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Visa & Residence Permit

Here you can find information about entering Germany, visas and residence permits, as well as your options after graduation. The German embassy or consulate in your country of origin or residence is responsible for visa applications, while the local immigration authority (Ausl盲nderbeh枚rde) at your place of residence in Germany is responsible for residence permit applications. Since the requirements may vary depending on your country of origin and/or residence, please always check the websites of the responsible authorities for the latest information.

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Visa for Study Purposes & Residence Permit

If you are coming to Germany to study, you may need both:

  • A visa to enter Germany (depending on your nationality)
  • A residence permit for your stay in Germany during your studies

We have compiled all the important information for you:

After you graduate, you may have the opportunity to stay in Germany to look for employment or to work. More information here:

We also offer you support through our Visa & Residence Permit Service (VRPS) - a specialised service provided by 麻豆传媒映画*

*The VRPS offers limited support with visa applications, comprehensive support with residence permits in Berlin and, if necessary, limited support with residence permits in other German cities.

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Visa

Visa

Your first step

One of the most important steps in preparing for your study trip abroad is applying for a visa.

A visa is an official authorisation. It is usually issued as a sticker in your passport. This gives you permission to enter and stay in a particular country.

If you need a visa to study in Germany, you should submit your application as early as possible. The availability of deadlines varies depending on the embassy. Processing can take several weeks or even months.

The sooner you take care of it, the better!

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Visa
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Visa

Who needs a visa?

If you are planning to stay in Germany for longer than three months, you may need a visa.

However, there are some exceptions. If you are not sure whether you need a visa, enquire at the German embassy in your home country or in your country of residence.

Visa

Exceptions - Who does not need a visa?

If you come from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to enter Germany. A valid identity card or passport is sufficient.

However, different procedures apply after your arrival:

  • Stay of up to three months
    If you are staying in Germany for up to three months, you do not need to obtain any further permits or complete any formalities.
     
  • If you are staying for more than three months
    You must register your address with the relevant registration authority (Anmeldung)
     
  • If you come from Switzerland
    Although Switzerland is not a member of the EU or EEA, as a Swiss citizen you have the same rights thanks to the Freedom of Movement Agreement with the EU. You do not need a visa or a residence permit.Registration with the immigration authority is usually not required; however, it is recommended to do so, as you can obtain a residence document that may be useful for administrative purposes (e.g., taxes, health insurance, proof of residence).

If you come from one of the following countries, you do not need a visa to enter Germany:

Andorra, Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, Great Britain, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the USA.

However, your passport will usually be stamped on arrival. With this stamp, you can live and study in Germany, but you cannot work until you receive a residence permit. You must also register your address and apply for a residence permit within 90 days of your arrival.

It is recommended that you enter Germany with a visa in order to ensure a smooth stay and application process.

If you already have a valid residence permit from another EU member state in accordance with Directive (EU) 2016/801 - i.e. a national visa (D visa) or a residence permit, for example for studying, research work, an internship, voluntary service, a student exchange programme, an educational project or as an au pair - you can enter Germany without a visa.

However, you must register and apply for a German residence permit within 90 days of your arrival. It is also recommended that you obtain information from the relevant German embassy or directly from 麻豆传媒映画 before travelling to Germany.

Visa
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Visa

Which visa do I need to apply for?

Germany offers different types of visas, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay:

  • Schengen visa (type C): For short-term stays (max. 90 days) - tourism, conferences or summer schools.
  • National visa (type D): For students staying longer than three months鈫� Required for university studies.

Attention. As a rule, a Schengen visa cannot be converted into a residence permit!

Important recommendations:

  • National visa (type D): Apply immediately after receiving your letter of admission, as processing can take a long time.
  • No Schengen visa: This is only valid for short stays of up to 90 days and cannot be converted into a residence permit for students.

The will quickly show you whether you need a visa for Germany, which one is suitable and where you can apply for it.

Visa

How do I apply for it and what documents are required?

