move to a foreign country, providing assistance in all matters related to mobility.

Leipzig Airport gives detailed information on flight timetables, arrivals and departures, and the services provided for passengers and visitors. These are always up-to-date and provide you with reliable information about your flight up to three days in advance.

Train System (Die Bahn) offers travelling by train through Germany. You can choose the best connection from your airport of arrival and find out more about special destinations. Tickets can be booked by internet or over phone.

Leipzig is a dynamic, forward-looking city that seizes opportunities and actively seeks out new challenges – partly in order to sharpen its profile in competition with other places. Furthermore, it has been possible to develop successfully the areas of research and innovation. Get a first insight in Leipzig's demographic, social, economic, structural, and cultural topology.

Public transportation in Leipzig is operated by the “Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe”. Public transportation in Leipzig is characterized by a dense light-rail system. 13 tram lines serve a transport area of about 152 kilometres, complemented by more than 30 bus lines in large part being en-route in the suburban area.