Health Insurance for International Students in Germany

You’re going to study abroad in Germany, you will need health insurance.

You will need one certificate to prove you have travel insurance (for your visa application) and another certificate/digital confirmation to prove you have health insurance (for university enrollment).

The travel insurance you need for your visa application is private insurance, this applies to all students who need a visa. We’ll tell you how and where to get this.

Once you are in Germany (for your university enrollment), you will either be eligible for public or private health insurance. Your eligibility depends on your student status, your age, and other factors like your health status. We’ll also tell you how and where to get this.

Public Health Insurance in Germany: Who Can Get It?

If you’re under 30 and will be studying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you can get public health insurance.

Use the online tool by TK and DR-Walter to see the type of insurance you can get.

How Much Does Public Health Insurance in Germany Cost?

Public health insurance costs in Germany range from €140 to €150 per month as of January 2025.

The cost depends on factors such as age, whether or not you have children, and, of course, the provider — although there is not a big difference in cost among providers, as you will see listed below in just a while.

Public health insurance policies usually come at a discounted price for students, so the prices you see are some of the best in Germany in terms of affordability. Students only pay 70% (§245 SGB V) of the general contribution rate (§241 SGB V).

Here’s a list to get a better idea of how much students pay for public health insurance in Germany:

Health Insurance ProviderHealth Insurance ContributionNursing Care Insurance ContributionTotal/Month*
BKK firmus€103,11€35,91€139,02
hkk Krankenkasse€106,11€35,91€142,02
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)€108,33€35,91€144,24
HEK – Hanseatische Krankenkasse€108,76€35,91€144,67
BKK ProVita€112,09€35,91€148,00
Heimat Krankenkasse€113,89€35,91€149,80
BKK24€115,17€35,91€151,08

*Remember, these amounts can vary slightly, either up or down, depending on factors such as your age and whether or not you have children (+ the number of children you have). So, if you simply contact the company of your choice, they will be glad to let you know their specific rates for your circumstances.

What Does Public Health Insurance Cover?

Public health insurance in Germany covers the following:

  • GP (general practitioner) appointments.
  • In-hospital treatment.
  • Out-patient treatments.
  • Prescription medication.
  • Surgery.
  • Cancer screening.
  • Maternity benefits.
  • Basic dental care.

If you want to visit a doctor, you must set an appointment with any doctor registered in the public healthcare system, known as Kassenärzte. Such doctors usually have signs on their doors specifying they are part of the public health insurance scheme.

Remember that purchasing additional private health insurance is possible if you want to claim more benefits, such as more advanced dental services or private hospital rooms.

Private Health Insurance in Germany: Who Can Get It?

If you are a student aged 18-37 years old, you may be eligible for the new and exclusive private health insurance plan Study Secure Premium by ottonova (ottonova). Other options include Provist Student for those over 30 years old (Provisit Student), Preparatory and language course students (Educare24), Post-graduate students, guest scientists, and scholarship holders without an employment contract. (Provisit Science), Freelancers or self-employed students (Feather Insurance).

If you belong to any of the groups mentioned above, you should know there are some pretty convenient private health insurance plans out there. So, don’t worry about costs, benefits, or visa requirements.

For example, Study Secure Premium by ottonova offers affordable and comprehensive coverage that is fully accepted for your university enrollment.

For example, EDUCARE24 by DR-WALTER is made specifically for students who belong to the above categories, meaning it will provide exactly what you need to meet all the requirements set by German authorities.

On the other hand, Provisit Student is an extremely convenient alternative to public health insurance for students who are not eligible. It’s ideal for students over 29 years old and it meets all the regulatory requirements!

There are other private health insurance plans and companies you can choose from, apart from the ones we mentioned here. But, this information gives you a good idea in terms of what’s out there and how private plans can be beneficial and affordable, so you don’t need to stress about that.

How Much Does Private Health Insurance in Germany Cost?

You can purchase a plan for as little as €33 per month with Educare24 if you’re attending a Studienkolleg (preparatory course), internship, a summer university, or taking a language course in Germany.

On the other hand, plans for degree students (meaning those enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program) start at €79 per month with Provisit Student.

Overall, the cost is pretty much the same as public health insurance.