The Consular Services Portal (CSP) is an online system for visa applications (e.g. for study purposes) that significantly simplifies the process. However, it is only available at selected German embassies and consulates, so you should check there whether your German embassy/consulate abroad participates.

  1. Check whether your German embassy/consulate supports the CSP.
  2. Register: Create a personal user account in the CSP (if available).
  3. Complete the application online or directly at the relevant embassy/consulate.
  4. Upload documents (or prepare them if personal submission is required).
  5. Pay service fee (if required).
  6. Have documents checked - you will be notified if any documents are missing.
  7. Make an appointment with the embassy/consulate or service provider.
  8. Turn up for the appointment:
  • Submit fingerprints
  • Pay the fee
  • Present original documents

Check CSP for updates!

Track application via the foreign portal () or the German embassy/consulate.

Generally required documents?*

  • Passport
  • Completed application form
  • Biometric passport photo
  • Curriculum vitae in tabular form
  • Letter of acceptance from the university
  • Proof of previous degrees (e.g. Abitur, Bachelor)
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Proof of funding (e.g. blocked account, declaration of commitment)

*Note: The exact requirements may vary depending on the country 鈫� always check the website of the relevant German embassy/consulate.

Visa

Q&A - Visa

Your visa can be valid for up to 12 months. If you wish to stay in Germany beyond the validity period of your visa, you must apply for a residence permit (for study purposes) at least 12-10 weeks before your visa expires.

Yes, you can bring your immediate family (spouse and/or children). For this, your family must apply for a family reunification visa. For more information, please contact your local German embassy/consulate.

Yes, you can work with your visa. According to Section 16b (3) of the German Residence Act, you are allowed to work 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year (January to December) in part-time employment or in a student job. As a student, you CANNOT work full-time. You can only work 20 hours per week, but during the lecture-free period (semester break) you can increase your working hours to 40 hours per week.
You must carefully monitor and document these working hours to ensure that you comply with legal requirements.

As an international student with a type D national visa, you have the right to:

  • Live, study and work in Germany under student working conditions
  • Travel within the Schengen area (up to 90 days)
  • Free travel and re-entry to Germany within the period of validity of your visa
  • Registering a flat and opening a bank account
  • Extend your stay by applying for a residence permit

If you want to work more than the permitted number of hours, you must obtain authorisation from your immigration authority or the Federal Employment Agency (BA). Working without authorisation is considered a breach of your visa and can have legal consequences.

Submit the application 10-12 weeks before your visa expires. If you arrived without a visa or your visa is only valid for 90 days, apply for a residence permit immediately.

If the conditions of your visa change, you must apply for a residence permit within 2 weeks of becoming aware of this.

Residence permit

Residence permit

What is that?

A residence permit is an official authorisation from the local Immigration Authority. It allows you to live, study and work in Germany even if your national visa (type D) has expired. It is not an extension of the visa, but a separate residence title in accordance with the Residence Act (AufenthG).

You must apply for the residence permit before your visa expires. If you already have a residence permit, you must apply for an extension in good time before it expires.

If the conditions of your residence change, you must notify your immigration office within two weeks. A new residence permit may be required.

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Residence Permit

Who needs a residence permit?

Important information:

  • Your residence permit is only valid together with your valid passport.
  • It will be issued by the foreigners authority in the city where you live.
  • You can find more information in the Student Welcome Guide.

You do not need a residence permit to enter Germany, live, study, work etc. here. However, you must register your residence in the city where you live as soon as possible.

Your valid identity card or passport is sufficient for entry.

If your home country allows visa-free entry to Germany (e.g. Andorra, Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, Great Britain, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the USA), you must apply for a residence permit within 90 days of your arrival. Be sure to check the entry stamp in your passport or on your flight ticket to keep an eye on the deadline.

If your home country allows visa-free entry to Germany(Andorra, Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, Great Britain, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the USA), you must apply for a residence permit within 90 days of your arrival. Look for the entry stamp in your passport or flight ticket to check the deadline.

