If you are not an EU/EEA student and you plan to study in Germany for a period of time longer than 3 months, you have to apply for a residence permit. Students from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States of America may apply for a residence permit after arriving in Germany. Please, observe that the residence permit is only temporary and intended to register students while enrolled at university or college in Germany. Students from certain countries must also apply for a Schengen Visa to enter Europe.
[Click here to view the list of countries whose citizens don't need a visa to enter Europe]
What documents do you need to apply for a residence permit in Germany?
- The filled-in application form. You may find the application form at your local embassy or consulate. Alternatively, you may download the forms below:
- The letter of acceptance from your higher education institution indicating that you have been admitted to full-time studies
- A copy of the pages in your passport where personal data can be read
- Two recent passport-sized photo
- A copy of your health insurance plan
- A bank statement or copy of your grant/scholarship stating you can support yourself financially throughout your time as a student in Germany
- Documentation confirming your accommodation details
Please, note that all documents must be attested.
How much does it cost to apply for a residence permit to study in Germany?
According to the Law on residence, employment and the integration of foreigners in the Federal Territory of Germany (Aufenthaltsgesetz), article 69, the application fee for a limited residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) is 80 EUR. EU students don't have to pay any fee when applying for a residence certificate (Aufenthaltsbescheinigung).
Where do you apply for a residence permit in Germany?
If you are an EU student, you may apply upon your arrival in Germany at the Citizens Registration Office (Bürgerbüro) of the city where you will be staying. You will be issued a residence certificate (Aufenthaltsbescheinigung).
If you don't need a visa to enter Germany, you may apply for a residence permit at the Local Inmigration Office (Ausländeramt) upon your arrival.
If you need a visa to enter Germany, you will have to apply for a residence permit before traveling to Germany.
We recommend you check with your local embassy or consulate the documentation and other requirements you need to fulfill to successfullky apply for a residence permit in Germany: [Click here to locate the German embassy and consulates in your country and find their contact information]
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Where do you have to pay the application fee?
You may pay the application fee at the German embassy or inmigration office when you submit your application.
How much is the minimum financial subsistence requirement?
You will be asked to prove you have at least ca. 640 EUR per month* to support yourself financially.
Financial subsistence requirement valid for 2009-2010.
How long does it take to process an application for residence permit?
The processing time is about 2 weeks. Please, note that if you are applying for a residence permit from abroad, you should count on a processing time of about 3 months. Therefore, we recommend you initiate the application procedures with plenty of time before you begin your studies.
