Post-Brexit: UK nationals need a visa for Germany
What changed on 1 January 2021
Before Brexit, UK students enjoyed EU freedom of movement and could study in Germany without any visa or residence permit — just as German students could study in the UK. Since 1 January 2021, UK nationals are third-country nationals. For stays longer than 90 days (which any degree program will be), you need a German national student visa (Nationales Visum, Type D) obtained from the German Embassy in London before you travel. This is the most significant practical change Brexit has brought for British students in Germany.
Documents required for a German student visa (German Embassy London)
- Valid UK passport (must have at least 6 months' validity beyond your intended stay)
- Completed visa application form (form available on the Embassy website)
- Two recent biometric passport photographs
- Letter of admission from a German university (conditional offer letters are also accepted for visa application in many cases — check with Embassy)
- Proof of financial means: Sperrkonto certificate showing ~€11,208 deposited
- Proof of German health insurance or travel health insurance covering the visa period
- Proof of accommodation in Germany (university hall of residence confirmation, rental agreement, or host family letter)
- Academic certificates: A-levels / Highers / IB Diploma / bachelor's degree certificates and transcripts
- CV / Motivation letter (depending on program)
- Visa fee: €75
German Embassy London — visa application key facts
| Embassy location | 23 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PZ |
|---|---|
| Consulate (Scotland) | German Consulate General Edinburgh (also covers Northern Ireland) |
| Appointment booking | Online via visabooked.com/german-embassy — book as early as possible |
| Processing time | 4–8 weeks typical; apply at least 3 months before your departure date |
| Visa fee | €75 (paid at appointment) |
| Visa validity | Typically issued for the duration of your program + 1–3 months |
| Biometrics | Required at appointment (fingerprints) |
| Language of application | English documents are accepted |
After arrival: converting your visa to a residence permit
The Aufenthaltstitel (student residence permit)
Your national visa allows you to enter Germany and begin studying. Within the validity period of your visa — usually the first 3–6 months after arrival — you must register your address at the local Einwohnermeldeamt (residents' registration office) and then apply for a student residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) at the local Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' authority). Bring your passport, visa, university enrollment certificate, Sperrkonto confirmation, and proof of health insurance. Your residence permit is then issued for the duration of your studies and allows you to work 120 full days or 240 half-days per year.
Visa and residence permit — complete timeline
- Receive university admission letter
- Open Sperrkonto and fund it
- Book visa appointment at German Embassy London (book early — slots are limited)
- Attend appointment with all documents; pay €75 fee
- Collect visa from Embassy (allow 4–8 weeks)
- Travel to Germany
- Register address at Einwohnermeldeamt within 14 days of arrival
- Apply for student residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) at local Ausländerbehörde
Explore the full guide for United Kingdom students in Germany
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