If you come from Switzerland, you do not need a visa or residence permit to live, study or work in Germany.

After entering the country, you only need to register with the registration office in the city where you live.
For certain administrative purposes (e.g. taxes, health insurance, proof of residence), you can also apply for a Swiss residence permit from the immigration office.

Residence permit

How and where do I get my residence permit?

Your residence permit can only be issued by the foreigners authority in the city where you have registered your place of residence, regardless of where you are studying. For example, if you are studying in Berlin but your place of residence is registered in Potsdam, you must apply for your residence permit in Potsdam. Click to find your local immigration office.

Generally required documents?*

Prepare the following documents for your application:

  • Completed application form
  • Passport
  • Visa (if applicable)
  • Arrival stamp or flight ticket
  • Certificate of enrolment (confirmation of enrolment)
  • Proof of payment of tuition fees
  • Proof of financial means (e.g. blocked account, scholarship or letter of sponsorship)
  • Health insurance certificate
  • Biometric passport photo
  • Confirmation of registration of residence

*Note: The exact requirements for the residence permit may vary depending on the city 鈫� therefore always check the website of your local immigration authority.

馃搶 Here you can find city-specific information on applying for a residence permit at the 麻豆传媒映画 locations!

Click to go to our link list with direct links to the respective immigration authorities.

Submission & processing

  • Submit your application for a residence permit online or in person at the immigration office.
  • Pay the fee (approx. 鈧�100 for students).
  • Wait for an appointment and decision.
  • Processing time: 4-12 weeks, sometimes longer

Note: Some websites are only in German. Use a translation service if necessary.

Residence Permit

Q&A - Residence Permit

  • The type D visa allows you to enter the country, but is usually not valid for the entire duration of your studies. The residence permit allows you to live, study and work in Germany for longer.
  • It is not a visa extension, but a separate residence permit with a separate application at the immigration office.

A residence permit is usually issued for two years or for the entire duration of your studies. The exact validity depends on your local foreigners authority. Click to find the foreigners authority for the city in which you are registered.

The best time is about 10 to 12 weeks before your visa expires or within 90 days of your arrival if you entered the country without a visa.
Visit the website of your local immigration authority to find out the necessary documents and the procedure.

Yes, according to 搂 16b paragraph 3 of the Residence Act, you are allowed to work 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year in a student job or part-time employment.

  • During the semester: max. 20 hours per week
  • During the semester break: up to 40 hours per week
  • As a rule, students are not permitted to work full-time.

The fees for the residence permit are not the same everywhere, but depend on your foreigners authority and the type of permit issued:

  • 100 鈧� for the electronic residence permit (eAT)
  • 56 鈧� for the adhesive sticker in the passport

Please note that the exact costs may vary depending on the foreigners authority and the processing procedure.

  • As long as your residence permit is valid, you can enter and leave Germany freely.
  • The residence permit is not an identity document - you must always carry your passport and your residence permit with you, even within Germany.
  • You may stay outside Germany for a maximum of 179 days (6 months). After that, your residence permit automatically loses its validity.
  • You may stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within 180 days (馃憠 click to see which countries are included). After that, you must return to Germany to reset the counter.
  • If you want to study or work in another EU country for longer than 90 days, you need a local authorisation from that country (e.g. visa or residence permit). Contact the embassy or consulate of the respective country in Germany.
  • Important: Apply for an extension or renewal of your residence permit in good time to avoid problems at the Schengen borders.

If you are still studying and your residence permit is about to expire, you must apply for an extension in good time. You will usually need a study forecast and your transcript of records. You can find more information on the website of your local immigration office.

If you have completed your studies and would like to stay in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit to look for a job. This is valid for 18 months from the date of your last examination. During this time, you are allowed to work, regardless of whether it is a mini-job, part-time or full-time, until you find a suitable position.

