German Residence Permit: What You Need to Know If You Have a Student Visa

German Residence Permit: What You Need to Know If You Have a Student Visa

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Feb 13, 2025 05:01 PM IST

Studying in Germany is one of the best options for international students since it provides excellent education with minimum tuition fees and a wide range of job opportunities. Suppose you have been admitted to a German University and granted a student visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken). Now, a common question that might come across is whether you still need a German Residence Permit to stay in Germany or not.

This Story also Contains
  1. What Is a German Residence Permit for Studies?
  2. Do International Students Need a Residence Permit in Germany?
  3. Can You Work Part-Time on a Student Visa in Germany?
  4. How to Convert a Student Visa to a Residence Permit in Germany
  5. Cost of Germany Student Residence Permit
  6. Duration of German Student Residence Permits
German Residence Permit: What You Need to Know If You Have a Student Visa
German Residence Permit: What You Need to Know If You Have a Student Visa

This article explains everything related to German residence permits. It will also help you understand how to convert a student visa into a resident permit, do international students in Germany require a residence permit, the duration of the residence permit, and a few more details.

What Is a German Residence Permit for Studies?

As a non-EU citizen, you can live in Germany while pursuing your studies at a German institution if you have a student residence permit. It has a one- to two-year validity period and is granted by the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigner's Authority). As long as your studies continue normally, you can extend your student residence permit for the duration of the program.

Once in Germany, you must apply for a student residence permit. This also means that before you enter Germany, you must have a student visa from the German embassy or consulate in your nation of residence as an entry visa to Germany. However, several countries (such as the United States, Australia, Japan, Canada, etc.) do not require an entry visa.

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Do International Students Need a Residence Permit in Germany?

Yes, despite having a student visa, non-EU/EEA students are required to apply for a residence permit after they arrive in Germany.

  • You can enter Germany for academic purposes with a student visa, but you do not have the right to remain when it expires.

  • Having a residence permit allows you to live in Germany lawfully while you're studying.

You must apply for a German residence permit before your student visa expires or within 90 days of arrival. The typical duration of a residency permit is one to two years, though it may be extended if necessary.

However, Swiss and EU/EEA students are exempted from the requirement for a residence permit. The local Residents' Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt) is where they simply need to register their address.

Can You Work Part-Time on a Student Visa in Germany?

International students are permitted to work part-time in Germany, however, there are restrictions depending on their country of citizenship:

1. Non-EU/EEA Students:

  • You can work 20 hours per week during the semester or 140 full days or 280 half days annually. For this, you are not required to apply for any additional work permit.

  • You need to get approval from the Federal Employment Agency and the Foreigners' Office for working more than 140 days.

  • These restrictions are typically not applicable to university employment such as student assistant (Hiwi job).

2. EU/EEA Students:

  • The working rights of German students and students from the EU/EEA are the same. That includes they can work for 20 hours per week during the semester and no restrictions on working hours during the semester breaks.

Working beyond the permitted hours may hamper your German residence permit. Make sure not to work for extra hours and also part-time work should not affect your studies.

How to Convert a Student Visa to a Residence Permit in Germany

Once you arrive in Germany, you need to change your student visa to a residence permit for study purposes. Here's how:

Step 1: Register your Address

You need to register your address with the Bürgeramt (Citizen's Office) or Residents' Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt) within two weeks of your arrival in Germany.

Step 2: Open a Blocked Bank Account

If your student visa needs proof of finances, you may need to open a blocked bank account to prove that you can sustain yourself financially.

Step 3: Obtain Health Insurance

In Germany, health insurance is required. Private health insurance is required if you are above 30, while students under 30 need public health insurance.

Step 4: Schedule an Appointment at the Foreigners’ Office

Before your student visa expires, you must schedule an appointment at the local Foreigners' Office.

Step 5: Send in the Necessary Documents

The following documents are required to submit:

  • Completed application form for a residence permit

  • A current passport and a student visa

  • Passport size photograph (35mm x 45mm)

  • Evidence of enrolment at a university

  • Evidence of financial support (such as a sponsorship, scholarship, or blocked account)

  • Evidence of health insurance

  • Address Registration certificate

  • Fee for a residence permit (nearly €100–€110)

Step 6: Get Your German Residence Permit

An electronic residence permit (eAT) is issued once it is approved. It is typically valid for 1 to 2 years but can be extended or renewed.

Cost of Germany Student Residence Permit

The cost of a German residence permit is as mentioned below:

Category

Fee

First issuance

€110

Permit extension

€100

If you have a scholarship

Free of charge

If you are a Turkish national up to 24 years of age

€22.80

If you are a Turkish national over 24 years of age

€37

Duration of German Student Residence Permits

The duration of your student residence permit is one to two years. As long as your studies are going well, you are free to extend it till your study duration. You must obtain a letter from your school confirming that your studies are proceeding as planned to extend your German student residence permit.

Before your current student residence permit expires, you must apply for an extension at the Foreigner's Authority.

