Visa and registration formalities for studies in Germany

Applicants for university studies from the following countries do not require a visa to enter Germany (however, a student visa will be mandatory for staying more than 90 days):

• European Union, EEA states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland
• Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, USA among others
• To check the status of your country refer to: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/einreiseundaufenthalt/visabestimmungen-node/staatenlistevisumpflicht-node 

Applicants from all other countries need a visa for studies in Germany. A tourist visa does not entitle the holder to register as a student. Information on current entry regulations and the application forms are available from the Federal Foreign Office.

Residence permit

The student visa is only valid for a maximum of 3 months. On arrival in Germany, students must apply for a study residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) from the Foreign Registration Authority (Ausländerbehörde).

Necessary documents:

• fully completed and signed application form
• two current passport photographs (frontal view)
• certificate of registration with the city of Halle (see Registration at the registration office)
• proof of the purpose (e.g. letter of acceptance from the university, certificate of enrolment)
• proof of adequate health insurance
• proof of sufficient financial resources (670 € per month: account statements/ proof of grant/ declaration of financial support by parents/ blocked bank account)
• proof of sufficient housing (rental contract or subrental contract)Valid passport

costs: for up to 1 year 100€ for more than 1 year 110€

Address:
Ausländerbehörde/Team Einreise und Aufenthalt, Am Stadion 5, 06122 Halle (Saale)

Tue 8am – 6pm
Thu 8am – 3.30pm
Fri   8am – 12noon

Tel.  +49 (0) 345 221 5305
Fax. +49 (0) 345 221 5312   

Your first step - Registration:

Since Germany has compulsory registration by law, every student (regardless of citizenship) has to register at the Einwohnermeldeamt  (Civil Service Center/ Population Administration).

Necessary documents:

• valid passport or ID (copy)
• rental contract
• application form for registration (only in German)
• (matriculation document)  

Address:
Bürgerservicestelle/ Fachbereich Einwohnerwesen, Ratshof, Marktplatz 1, 06122 Halle (Saale)

Mon          8am – 4pm
Tue/Thu  8am – 7pm
Wed          8am – 12noon
Fri             9am – 3pm 
Sat            9am – 12noon

Tel.  +49 (0) 345 221 4602
Fax. +49 (0) 345 221 4617