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Visa & residence permit

Here you will find concise information on entering Germany, applying for or extending your residence permit and your options for staying and working in Germany after graduation. Please note that visa and entry requirements vary depending on your country of origin. We therefore recommend that you visit the website of the German embassy or consulate responsible for you.

Find a German embassy/consulate abroad
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Visa for study purposes & residence permit

If you are coming to Germany to study, you may need both:

  • A visa to enter Germany (depending on your nationality)
  • A residence permit for your stay in Germany during your studies

We have compiled all the important information for you:

After graduation, you may have the opportunity to stay in Germany to look for employment or to work. Find out more about:

We also offer you support through our Visa & Residence Permit Service (VRPS) - a specialised service provided by SRH University*

*The VRPS offers limited visa application support, comprehensive assistance with residence permit issues in Berlin and advice on residence permits in other cities if required.

A person is holding a pen and pointing at a city map that is laid out on a table. Next to the map, there is a notebook and some colorful pens. A pair of glasses is also on the table.

Visa

Your visa is important

One of the most important steps in preparing for your study trip abroad is obtaining a visa.

A visa is an official authorisation, usually issued as a sticker in your passport, which allows you to enter and stay in a particular country. If you need a visa to study in Germany, it is important to apply as early as possible.

The availability of appointments varies depending on the embassy and processing times can take several weeks or even months. The sooner you take care of it, the better!

Read on to find out more about the visa process and how you can ensure a smooth transition to Germany.

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Visa
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Visa

Who needs a visa?

If you are planning to stay in Germany for longer than three months, you may need a visa.

However, there are some exceptions. If you are not sure whether you need a visa, enquire at the German embassy in your home country or in your country of residence.

Find German embassies/consulates
Visa

Exceptions - Who does not need a visa?

If you come from an EU country or an EFTA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland), you do not need a visa to enter Germany.

However, different procedures apply after your arrival:

 

  • EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway

If you wish to stay longer than three months, you must register with the local authorities (Anmeldung) in the same way as German students.

  • Switzerland

Although Switzerland is part of EFTA, Swiss nationals and their family members must register in person at the local immigration office within three months of their arrival.

The authorities will check whether you are entitled to freedom of movement and, if necessary, issue you with a temporary residence permit in accordance with the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation of 21 June 1999.

If you come from one of the following countries, you do not need a visa to enter Germany:
Andorra, Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, Great Britain, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the USA.

However, your passport will usually be stamped on arrival. With this stamp, you can live and study in Germany, but you cannot work until you receive a residence permit. You must also register your address and apply for a residence permit within 90 days of your arrival.

If you already have a residence permit from another EU country to work or study, you may not need a visa to enter Germany. However, you must register and apply for a residence permit within 90 days of your arrival. Please contact your local German Embassy/Consulate for more information.

Visa
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Visa

Which visa do I need to apply for?

Germany offers different types of visas, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay:

  • Schengen visa (type C): For short-term stays (max. 90 days) - tourism, conferences or summer schools.
  • National visa (type D): For students staying longer than three months→ Required for university studies.

⚠️ Attention: A Schengen visa can NOT be converted into a residence permit.

Important recommendations:

  • Apply for your national visa (type D) as soon as you have received the letter of admission from your university. Applying for a visa can take weeks or even months, depending on the embassy.
  • Do not apply for a Schengen visa if you are planning to start your studies in Germany. A Schengen visa only allows short stays and requires you to leave the country after 90 days. You cannot switch to a residence permit for students.

You can get quick information on visas with the Visa Navigator from the Federal Foreign Office. This tool will help you to find the right visa for your stay in Germany. Simply answer a few questions about your purpose of entry and you will receive clear information about the required visa, the application procedure and where you can apply for it.

Visa

How do I apply and what documents do I need?

New visa application system - Consular Service Portal (CSP):

Many German embassies/consulates now offer a new online visa application system, the Consular Service Portal (CSP). This system simplifies the process, but is only available at selected embassies. Check HERE if your German embassy/consulate supports CSP.

