Which documents should you bring to Germany?

1. Passport, valid for the entire duration of your stay
2. Entry visa, also for family members
3. Letter of invitation by the host institute, confirmation that you have been awarded a research fellowhship, if applicable
4. Confirmation of your health insurance provider that you are also covered in Germany, if applicable (in English or German)
5. Birth certificates of accompanying children, marriage certificate, if applicable*
6. Several passport photographs (please note regulations for photographs required for official documents like the residence permit - the Foreign Office recommends to take the pictures in Germany)
7. Officially-certified copies of your MA degree or doctoral degree and of insurance documents with German or English translations, if possible
8. Vaccination certificate, if you have one, other important medical documents and medication currently needed
9. If you intend to drive a car in Germany: International driving licence or foreign national driving licence
10. Credit card, money in cash for the first couple of days

* Please ask the German embassy/consulate or the Foreign Office in Dresden about the needed legalization of your documents. More information on the legalization you'll find here.