Do you need Resident Permit for Germany if you already have a Student Visa?
Whether or not, a residence permit is required along with the German student visa or not depends on one applicant to another, The student residence permit Germany requirements may vary according to the student’s nationality. Generally, students from India must obtain a German student visa at the German Embassy/Consulate in India before entering Germany. On arrival, they are required to apply for a student residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde.
This Story also Contains
- Do I Need to Get a Residence Permit in Germany?
- What is German Residence Permit Duration for Study?
- Residence Permit Extension After Studies in Germany
- How to Get Permanent Residence Permit (PR) in Germany?
- Conclusion: Do I Need a Residence Permit if I Have a Study Visa Germany?
Now, the crucial question is: why do you need resident permit for Germany if you already have a student visa? Having a residence permit in Germany allows international students to live in the country lawfully while studying. We have mentioned the German resident permit requirements for Indian students in this article along with the insights on PR Process there. Prospective students seeking a student residence permit and then a permanent residency in Germany can give it a read to have a better understanding of visa requirements.
Do I Need to Get a Residence Permit in Germany?
All students except EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Lichtenstein must obtain a German residence permit to stay in the country for more than 90 days. Indian students seeking UG, PG, and PhD courses in Germany require a mandatory residence permit along with a student visa to legally stay in the country for the intended course of study.
What is German Residence Permit Duration for Study?
Generally, a temporary residence permit is issued by German immigration to Indian students studying undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies in Germany. The residence permit duration in Germany is as long as the duration of the course of study. After successfully obtaining a student visa and a residence permit in Germany, Indian students can work for up to any of the following:
20 hours a week during the course semester
Full time for 120 days
half-time for 280 days
Residence Permit Extension After Studies in Germany
Typically, there is a mandatory requirement to get a residence permit in Germany for students from India that is of the same length as the course of the degree pursued. After the completion of the intended course of study, students can extend their residence permit for up to 18 months. During this time period, students can look for relevant job PRospects in Germany for industry-level work experience. When getting a job, students can apply for an Employment Residence Permit by changing their current student visa status to a work visa.
How to Get Permanent Residence Permit (PR) in Germany?
Students can get a German PR if they are eligible individuals living in Germany. The certain requirements to apply for a permanent residency in Germany include the following:
Staying in Germany for more than 5 years (3 years if married to a German citizen)
Have a valid passport with a current residency permit (validity: at least 3 months)
Accommodation Proof (rent/lease agreements, or registries)
Work employment Proof (certificates, salary receipts)
Have health insurance documents
Proof of pension contribution of at least 2 years in Germany
Have German language Proficiency of at least B1 level
Have course completion certificates
By compliance with the above requirements, students can get their status changed from temporary residence permit to permanent residence permit.
Conclusion: Do I Need a Residence Permit if I Have a Study Visa Germany?
Yes, a student from India requires a residence permit even if they have a study visa in Germany. They need to contact the local authorities: "Ausländerbehörde" (Foreigner's Office) near their universities and submit the relevant documents.
Also Read: Proof of Funds for Germany Student Visa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it easy to get PR in Germany after masters?
A:
Yes, it is slightly easier to get a permanent resident permit after MS courses in Germany as students can easily get a job within an 18-month extension. After, they can apply for an employment permit. Then, eligible students can apply for PR after 5 years of stay in Germany.
Q: When should I apply for a residence permit in Germany?
A:
One must apply for a residence permit as soon as they arrive in the country at the local immigration authorities. Generally, students must apply within 90 days of arriving in Germany for studies.
Q: Can international students get permanent residency in Germany?
A:
Yes, international students can get PR in Germany. They are required to reside in Germany for 5 years to be eligible for permanent residency application.
Q: Is a German student visa a residence permit?
A:
No, a German study permit and a residence permit are not the same document. A German study permit allows international students to study full-time, or part-time for a longer or shorter duration as per the course. On the other hand, a residence permit in Germany allows a legal stay in the country. A foreign student is granted a residence permit for full-time studies at a state-recognised university or a comparable educational institution in Germany.
Q: Do I need a residence permit if I have a visa in Germany?
A:
Whether or not you need a residence permit depends on the applicant’s country of origin. Indian students are required to obtain a residence permit in Germany on arrival in the country even with a study visa.
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Hello aspirant,
Indeed, even if you have health insurance from India, you may still need to get German health insurance because everyone in Germany is required to have it, and Indian insurance isn't often accepted as enough by German requirements. You will require a German policy for your visa, university enrollment, and extended stay; your Indian insurance is merely a temporary fix for the first few months of your trip.
Thank you
Hello ,
Yes , It's possible to study B arch in Germany for free since most public universities don't charge tution fees but you need to meet certain requirements. A strong portfolio and you will have to show proficiency in the German language by passing exam like TestDaH or DSH.
Some universities conduct an aptitude test or interview to evaluate your understanding of architecture before granting an admission.
Thank you
Hello,
Yes, you can definitely pursue B.Sc. and an M.Sc. in Physics from IISc Bengaluru and then later aim for your Ph.D. (Doctorate) at Technical University of Berlin (TUB), Germany.
Choosing, the Physics programme from IISC has a strong international reputation, and its degree is well-recognized globally, including in German universities. After completing your M.Sc., you can apply for Ph.D. positions in TUB or any other German institutes through programs like DAAD scholarships or direct university applications.
ALL THE BEST.
1. TUM (Munich) – Engineering, Computer Science
2. LMU (Munich) – Medicine, Humanities
3. Heidelberg University – Medicine, Life Sciences
4. Humboldt University (Berlin) – Humanities, Social Sciences
5. KIT (Karlsruhe) – Engineering, Natural Sciences
6. RWTH Aachen – Engineering
7. University of Freiburg – Environmental Science
8. University of Stuttgart – Engineering, Automotive
9. Free University of Berlin – Political Science, Medicine
10. University of Mannheim – Business, Economics
These universities offer affordable or tuition-free education for international students.
Hello,
yes you can study for a bachelor's degree in Germany, as your diploma in nautical science may be considered equivalent to the 12th year for admission purposes. However each university may have specific requirements, so its important to check their entry criteria you might also need to provide additional documentation, like your diplomas' equivalency to German standards.
Applications for Admissions are open.
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