Residence Permit for International Students in Germany

Who Needs a Residence Permit?

Here’s a breakdown of visa and residence permit requirements for international students in Germany, depending on nationality:

No entry visa or residence permit required: Citizens of EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland can live and study in Germany without needing an entry visa or residence permit.

Need a residence permit, but not an entry visa: Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Great Britain, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, and the United States of America.

Need both an entry visa and a residence permit: Citizens of all other countries must apply for a student visa before entering Germany and obtain a residence permit after arrival if they plan to stay longer than 90 days.

How to Apply for Your German Residence Permit

1. Enter Germany with the Right Visa (if required)
If you’re from a country that requires a student visa, make sure you apply for it at the German embassy or consulate in your home country before traveling.

2. Register Your Address (Anmeldung)

• Within 14 days of arrival, register your local address at the Einwohnermeldeamt (Residents’ Registration Office).
• You’ll receive a Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate), which is required for your residence permit application.

3. Get Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for students in Germany.
You must show proof of valid coverage—either public or private—for the duration of your stay.

4. Open a Blocked Bank Account (if required)

• If proof of financial resources is needed, you may have to open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) with at least €11,208 (for one year).
• Alternatively, a scholarship confirmation or a sponsorship letter may suffice.

5. Make an Appointment at the Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde)

• Schedule an appointment with the local Foreigners’ Authority in your city.
• Some cities allow online booking; in others, you may need to go in person or call ahead.

6. Prepare Your Documents
Typical documents include:

• Valid passport with visa (if applicable)
• University admission letter or enrollment certificate
• Proof of address registration (Meldebescheinigung)
• Health insurance certificate
• Proof of financial means (e.g. blocked account, scholarship)
• Biometric passport photos
• Completed residence permit application form
• Proof of language proficiency (in some cases)

7. Attend Your Appointment

• Submit your application and pay the processing fee (usually around €100).
• If all documents are in order, your residence permit may be granted on the same day or sent to you within a few weeks.

8. Receive Your Residence Permit

• Your permit may be issued as a sticker in your passport or as a separate electronic card (eAT).
• It’s usually valid for one year and must be renewed before it expires.

How Long Is the Student Residence Permit Valid?

The student residence permit in Germany is typically valid for one year. However, it can be extended annually for the entire duration of your studies, as long as:

• You remain enrolled in your program
• You show sufficient academic progress
• You continue to meet the financial and insurance requirements

In some cases—especially if your program has a fixed duration—your permit may be issued for two years at once. Be sure to renew it before it expires, ideally 8–12 weeks in advance.

Working with a Student Residence Permit

If you hold a valid student residence permit in Germany, you are legally allowed to work under certain conditions:

• Work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year
• Take on part-time student jobs, internships, or certain types of freelance work (with limitations)
• Internships required by your academic program typically do not count toward the 120/240-day limit

Important: Exceeding the allowed work limit without official permission from the Foreigners’ Office may lead to visa or residence permit complications.

Can I Stay in Germany After Graduation?

Yes, international students can stay in Germany after completing their studies. Here are your main options:

• Apply for an 18-month job-seeking residence permit to find a job related to your degree. During this time, you can work any job to support yourself.
• Convert your student residence permit into a work visa once you secure a job relevant to your field of study.
• Apply for an EU Blue Card if your job meets the required salary threshold (currently around €45,300/year, or lower for shortage occupations like IT or engineering).

Staying in Germany post-graduation offers a strong pathway to long-term residence and even permanent settlement later on.