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

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

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:

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.

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