Freedom of Movement Certificate (Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung)
If you are a national of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland and intend to spend more than three months in Germany, you require a Freedom of Movement Certificate ("Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung"). This is issued by the Resident Registration Office in some places, and by the Foreign Nationals Registration Office in others. In order to obtain a Freedom of Movement Certificate, you usually require the following documents:
- Completed form "Aufenthaltsanzeige für Staatsangehörige der EU und EWR-Staaten" (see link below)
- Passport or identity card
- Proof of registration ("Anmeldebestätigung" ) from the Resident Registration Office
- Evidence of activity in Germany (e.g. employment contract, fellowship award letter)
- Letter of invitation from the host institution
- Proof of health insurance cover
- For family members: marriage certificate, birth certificate (certified German or English translation)
Aufenthaltsanzeige
(31.1 kB)In Bochum
The Foreign Nationals Registration Office (“Ausländerbüro der Stadt Bochum”) is responsible for issuing residence permits. EU citizens who are intending to stay in Bochum for more than three months can also obtain their Freedom of Movement Certificate from this authority. If you are an EU citizen you can apply for this certificate directly when you register with the Citizens Advice Bureau. It will then be issued by the Foreign Nationals Registration Office and sent to you by post.
Tutor Service
Every Tuesday, 8:00am (meeting point by arrangement).
If you require assistance when dealing with the formalities or would like someone to accompany you to the various authorities, you can call on our team of student tutors who will be pleased to help you. The tutor service includes:
- assistance in dealing with the officials at the Foreign Nationals Registration Office
- assistance in opening a German bank account
- assistance in taking out a health insurance policy
For appointments, please contact Ms. Alexandra Redel, counsellor for guest researchers (phone: +49 (0)234 / 32-25408). Please contact us at least 3 days in advance.
Guide for international researchers, chapter 5:
Concerning formalities in Germany. Read more here (page 84) (2.3 MB)Translation: Dr. Lynda Lich-Knight, ResearchComm Ltd