Let’s make it simpler and more specific! If you’re planning to study at the Bachelor’s or Master’s level, and for one reason or another, you do not want to get public insurance or are not eligible, here’s what you would pay with Provisit Student:

Monthly PremiumHealth and Long-Term Care Insurance*
Up to 29 years€79.00
Up to 59 years€129.00

*There are variations of costs for people over 59 years old or for accompanying spouses and children; you can take a look at them on the official health insurance provider website.

What Does Private Health Insurance in Germany Cover?

Private health insurance in Germany covers the same services as public (statutory) health insurance, such as GP appointments, in-hospital treatment, outpatient treatments, dental treatment, operations, and maternity services.

One difference is that private health insurance allows you to include additional benefits, such as advanced dental treatment or other benefits, depending on your circumstances and needs.

For this reason, many people eligible for public health insurance combine some part of private insurance with their existing insurance policy.

Where and How to Get This?

You have two options:

1. Apply Directly Through the Insurance Provider

Once you arrive in Germany, you should contact a health insurance provider if you haven’t already done so.

As we said, some private providers collaborate with public providers, so you can get both your travel insurance (free for visa application) and health insurance (for university enrollment) in one place. 

If you choose such providers, e.g., DR-Walter (private) & Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), you will have your health insurance ready when you arrive, you simply have to contact the provider and tell them you’ve arrived.

Once you make it to Germany, you can submit the remaining documents needed (bank account & enrollment certificate from the university) to activate the insurance plan.

We recommend this because registering with TK will give you up to 31 days of free private insurance with DR-WALTER, which you will use before beginning your studies (for your visa application).

Begin your application here.


2. Apply Through Popular Intermediaries

You can also use third-party companies who will get your health insurance for you.

If you want to sign up for public health insurance today and get a price estimate in just a few clicks (all in English), simply go to Feather-Insurance.

We recommend this because: 

The signup is 100% digital (without unnecessary paperwork).

They will help you for free because they’ve partnered with public insurance providers to help you sign up easily.

Click here to see how much public health insurance would cost you.

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Proof of Financial Resources

he low cost of universities in Germany is one of the biggest incentives for international students who choose the country as their study destination.

Knowing this, many students are surprised to find out they need to prove that they have €992 per month or €11,904 total for the first year of studies in Germany. This is a requirement for the student visa and residence permit (as of September 1, 2024).

The reason for this requirement is to make sure students don’t struggle financially during their studies. While public universities charge minimal fees, you must have enough money for expenses such as accommodation, food, health insurance, transportation, and other essentials.

Keep reading to find out if you need to provide proof of financial resources to study in Germany, how to do this, and other important details.

Who Needs to Provide Proof of Financial Resources?

You need to show that you have enough money to support yourself in Germany if you need a student visa or residence permit to study here. This proof is known as the “Finanzierungsnachweis”.

Therefore, whether or not you need to provide proof of financial resources for studies in Germany depends on your nationality:

Country of originProof of Financial Resources
Citizens of European Union (EU) countries, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, and SwitzerlandNot required.
Citizens of non-EU countries that need a visa to come to GermanyRequired when applying for a student visa.
Citizens of Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the USARequired when applying for a residence permit.

How to Prove Financial Resources for Studying in Germany?

There are many ways you can demonstrate proof of funds for the German student visa or residence permit:

  • Depositing money into a German blocked account.
  • Providing proof of your parents’ income and financial assets.
  • Presenting confirmation that you’ve been awarded a scholarship from a recognized provider.
  • Presenting a bank guarantee.
  • Having a permanent resident in Germany guarantee to cover your expenses.

Blocked Bank Account

The blocked account is one of the most reliable ways that international students in Germany can show they have enough money to support themselves.

A blocked account (Sperrkonto in German) is a type of bank account that “blocks” a specific amount of money that you deposit upfront. You will only be able to access it in monthly installments of max. €992 when you arrive in Germany.

There are several providers of blocked accounts, but we highly recommend Expatrio. It’s accepted by all German authorities globally, and the online application process takes only a couple of minutes. Plus, if you open your blocked account with Expatrio, you’ll also be eligible for the Expatrio Scholarship, which offers prizes totaling €40,000, with the top prize being €15,000!

Proof of Parental Income

If your parents have adequate income/financial assets to support you financially, you can use this as proof of finances for the German student visa or residence permit.

Whether this proof is accepted sometimes depends on the embassy/consulate in your country or the respective Foreigner’s Office (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany. We recommend reading their instructions to confirm and to find detailed information on the documents you need to submit.

In most cases, you have to send your parent’s bank statements for the last three months and/or their payslips.

