Student residence permit in Germany

Residence permit in Germany for non-EU students

If you are not an EU student and you plan to study in Germany for a period of time longer than 3 months, you have to apply for a national visa before you come to Germany at your local German mission:
[Click here to locate the German embassy and consulates in your country and find their contact information] .

Students from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States of America may apply for a residence permit within 3 months of arrival in Germany at the Aliens Authority of the place where they will reside (see below When you arrive in Germany).

If your studies are shorter than 3 months, you may have to apply for a Schengen Visa in order for you to enter Europe depending on your nationality.
[List of countries whose citizens don't require a visa to enter Europe].

Before you come to Germany

You will have to submit your application for a German national visa at your local German embassy or consulate. They will then issue a visa that will allow you to enter Germany and apply for your residence permit at the local Aliens Authority (Ausländerbehörde). In some cases, you may also apply for a residence permit from abroad.

In general, you will be required to enclose the documents as listed below:

• A letter of acceptance from your higher education institution in Germany indicating that you have been admitted to full-time studies.
• A valid passport. Make sure your passport is valid throughout the entire period of your stay in Germany.
• 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.
• Two passport size photos.
• A signed "Declaration 'Visa 1'", which is a document you can get at your local German embassy or consulate.

The cost of the application is 60 EUR and the usual processing time is up to 2 months.

In order for your visa to be granted, you will need to prove you have, at least, 670 EUR per month to support yourself financially while you study in Germany.

When you arrive in Germany

Once you are in Germany, you will need to apply for a residence permit at the Aliens Authority (Ausländerbehörde) of the city where you will reside. We recommend you check the website of the city where you will be living in to learn about the specific documents you have to provide as well as book an appointment to submit your application for a student residence permit in Germany. Upon approval, you will be granted a residence permit for study purposes (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Studium).

Source: German Federal Foreign Office.

Residence permit in Germany for EU students

EU students who have sufficient means to support themselves financially during their studies have the right to reside in Germany. However, you will be required to register your residence at your local residents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt).

Source: German Federal Foreign Office.