As soon as you have found a highly qualified job, you can apply for a residence permit for the purpose of employment no later than 12 weeks before your residence permit for job search expires.

Yes, you can bring your family with you on a family reunification visa. To do so, you must have suitable accommodation for your family members. Please contact the German embassy or consulate responsible for family reunification applications to find out the exact requirements and procedures.

If you have lost your residence permit or passport, you must report the loss to the police. You must then apply for a new passport at the embassy of your home country in Germany. You must then apply for a new residence permit at the relevant immigration office.

鈿狅笍 Do not travel outside Germany as long as you do not have a valid residence permit.

In principle, you are allowed to change your degree programme. You must inform the responsible immigration office of the change within two weeks. You may be issued with a new supplementary sheet to your residence permit. The final decision will be made by the immigration authority.

Residence Permit

Residence Permit after Completion of Studies

After graduation, you can extend your residence permit to stay and work in Germany. There are two main options:

Residence permit for job search (Jobseeker)

  • Apply early (valid from last exam).
  • Valid for up to 18 months.
  • Allows job search in own field of specialisation.
  • Part-time or student jobs for financing possible.

Residence permit for employment (with job offer)

  • Requires an employment contract and a recognized qualification
  • Applies to every highly qualified job offer
  • Possible residence permits:
    • 搂 18a: Skilled worker with vocational training
    • 搂 18b: Professional with academic qualification
    • 搂 18d: Researchers
    • 搂 18g: EU Blue Card (for high salaries)
    • 搂 19c: Special occupations (e.g. IT without a degree)
    • 搂 21: Self-employment or freelance work
Visa & Residence Permit Service (VRPS)

The Visa & Residence Permit Service (VRPS)

Visa & Residence Permit Service (VRPS)

Who are we?

Visa & Residence Permit Service (VRPS)

What do we do?

The Visa & Residence Permit Service (VRPS) is part of the International Office of 麻豆传媒映画. We support international students and staff with questions regarding visas and residence permits.

鈿狅笍 Important note
We are not a legal entity, an authority or an authorised legal body. Our support and advice is based on specialist knowledge, professional experience, practical expertise and a sound understanding of German and European residence law and the Residence Ordinance.
Our services are purely administrative in nature. In accordance with Section 2 of the Legal Services Act (RDG), we do not provide legal services. We are not authorised lawyers. Our assistance is therefore no substitute for formal legal advice or legal representation in court.

How to contact us?

  • E-mail to: [email protected]
  • Always state campus and matriculation number & write message clearly and completely
  • Attach relevant documents as PDF (max. 15 MB)
  • Mention important deadlines (e.g. visa expiry, appointments with authorities)
  • Only send one e-mail per request

Other Contact person

When we can provide support

  • If you have submitted your visa application and attended the appointment, but have not yet received a visa one month before the start of the semester
  • Advice and support on residence permits and applications in Germany

What we do not offer

  • No appointments with embassies or consulates
  • No contact with embassies or consulates (not even in urgent cases)
  • No examination or revision of visa application documents
  • No influence on visa decisions

Support at Campus Berlin

We advise and assist with*

  • Residence permit  (first issuance, extension)
  • Residence permit after graduation (job search etc.)
  • Change of degree programme
  • Work permit (all types)
  • Family reunification
  • Exchange studies (EU mobility)
  • Replacement documents (e.g. lost visas etc )
  • Special cases (搂 51 para. 4 AufenthG)
  • 鈥nd all other residence matters

Your obligations

  • Personal responsibility for valid passport and residence permit
  • Apply for or extend your residence permit in good time
  • Only obtain reliable information from the German embassy, the relevant immigration authority or the VRPS

For all other 麻豆传媒映画 locations (campuses), we provide limited support and guidance regarding visa and residence permit matters.

馃搶 * Important note
In accordance with Section 2 of the Legal Services Act (RDG), we do not provide legal services. Our support is administrative and does not replace legal advice or legal representation.