Visa application procedure:

The documents required for a student visa are generally the same worldwide. However, always check the website of the German embassy/consulate to which you wish to apply to ensure that you have the latest information.

Some of the basic documents required for your visa application:

  • Current curriculum vitae in tabular form
  • Passport
  • Application form
  • Biometric photo
  • Health insurance
  • Letter of acceptance from SRH University
  • Previous educational results (Abitur, Bachelor's degree, etc.)
  • Proof of financial support (blocked account, letter of commitment, etc.)

⚠️ Important: Visa requirements may vary from country to country. Therefore, always check the website of the local German embassy/consulate for exact details.

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Follow these steps to apply for your visa via the Consular Services Portal (CSP):

1. Access to the Consular Services Portal (CSP)

2. Select the responsible German embassy/consulate

  • Which embassy or consulate is responsible for you depends on your place of residence and the duration of your stay there. Please make sure that you choose the right German embassy/consulate based on these factors.
  • If it is not possible to apply online at the relevant German embassy/consulate, you must submit your application in person. Further details can be found on the official website of the respective German embassy/consulate.

3. Create a personal user account

4. Upload required documents

5. Pay the service fee (if applicable)

6. Check the application documents

  • If any documents are missing or incorrect, you will receive a notification with instructions from the German embassy/consulate or external service provider.
  • Once your application is complete, you will receive a link to make an appointment with the German embassy/consulate or a designated service provider.

7. Go to your appointment

  • Go to the German embassy/consulate or service provider on the scheduled date to:
  • Give fingerprints
  • Pay the visa application fee
  • Submit original documents (if required)

8. Track your application

Visa

Q&A

Your visa may be valid for up to 12 months. If you wish to stay in Germany beyond the validity period of your visa, you may need to apply for a residence permit (for study purposes) at least 12-10 weeks before your visa expires.

Yes, you may bring your immediate family (spouse and/or children). Please contact your local German Embassy/Consulate for more information.

Yes, you can work with your visa. According to Section 16b (3) of the German Residence Act, you are allowed to work 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year (January to December) in part-time employment or in a student job. As a student, you CANNOT work full-time. You can only work 20 hours per week, but during the lecture-free period (semester break) you can increase your working hours to 40 hours per week.

As an international student with a type D national visa, you have the right to:

  • Live, study and work in Germany under student working conditions
  • Travel within the Schengen area (up to 90 days)
  • Free travel and re-entry to Germany within the period of validity of your visa
  • Registering a flat and opening a bank account
  • Extend your stay by applying for a residence permit

If you exceed your work limit, you must obtain authorisation from your local immigration authority or the Federal Employment Agency (BA). Unauthorised overtime can lead to visa violations and legal consequences.22

Applying for a residence permit allows you to stay in Germany beyond the period of validity of your visa. You should submit your application around 12 to 10 weeks before your visa expires. If you have entered Germany without a visa or your visa is only valid for 90 days (3 months), you should submit your application as soon as possible to avoid delays.

Residence permit

What is that?

A residence permit is an official authorisation issued by the local immigration authorities.

immigration authorities. It allows you to live, study and work in Germany beyond the period of validity of your national visa (type D).

This is not an extension of your visa, but a separate residence title in accordance with the German Residence Act (AufenthG).

You must apply for it within the period of validity of your visa or extend it before your current residence permit expires if you wish to stay in Germany for longer.

If you already have a residence permit and wish to stay longer, you mustapply for an extension before yourcurrent residence permit expires.

If the conditions of your stay change, you must inform your immigration office within two weeks. A new residence permit may be required.

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Who needs a residence permit?

Important information:

  • Your residence permit is only valid in conjunction with a valid passport.
  • Your residence permit must be issued by the immigration authorities of the city in which you have registered your residence.
  • Further information can be found in the "Student Welcome Guide", which you will receive together with your documents from the embassy/consulate.

You do not need a residence permit to live, work or study in Germany. However, you must register your residence in the city where you live as soon as possible.