Scholarships

If you won a scholarship to study in Germany, this can also count as proof of your financial resources. You should submit the award certificate of a recognized scholarship provider stating the amount of funds/specific expenses covered and the duration of support.

If the scholarship amount is less than €992 per month or only partly covers your expenses, you can provide bank statements as supporting documents that you have the required remaining amount.

If you make a good candidate, here are some fully-funded scholarships to consider:

  • DAAD Scholarships
  • Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship
  • Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
  • Erasmus+ Scholarships

A Bank Guarantee

Some students use bank loans as proof of funds for the student visa/residence permit. Banks often offer low interest rates for student loans in countries with high numbers of students who want to study abroad.

Depending on the bank, you can also look into a bank guarantee, referred to as a “Bankbürgschaft.” This is a guarantee that the bank agrees to cover your financial liability for the period of study in Germany. The bank steps in and pays if necessary and receives commission for taking the risk.

Guarantee from a Permanent Resident in Germany

If a German resident (usually a close family member or relative) is willing to cover your study & living expenses, they can be your guarantor. They should apply to get a Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from their local immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde).

To get this, they need to submit a form (such as this one) along with documents such as their last three payslips and confirmation of employment, proof of address, and an issuance fee. They should submit their request no earlier than six months before your visa appointment.

This guarantee is serious—if they promise financial support while you’re studying in Germany and you receive support from government agencies instead, the guarantor must reimburse them within five years.

Providing the Source of Funds and Additional Proof

Sometimes, the German authority where you apply for the student visa or residence permit may need to see evidence for the source of your funds. Here are some possible scenarios:

A Contract with a Commercial Business

If a business in your home country is going to sponsor your studies in Germany, you’ll likely be asked to provide more information about said business.

In most cases, you need documents verifying the company’s legitimacy and the contract you have with them specifying the terms and conditions of the sponsorship.

Scholarship Received in Your Country

If you win a scholarship to study in Germany from an organization in your country, you may be asked to send proof that the scholarship is credible. Such proof can include an official contract, certificates, or any other communication with the provider confirming that the scholarship is legitimate.

Source of the Funds in Your Bank Account

If you deposit a significant amount of money at once into your bank account, German officials will likely ask about the source of funds. For example, if you have been working for some years and deposited your savings, you can provide evidence through your work contract or bank deposit statements.

This is why the blocked account is more reliable—with the funds being blocked, it’s easier for German authorities to confirm that they are genuinely available for you to have in Germany, rather than someone transferring the money temporarily only for the sake of you getting the visa.

Proof of Finances for Extending Student Residence Permit in Germany

If your residence permit is about to expire and you haven’t finished your studies in Germany yet, you need to apply for an extension of the permit at the local Foreigner’s Office (Ausländerbehörde). Apart from submitting documents that confirm your academic status, you also need to provide proof of financial resources.

The Foreigner’s Office is usually more lenient on this requirement in cases of extensions in comparison to initial issuances of a study visa or permit. With this in mind, proof of finances requirements can vary from one office to another.

Apart from foolproof evidence such as the blocked account, scholarships, and guarantees, they may accept the following:

  • Savings in your bank account. You must submit statements for the last six months.
  • Work contract. If you’re financing your studies through part-time work, you can submit your employment contract as proof of financial resources. If your income is less than €992 per month, you should prove you have the remaining funds in savings.

Working While Studying in Germany

ou can work while studying in Germany. Some rules depend on where you come from. 

We’ve written down some important things you would probably like to know if you’re considering working in Germany during your studies.

Working Hours

  • If you come from a non-EU/EEA country, you can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year. This totals to a maximum of 20 hours per week. During academic breaks, you can work full-time. If you want to work more than the allowed number of hours you need a special work permit from the Federal Employment Agency and the Foreigner’s Office.
    • If you’re attending an internship that is a mandatory part of your degree program, it won’t count toward the weekly hour limit. 
  • If you come from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you have the same rights as German students when it comes to working while studying. This means that during the academic year, you will also be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. Whereas, during the holidays, you can work without any restrictions. 
We recommend you consult with the international office at your university before finding a part-time job. Your university can offer you more information about working in your specific state; plus, they might share with you opportunities they might already have available.

Top Student Jobs in Germany

There are many part-time jobs available for international students who want to work while studying. Most students usually work as academic assistants, bartenders, cashiers, personal trainers, translators, English teachers, babysitters, promoters, or various roles in media.

