Welcome to TAM
You're almost here. Let's make the start easy.
Joining TAM means becoming part of one of Germany's most ambitious research clusters — a community of scientists pushing the boundaries of mind, brain and behaviour. We want you to hit the ground running. This guide walks you through everything you need to do before and after you arrive, step by step.
Phase 1 — Before Arrival
Get ahead before you land.
The German administrative system rewards preparation. A few steps taken early can save you weeks of waiting later — and get you into the lab faster.
1. Connect with your international office
Your university's Welcome Office is your local expert for all things relocation. Reach out the moment you accept your position — they can answer questions specific to your city and situation before you even pack.
Get ahead before you land.
The German administrative system rewards preparation. A few steps taken early can save you weeks of waiting later — and get you into the lab faster.
1. Connect with your international office
Your university's Welcome Office is your local expert for all things relocation. Reach out the moment you accept your position — they can answer questions specific to your city and situation before you even pack.
Universität Marburg — Welcome Center for Mobile Researchers
Goethe Universität/FIAS Frankfurt
Still unsure? Contact the TAM TrainingHub Coordinator directly
2. Visa — sort this first
This is the step that determines everything else. Don't wait.
EU citizens: No visa or residence permit needed. Skip ahead to Documents.
Non-EU citizens (UK, USA, Australia and others): You can enter without a visa, but applying for one in your home country will make everything faster once you arrive.
All other non-EU citizens: You must apply at the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country before travelling.
Visa type by role:
PhD candidates → §18d Research Visa
Postdocs (full-time) → EU Blue Card
Postdocs (other contracts) → §18d Research Visa
You'll need an invitation letter from your PI and a hosting agreement from the TAM admin office. Start gathering these early.
3. Documents — bring the originals
German authorities almost always require original documents, not copies. Pack these before you leave:
Everyone: Passport, academic certificates and transcripts, invitation letter, hosting agreement.
With family: Birth certificates, marriage certificate, children's birth certificates.
Driving: Your licence is valid for 6 months after you register your residence.
4. Housing — you need an address to register
Without a registered address you can't complete City Registration, and without City Registration almost nothing else works. Start your housing search early.
- PhD candidates: Apply for university dormitories (Studierendenwerke) in Gießen, Marburg or Darmstadt — you can often apply before enrollment.
- Postdocs: Search on WG-Gesucht or ImmobilienScout24. Short-term sublets and hostels are a perfectly fine starting point.
Ready? We'll take it from here
The rest of the guide picks up the moment you arrive. Until then — safe travels, and welcome to TAM.
Continue with Step 2
Got questions at any point? Rebekka at the TAM TrainingHub is your first call.