Welcome Office
Moving to a new country is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at first. Our colleagues are here to support you and your family with initial preparations prior to arrival and throughout your stay at MPI KOFO.
Your international officer depends on your department. You can find their contact information here:
| Department | International Officer |
|---|---|
|
Heterogeneous Catalysis
(Prof. Schüth) |
Annette Krappweis
+49 208 306-2358 krappweis@kofo.mpg.de |
| Homogeneous Catalysis (Prof. List) |
Christina Godoy Tenter
+49 2083 06-2484 godoytenter@kofo.mpg.de |
| Molecular Theory and Spectroscopy (Prof. Neese) |
Annette Krappweis +49 208 306-2191 department-mts@kofo.mpg.de |
| Organic Synthesis (Prof. Ritter) |
Sylwia Falk
+49 208 306-2415 falk@kofo.mpg.de |
|
Organometallic Chemistry
(Prof. Fürstner)
|
Andrea Bosserhoff
+49 208 306-2341 bosserhoff@kofo.mpg.de |
| Sustainable Catalysis (Dr. Cornellà) |
Silke Nürnberger
+49 208 306-2482 nuernberger@kofo.mpg.de |
Before your arrival
What do I have to consider before arriving Germany? Entry rules
In case you have dual citizenship (or even more), please bring all passports with you.
List of countries with visa requirements or exemptions
Even if you are a citizen from a country exempt from visa requirements in Germany, it is strongly recommend that you enter with a valid visa. Otherwise, you will not be authorized to work until a residence permit has been issued, a process that takes several weeks.
Please submit your visa application as soon as possible to the nearest German embassy or consulate in your home or residence country. It can take several weeks or months to get an appointment at your local German embassy for the visa to be issued.
Keep in mind that a visa is only the 'entry ticket' to Germany. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for a residence permit at the local Immigration Office.
Please note that type C/short-term Schengen visas cannot be extended or converted to a residence permit!
Further information:
Federal Foreign Office - General Information on Visa Regulations
Overview of all German missions abroad worldwide
KOFO guest house?? has its own guest house; however, availability and permitted duration of stay are restricted. Nevertheless, staying there for the first few weeks (max 3 months) can be helpful as it allows you to search for a suitable accommodation at your own pace. More information about the guest house can be found here: guest house.
Helpful links for apartment searches:
Please note that these documents also apply to all family members relocating with you.
Further information:
Foreign public documents for use in Germany
After your arrival
Please visit your Welcome Officer as soon as possible after your arrival.
After successful registration, you will receive a registration certificate, which you will need, for example, to open a bank account or to apply for your residence permit.
This registration automatically triggers the issuance of your Tax-ID number which will be sent within 2-4 weeks to your address.
Please provide our Human Resources department with your Tax-ID number, as this number is required for the payment of your salary. The bank will also ask you for this number when you open a bank account.
If you move within Mülheim or elsewhere in Germany during your stay, you must repeat this step and re-register.
If you hold a national visa (type D) for Germany, it is usually valid for a limited period of time (90 days up to one year). If your stay in Germany exceeds the validity of your visa, you have to apply for a residence permit at the Immigration Office.
We will guide you through the residence permit application process, assist you in selecting the most suitable option, help prepare all necessary documents.
Before you leave
Whether you are completing your contract or departing earlier, there are several important steps to take when leaving Germany. We will support you throughout the process to ensure a smooth transition and compliance with local regulations.
Inform your welcome officer of your planned departure date as early as possible. This allows us to support you in organizing the offboarding process and to advise you on any residence permit obligations.