Can English-Speaking Students Find Jobs in Germany?

You can find a job, even if you only speak English. In bigger cities like Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt, numerous international companies and startups offer English-speaking roles in customer service, marketing and tech support. 

There are also on-campus jobs that don’t require German.

Where Can I Look for Work as a Student in Germany?

Check university job portals, student services (Studierendenwerk), online job platforms (Indeed.de, Monster.de, and StepStone.de), company websites (their career pages), job fairs, etc. Also, don’t forget to network and ask your friends if they know of any opportunities!

How Much Can International Students Earn in Germany?

You can only earn up to €556 per month, as of January 2025, without having to pay taxes to the state, according to Minijob Zentrale. That is referred to as having a mini job that is tax-free. If you earn more than €556 per month, you automatically become liable for taxes. Plus, you have to pay social security contributions.

You might not know this but you can work several mini-jobs at the same time in Germany. But, you should make sure not to exceed the allowed working hours limit.

Which Are the Best Cities in Germany to Find Work?

Some of the best cities in Germany for international student jobs include Munich, Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt, and Dusseldorf.

Berlin, for instance, is a hub for start-ups and creative roles, Munich is popular for tech and engineering, and Frankfurt excels in finance. 

Can I Work More Than the Legal Limit as an International Student in Germany?

If you’re working as a student assistant, you can extend your working hours by submitting a request to the Foreigners Office and the Federal Employment Agency. For other fields, you’re generally limited to 20 hours per week, with extra hours allowed only during holiday breaks.

Is German Required to Find a Job in Germany?

Knowing German can definitely open up more opportunities. However, you can find work in Germany even if you are not fluent in German. Many international companies are open to hiring English-speaking students. Don’t give up!

Can I Freelance in Germany?

You can freelance in Germany. Just remember that freelancing often involves extra paperwork, and you might need permission from immigration authorities. If you want to go for it, first make sure you check the local regulations.

    Germany Student Visa – Checklist, Requirements, Application, Fees & Processing Time

    If you want to join 458,210 international students currently studying in Germany, chances are you need a visa or residence permit.

    But how to know if you need a visa, residence permit, a combination of both, or neither to study in Germany? What type of visa should you apply for? What documents do you need?

    We’ll answer all these questions and provide a step-by-step of the application process below.

    Do I Need a Visa to Study in Germany?

    There are two situations in which you may need a visa for Germany:

    1. If your study program lasts less or up to 90 days. For short programs such as language courses, you only need a Schengen visa. Citizens of countries that have a Schengen agreement with Germany don’t need a visa. You can check if your country is among them in this list.
    2. If your study program lasts longer than 90 days. If your studies in Germany exceed this period, for example, if you’re doing a master’s degree, you need a national visa (D visa). You also have to apply for a residence permit when you’re in Germany before this visa expires.

    If you’re from these countries, this may not apply to you:

    • Citizens of EU countries (+ Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) don’t need a visa or residence permit to study in Germany. If you’re from one of these countries, you only need to register your address in Germany at the Residents‘ Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt), referred to as Bürgerbüro (Citizens’ Office) in some places.
    • Citizens of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, and San Marino don’t need a visa to study in Germany IF they don’t plan to work while studying here. In this scenario, they only need to register their address and apply for a residence permit once in the country. Otherwise, they need a student visa if they want to work alongside their studies.
    • Citizens of Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and the United States don’t need a visa to study in Germany. They only need to register their address and apply for a residence permit upon arriving in the country.

    Types of Germany Study Visas

    As an international student, the type of visa you need for Germany depends on your study program:

    • The Schengen visa (C visa) for short courses that last up to three months, and
    • The national visa (D visa) for courses that last more than three months.

    You can get a national visa (D visa) for different study programs in Germany, including undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, or exchange studies, participating in pre-academic measures (such as Studienkollegs), and non-academic German language courses.

    Depending on your situation, you can apply for one of the three types of German national visa (D visa) for students:

    • German Student Visa. If you were accepted to a German higher education institution to start studying in a higher education program (e.g. bachelor’s degree, master’s degree).
    • German Student Applicant Visa. If you applied to a state-approved higher education institution or preparatory course and have a good chance of getting accepted, but have not received a letter of admission or confirmation of application yet.
    • German Language Course Visa. If you want to attend intensive German language courses in Germany, without plans to continue studying elsewhere.

    What Are German Student Visa Requirements?