You may need to apply for a residence permit from the immigration authorities 12-10 weeks before your visa expires. Take time after your arrival to organise important things such as health insurance, registration and bank account before you submit your application.

If your home country allows visa-free entry to Germany (Andorra, Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, Great Britain, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States), you must apply for a residence permit within 90 days of your arrival. Look for the entry stamp in your passport or flight ticket to check the deadline.

Swiss citizens must apply for a "Residence Permit - Switzerland" within 90 days of their arrival in Germany.

How and where do I get my residence permit?

Your residence permit can only be issued by the foreigners authority in the city where you have registered your place of residence, regardless of where you are studying.

For example, if you are studying in Berlin but your place of residence is registered in Potsdam, you must apply for your residence permit in Potsdam.

👉 Click HERE to find your local immigration office.

Required documents

Prepare the following documents for your application:

  • Completed application form
  • Passport
  • Visa (if applicable)
  • Arrival stamp or flight ticket
  • Certificate of enrolment (confirmation of enrolment)
  • Proof of payment of tuition fees
  • Proof of financial means (e.g. blocked account, scholarship or letter of sponsorship)
  • Health insurance certificate
  • Biometric passport photo
  • Confirmation of registration of residence

Submission & processing

  • Submit your application online or in person (depending on the immigration office).
  • Pay the application fee (usually around €100 for students).
  • Wait for your appointment and decision.
  • Processing time: 4 to 12 weeks, depending on location.

📌 Here you can find city-specific information on applying to the SRH university locations! Scan the QR code or click HERE to go to our link list with direct links to the respective immigration offices.

(Note: Some websites are only available in German; use a translation service if necessary).

Residence permit

Q&A

A type D national visa initially allows you to enter the country, but is not usually valid for the entire duration of your studies. The residence permit allows you to live, study and work in Germany beyond the period of validity of your visa. The residence permit is NOT a visa extension, as it offers different benefits and has different application procedures, which are carried out by different legal entities.

A residence permit is usually issued for 2 years or for the entire period of study. This depends on your local immigration office. Click HERE to find the immigration office for the city in which you are registered.

The best time to apply for a residence permit is approximately 1 to 12 weeks before your visa expires or within 90 days of your arrival in Germany if you have travelled to Germany without a visa. Please visit the website of the responsible immigration authority to find the necessary documents and the procedure for this. Click HERE for our link tree if you are enrolled in one of the cities where we have an SRH University or click HERE to find out which immigration office is responsible for the city you are enrolled in.

Yes, you can work with your residence permit. According to Section 16b (3) of the German Residence Act, you are allowed to work 140 full days or 280 half days in a calendar year (January to December) in part-time employment or a student job. As a student, you are NOT allowed to work full-time. You can only work 20 hours per week, but during the lecture-free period (semester break) you can increase your working hours to 40 hours per week.

Applying for a residence permit costs a standardised EUR 100 throughout Germany.

As long as your residence permit is valid, you can travel freely in and out of Germany.


Your residence permit is NOT an identity document, please always carry your passport with you when travelling outside Germany. A copy of your passport is sufficient if you are travelling within the German border.


You may not stay outside Germany for longer than 179 days (6 months), otherwise your residence permit will automatically become invalid.


You may only travel and stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days (click HERE to find out which countries are part of the Schengen area). Please return to Germany before the 90 days have expired to reset the counter. If you want to study or work in an EU country for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a visa.

If you are still studying (one semester or more) and your residence permit has almost expired, you must apply for an extension of your residence permit. For this application you will need a document with a study forecast and your transcript of records. Further information on this procedure can be found on the website of the relevant immigration authority.

Once you have completed your studies, you must apply for a work permit (only if you want to continue living in Germany and looking for a job). The work permit is valid for 18 months from the date of your last exam and allows you to work while looking for a job, i.e. you can take any paid position (mini-job, part-time, full-time) until you find a full-time position that is related to your degree programme and that suits you.


