German residence permits allow non-EU nationals to reside in Germany for a limited period, having the possibility of applying for an extension of residence. According to the purpose of entry (e.g., working, volunteering, etc.) we find different types of residence permits, among which we can find the Germany Student Residence Permit.
The German Student Residence Permit was specifically designed for students coming from a non-European country, so be aware that the application process, as well as the requirements you need to meet and many other aspects, vary from other different residence permits. That is why we thought it would be interesting for applicants to learn everything regarding German student residence permits. We hope you find the present blog post enlightening.
The student residence permit enables students to reside in Germany for the whole duration of their studies, even giving individuals the chance to extend it in case they fail to complete their studies within the time your residence permit is valid initially. If the student graduates from a German university and finds a job in the country, he or she can apply for a German Employment Residence Permit, valid for another 18 months.
It is also worth mentioning that German authorities also allow students to work while staying in Germany under a student residence permit, though under certain conditions. Students can work in Germany for a limited number of hours as long as they don’t enter long-term contracts; namely, for 120 days a year under full-time working conditions or part-time for 240 days a year.
The price for getting a German student residence permit varies from 56 to 100 Eur, depending on the applicant’s situation. This fee may be paid once you submit your application in situ. Online application is not available for German student residence permits.
Once you submit your application, it may take you from 2 to 3 weeks to get a response. You will know whether your residence permit application has been accepted or not as soon as Immigration Authorities contact you.
Can I Apply for a German Student Residence Permit?
To obtain a German student residence permit you will need to fulfill one of the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in a German university or college.
- Engage in preparatory language courses.
- Participate in training courses.
- Register for professional training such as an internship.
- To be part of a study exchange program between Germany and another country.
Furthermore, applicants must be from a non-EU country as mentioned earlier, though there are some exceptions that you should know. Nationals from the following countries are also exempt from obtaining a German student residence permit:
- Australia
- Canada
- EE.UU.
- Israel
- Japan
- New Zealand
- South Korea
German Student Residence Permit – Application Process
Though the process may vary depending on both the purpose of your application and your nationality, here are some general guidelines you should follow to apply for a German student residence permit.
Read the following instructions carefully:
- Get a German visa
More particularly, a German long-stay visa. This travel authorization, also called D-Visa, allows you to travel to Germany and, in contrast to a German short term visa, obtain your German student residence permit. This visa is issued for up to 12 months and may be approved by the immigration authorities.
Among the different types of German long-stay visas for students, you should apply for the appropriate one, depending on the purpose of your trip. Namely:
- German Student Visa
- Germany Language Course Visa
- Germany Student Internship Visa
- Register your new German address
After coming to Germany, you are obliged to register your address in Germany in a maximum of two weeks. If you are wondering how you should do that, you must attend the nearest registration office from your place of residence and notify it.
- Start applying for your student residence permit
You have 90 days to do so since arriving in Germany. Schedule a meeting with the nearest Immigration Authorities and obtain the student residence permit application form, which you will need to bring along with the rest of the required documents on the day of your interview. You can learn what are the different documents which you are asked to submit hereinafter.
Required Documents to Apply for a German Student Residence Permit
If you are applying for a residence permit as a German student visa holder, you must submit the following documents:
- Germany Settlement Permit Application Form.
- Documents proving that you have sufficient economical means to cover your daily life expenses (e.g., letter of commitment, scholarship, etc.).
- Confirmation of your registered address.
- Health insurance for students including at least emergency services, in and out-patient care, cost of medications, regular check-ups, pregnancy treatment, basic dental care and repatriation in case of death.
- Rent or purchase contract of your accommodation place in Germany.
- Educational certificates.
- Document confirming you have been enrolled or admitted to a German educational institution.
- English or German language certificate proving that you have at least the required linguistic level to undertake the corresponding course.
- Valid passport.
- Biometric photo complying with the requirements that are stated by the German authorities to apply for a residence permit.
Make sure you learn the different requirements for a German permanent residence photo before taking yours. Photos may be denied and the whole application process would need to be repeated, slowing down the process a lot.