    When you apply for the German student visa, you have to fulfill the following requirements/application documents:

    1. Visa application documents. You need a completed visa application form, a valid passport, and recent passport-style photos.
    2. Proof of financial resources. Proof that you have enough money to support yourself in Germany (minimum requirement is €11,904 per year).
    3. Proof of purpose of stay. Letter that confirms your acceptance to a study program in Germany.
    4. Previous academic qualifications. School-leaving certificate or, if applicable, university degree.
    5. Health insurance. Required for the visa and to enroll at the university.
    6. Proof of language proficiency. German or English at minimum B2 level.
    7. Visa processing fee. €75 for adults, reduced fee for minors.

    Let’s go over each requirement in more detail:

    1. Visa Application Documents

    Here are the standard documents you need to apply for a German student visa:

    • Properly filled out and signed national visa application form.
    • Valid passport.
    • Two copies of your passport.
    • Birth certificate.
    • Marriage certificate (if applicable).
    • Your child’s birth certificate (if applicable).
    • Recent passport-style photographs (up to 3). You can get biometric photos conveniently from MyBiometricPhotos.com.
    • Photocopies of previous German residence titles (if applicable).

    2. Proof of Financial Resources (Finanzierungsnachweis)

    Next, you have to show you have enough money to support yourself while studying in Germany. The established requirement (as of September 2024) is €11,904 per year or €992 per month for the first year. Some of the ways to fulfill this requirement include:

    • A deposit confirmation showing that you have €11,904 in a German blocked bank account (Sperrkonto).
    • Valid proof of your parent’s income records and financial assets (e.g. bank statement, job contract, etc.).
    • Scholarship awarding certificate that specifies the expenses covered or monetary award.
    • Letter of commitment by a German resident (Verpflichtungserklärung) stating that they can cover your expenses while you’re a student.
    • Bank guarantee issued to you by a recognized bank.

    3. Proof of Purpose of Stay

    You can send one of these documents as proof of coming to Germany for study purposes:

    • Confirmation of admission (Zulassungsbescheid). A confirmation from a recognized education institution in Germany that states when the program will start and what language it’s held in.
    • Confirmation of admission in a university preparatory course (Studienkolleg). A letter from uni-assist, a confirmation of admission as an applicant, or another form of communication with the Studienkolleg stating that you’re accepted or enrolled in the course.
    • Proof of conditional admission (Bedingter Zulassungsbescheid) to a university & enrollment in a long-term intensive language course (Intensiv-Sprachkurs). This can be a letter from uni-assist, a confirmation of admission as an applicant to the course, communication with the university on the terms of final admission, or payment for the first three months of the course.

    4. Evidence of Previous Qualifications

    Next, you should provide official or notarized copies of your earlier education certificates. This includes your school leaving certificate (e.g. high school diploma) and, if applicable to you, a certificate of your bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D.

    5. Health Insurance

    Once you’re in Germany you need to have valid health insurance. Students from countries within the EU/EEA or other countries with a social security agreement with Germany may be able to use their health insurance from back home.

    Otherwise, you need to get student health insurance from a German provider once you make it to Germany.

    However, you may be asked to present proof of health insurance during your visa appointment. In most cases travel health insurance is sufficient as proof for your visa until you get student insurance in Germany.

    This online tool by TK and DR-Walter will tell you the type of insurance you need and how much it will cost (after you start the application process). You will pay after you enter Germany.

    6. Proof of German or English Proficiency

    Another document you may need is proof of German or English proficiency (or of both languages), depending on the language of instruction of the study program.

    For visa purposes, you usually need to prove you possess minimum B2 level (CEFR) knowledge in German and/or English. You can show this through recognized language exams such as TestDaF or TOEFL.

    7. Visa Processing Fee (€75)

    Lastly, you need to pay a nonrefundable visa processing fee when you’re ready to submit the visa application. The standard fee is €75 for adults and €37.50 for minors (under 18 years old).

    You should bring this amount in cash, in the local currency—for example, you need ₹7000 if you’re applying in India.

    If you won a scholarship, please check with your local embassy or consulate, as in most cases you’re exempt from paying the visa processing fee.