Once you have found the right job for you, you must apply for a work permit or an EU Blue Card (depending on your salary) 12 weeks before your jobseeker's permit expires.

Yes, you can bring your family with a family reunion visa, but you must find a residence that is suitable for the family you are bringing and have the minimum amount of 11,904 EUR in a blocked account per adult you want to bring and a minimum amount of 8000 EUR for each child. Please check your local German Embassy/Consulate's website for more information.

If you have lost your residence permit or passport, you must file a police report and apply for a new residence permit at the relevant immigration office. You can apply for a new passport at your country's embassy in Germany. Do not travel outside Germany if you have lost your residence permit.

You can change your study programme within the first 3 semesters of your studies, but you must explain to the relevant immigration authority why you want to change it.

The Visa & Residence Permit Service (VRPS)

Who are we?

VRPS is part of the International Office of SRH University. We are based in Berlin and specialise in visas, residence permits, work permits and general immigration matters for international students and staff.

📌 Important Note:
We are not a legal entity. Our support and guidance are based on education, professional expertise, practical experience, and a strong understanding of German and EU immigration laws as well as the residence ordinance.
However, we are not licensed immigration lawyers, and our assistance does not replace formal legal consultation or representation in a court of law.

Your contact to us

Do you have any questions or need further information? Our team at the VRPS is always there for you and will be happy to advise you in person or by email [email protected] .

VRPS

What do we offer?

Visa Support (Limited)
As a university,

  • We are unable to book visa application appointments at the embassy or consulate for the applicant.
  • We are unable to contact the embassy or consulate to request an appointment (even in urgent cases).
  • We are unable to check or review their visa application documents.
  • We are unable to influence visa approval decisions.

However, VRPS may provide support in specific visa-related cases (subject to capacity):

  • You already applied for your visa and attended your appointment, AND
  • You have not received your visa at least one month before the semester starts

Who to contact for visa-related issues

  • APS or N-Verfahren matters → contact our Admissions Team: [email protected]
  • If your visa rejection is final (no appeal/re-application possible) → inform [email protected] for further guidance.


Residence Permit Application Support

  • We support residence and work permit applications for students and staff who are officially registered (Anmeldung) in Berlin.
  • Residence law is the same across Germany, but administrative procedures differ by city.


Support for all SRH University locations

  • We provide limited advisory support to students and staff at all SRH campuses.
  • General guidance on visa, residence and immigration topics/issues
  • Case-specific advice on all residence title categories

🎓 For Students in Berlin

We offer support for the following applications:

  • First-time residence permit (study purpose)
  • Extension of residence permit for studies
  • Job Seeker permit after successful program completion (JSP)
  • Change of degree program
  • Work permit and EU Blue Card (case-specific)
  • Freelance or self-employment permit (case-specific)
  • Family reunification & dependent residence permits (spouse, parents, children)
  • Transfer of student status within Germany or the EU/Schengen
  • Exchange studies (EU mobility – BAMF MoNa)
  • Lost or stolen visa/residence permit
  • Border crossing certificates & Laissez-passer (passport replacement)
  • Certifications under § 51 Abs. 4 AufenthG (e.g. military service, illness, pregnancy) – long stays more than 179 days outside of Germany
  • Other immigration-related matters

For Staff in Berlin

We support SRH employees with*:

  • Work permits (all types), EU Blue Card, Research Permit
  • Family reunification permits
  • Permanent residence permits (Germany & EU)
  • German naturalization advice (by appointment only)
  • Support with lost or stolen documents
  • Other German/EU immigration-related topics

* All services listed above are subject to available capacity.

Your rights and obligations!

Do not rely on advice from friends or relatives. For detailed information, please contact your local immigration office or the Visa and Residence Permit Service (VRPS).

  • You are responsible for maintaining your legal status in Germany.
  • Always check the expiry date of your passport and residence permit/visa.
  • Apply for or extend the correct visa/residence permit in good time.
  • Do not rely on advice from friends or relatives. For detailed information, please contact your local immigration office or the Visa & Residence Permit Service (VRPS).

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