Although a student visa enables your entry into Germany, it does not take the place of a residence permit. Within 90 days after your arrival, you must apply for a residence permit. Under certain circumstances, part-time employment is allowed, and obtaining a residence permit requires some procedures, such as registering one's address, obtaining health insurance, and providing proof of finances. Maintaining adherence to these rules will make your time studying in Germany more enjoyable.

Also Check:

Germany Student Visa

Germany Student Visa Checklist in 2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are visa and residence permits the same in Germany?

No, visas and residence permits are not the same thing in Germany. A visa permits you to enter Germany for a very short period, while a residence permit allows you to stay in Germany till your study ends. It may also be extended in some cases.

2. Do I need a residence permit if I have a visa in Germany?

Yes, it is a rule in Germany that within 90 days of your arrival, you need to apply for a residence permit even if you have a student visa. If failed to do so, it will be considered unlawful.

3. How long does it take to get a residence permit in Germany?

If all your documents are submitted properly, then from the time of interview it usually takes 2 to 3 weeks until you receive your residence permit. In some cases, it might get delayed as well. It is suggested that you apply for a residence permit as soon as you enter Germany.

4. Can I work 40 hours a week as an international student in Germany?

During the semester, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, with no restrictions during semester breaks. Common employment includes internships, mini jobs, and working student positions; pay starts at €12 per hour and rises for skilled positions.

5. How much can a student earn for 1 hour in Germany?

Regardless of any job type, students cannot be paid below €12.41 per hour. Everyone is entitled to fair pay.

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Regarding your online BCA degree from Shoolini University , its validity for APS (Akademische Prufstelle) purposes is uncertain. Here's what you should know:


1. APS requirements: The APS certificate is mandatory for Indian students seeking admission to German universities. APS verifies the authenticity of your educational documents and ensures they meet German academic standards.

2. Online degrees: APS has specific guidelines for online degrees. They might not recognize online degrees or may require additional documentation for verification.

3. Shoolini University: As a recognized Indian university, Shoolini University's degrees are generally accepted. However, the online nature of your BCA degree might raise concerns.


To confirm the validity of your online degree for APS purposes:


1. Contact APS directly: Reach out to the APS office in New Delhi or visit their website to inquire about their policies on online degrees.

2. Consult with Shoolini University: Verify with your university whether they have any information or experience with APS recognizing their online degrees.

3. Prepare additional documentation: Be prepared to provide additional documents, such as transcripts, course certificates, or proof of online coursework, to support your application.


It's essential to clarify this aspect before applying for APS to avoid any potential issues or delays.

Hello,

No, an online BCA degree from Shoolini University may not be considered valid for APS. APS (Academic Evaluation Center) mainly verifies regular degrees. Since German universities generally do not recognize fully online degrees, there is a chance that your one-year online BCA may not be accepted.

It’s best to contact APS India directly to confirm whether your online degree will be considered valid for the evaluation.

Hope it helps !

Hello!

You are planning to enroll in bachelor studies at Germany following twelve years of school and an additional one year of B.C.A. online courses at Shoolini University in India. You need to apply for Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certification but you doubt whether an online degree will be accepted here.


Key Points to Consider:

1. German University Admission Requirements:

German universities demand students to possess the Abitur certificate which students earn at the end of secondary school after completing either 12 or 13 years of education.

All international students must obtain a qualification that corresponds to the German Abitur. Many education institutions do not accept students with just 12 years of post-GCSE education as equivalent to a German Abitur certificate and might need supplementary qualifications and exams assessments.


2. APS Certification:

As part of their functions the APS carries out document and qualification verification services for students from India and other select nations who want to study in Germany. The main function of the APS centers on authenticating academic documents regardless of the education delivery method which can be either online or in-person.


3. Recognition of Online Degrees:

Different German educational institutions follow various approaches to acknowledge online academic credentials. Specific universities allow admission of web-based qualifications as other institutions doubt their validity. You need to verify how particular universities handle online learning through direct communication.


Recommendations:

You must contact APS for verification regarding the suitability of your Shoolini University online B.C.A. year as a qualification for APS certification.

Make contact with the acceptance offices of German universities where you plan to enroll. The entry requirements of universities become clear through discussions with them because they will specify what you need along with your qualifications to meet program admission standards.


Enough evidence shows that your current qualification level falls short of German entry requirements so you need to conduct additional qualifications through studies or preparatory courses.

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CAT/GMA are must for the top MBA programs, but they are quite challenging. So, focus on preparation in quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and logical reasoning.You can give other entrance exams for MBA like XAT, CMAT.A few certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or software tool-specific certifications makes your profile more valuable .Projects, internships, or extracurricular activities demonstrate your skills and interests.You can Consider Tier-2 and Tier-3 B-Schools.You can get into the international colleges too if you want but you have to study hard.
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Yes, it is absolutely possible to change fields in Germany after completing a BScYes, it is absolutely possible to change fields in Germany after completing a BSc in Biotechnology and pursue a Master's in Design, as Germany generally allows students to switch fields for postgraduate studies, provided you meet the necessary academic requirements and demonstrate a strong interest in design through relevant coursework or portfolio work.


Before applying just do courses related to graphic design software proficiency, creative projects, or relevant internships to strengthen your application and also course of Germany language helps you to gel up with other students

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