    How to Apply For A German Student Visa

    Once you’ve checked all requirements and prepared the necessary documents, you are ready to apply for a German student visa. These are the general steps you need to follow:

    • Locate the closest German embassy or consulate. Use this list of German embassies worldwide or search on Google to find the one nearest to you. Most embassies have an official website (ending in diplo.de) where you can find the latest information and their physical address.
    • Review the requirements and procedures. Check the embassy’s website for the requirements and appointment steps that apply to your country. Review all the information carefully before moving on to setting an appointment.
    • Set up a visa appointment. Next, schedule the appointment as instructed by the embassy or consulate. Most have an online appointment booking portal, but some may also accept appointments by email or phone call. We recommend scheduling your appointment as early as possible since some countries receive a high volume of applicants.
    • Prepare and double-check documents. Double-check all visa documents to make sure they’re in order. If you follow instructions clearly, you won’t need to pay any consultants or agencies to help.
    • Prepare for your visa interview. The interview is the last step of the visa process. You can prepare by reviewing these common student visa questions. You should also have €75 with you (€35.50 for minors) to pay the processing fee (keep the receipt after paying). Now, all you have to do is wait for the official decision on your visa status.

    When To Apply For a German Student Visa

    The best time to apply for a student visa is right after you receive the acceptance letter and made sure you’ve got the funds to study in Germany.

    Most people who have applied for a German student visa suggest that the best time to apply is around three months before starting your studies.

    Germany Student Visa Processing Time

    Visa processing time depends a lot on the country and the German embassy or consulate where you apply. Approximately, it takes up to 25 days to get a decision on the application.

    However, if they’re handling a lot of applications, it can sometimes take up to three months. This is why it’s best to apply as early as possible so you’re on the safe side.

    How To Get a Student Residence Permit in Germany

    Most international students who want to stay in Germany longer than 90 days need to apply for a student residence permit. This permit lets you live, study, and work part-time in Germany.

    A German residence permit is not to be confused with a visa— you need the visa to enter the country, whereas the permit is obtained after you arrive here.

    Here are all the steps to obtaining a student residence permit in Germany:

    Find Your Permanent Accommodation

    Since it is a requirement for the permit, you need to establish long-term accommodation within two weeks of arriving in Germany if you haven’t already done so.

    Register at the Local Resident’s Office

    Once you’re settled in your new residence and have signed a rental agreement (or other relevant contract), you need to register your address at the Resident’s Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt).

    The registration process is called ‘Anmeldung’ and the address registration certificate you receive after is called Meldebescheinigung or Anmeldebestätigung.

    You need to have these documents with you:

    • Valid passport or national ID (with a valid visa if applicable).
    • Rental contract.
    • A confirmation letter from your landlord specifying your address.

    Enroll in Your Chosen Academic Program

    The next step is enrolling at the university or school where you’ll be studying. You need to submit these documents to your school’s online portal or student affairs office (Studentensekretariat):

    • Application for enrollment (online or printed)
    • National passport/national ID card with a valid visa (if applicable)
    • Letter of acceptance from the university
    • Proof of statutory health insurance in Germany
    • German University Entrance Qualification or equivalent recognized qualification

    When you’re done, you will receive a certificate of enrollment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung). You’ll need this for the permit as well.

    Apply for a Residence Permit for Studies

    Now for the residence permit application process, if you have a visa, you need to apply for the residence permit in due time before the visa expires.

    To get your permit, you need to make an appointment at the local Foreigner’s Office (Ausländerbehörde) and start preparing the application documents. Appointments are usually set online through the Foreginer’s Office website.

    What Are the Requirements for a Student Residence Permit in Germany?

    Here is a checklist of documents you need for a student residence permit in Germany:

    • Completed application form. The residence permit application form is called Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels in German. As an example, here is the application form for Munich.
    • Passport/national ID card. Showing a valid entry visa (if you need a visa to enter Germany).
    • Documents showing your permanent address in Germany. 
    • Confirmation of city registration. The registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) from the Resident’s Registration Office.
    • Proof of residence certificate. In German, this is the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung or Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung. Your landlord should fill it out and sign it.
    • Recent passport-type photographs.
    • Proof of enrollment in studies. This can be a certificate of enrollment, confirmation of admission, or evidence of conditional admission to studies.
    • Proof of financial subsistence. Send the same documents you provided when you applied for the visa. For details on how to show finances if you don’t need a visa, please take a look at this guide.
    • Application fee. The application fee for a German residence permit depends on the city/town and whether you’re applying for the first time or extending it. The first issuance fee is around €100 for adults and €50 for minors. To extend your permit, it costs about €93-€97 for adults and half that for minors.

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