Residence Permits & Student Visas for Germany
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Before you can set off to explore the Black Forest or get lost wandering through Berlin’s Museum Island, let’s make sure you can enter and stay in Germany legally with a student visa or a resident’s permit.
Every year our team of visa specialists support each of our students studying abroad in Germany to have the proper documents to enter and stay in the country. Let's get started!
German entry requirements are determined by the German government, not by IES Abroad. While our team of visa specialists regularly updates this page, the most up-to-date and official information can be found on German government and consulate websites. This page was last updated August 9, 2019.
Do You Need a Visa for Germany?
Depending on your IES Abroad program and citizenship, you may need a student visa to study abroad in Germany. We’ve outlined citizenship options below to help you learn more about your requirements for legal entry and stay in Germany.
If you will be going on a Customized & Faculty-Led Program, you may need a student visa depending on the length and nature of your program. Learn more in your myIESabroad account.
If you are a U.S. citizen...
You’re in luck! You do not need to obtain a student visa for Germany before you leave home.
If you are studying for a semester or a year, you will need to apply for residence permit once you arrive. Our on-site staff will be available to help explain this process during orientation. In the meantime, get an idea of what to expect by browsing the information below.
If you are a studying for a summer, you will not need a residence permit.
If you are an EU citizen...
You do not need to obtain a student visa nor a residence permit for Germany. You will be able to enter the country and stay legally using your EU passport.
Once you arrive on-site, our staff will help you register with the German authorities (anmelden). There is no fee for this registration.
If you are a non-U.S. and non-EU citizen...
Refer to the German Federal Foreign Office website to determine whether a student visa or residence permit is required for you to enter and stay in Germany.
Should you need to apply for a student visa, we encourage you to begin this process early. We will provide the necessary visa letters. If you have questions, please contact your IES Abroad Advisor.
Additionally, if you attend a U.S. university or college, we recommend you apply while you are at school as the application process is often much easier while in the United States.
Applying for a German Residence Permit
Once you are accepted to your semester or year-long IES Abroad program, you will find detailed instructions to apply for a German Residence Permit in your myIESabroad account. For now, read below to get an idea of what the process will look like.
If you are a non-U.S. and non-EU citizen, refer to the German Federal Foreign Office website to determine whether or not you need a visa and what the process will be to apply. Contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
What is a German Residence Permit?
A student residence permit is an ID the size of a credit card issued by the German government. The student residence permit allows you to legally stay and study in Germany for the length of your program.
HOW
When you arrive in Germany, you will enter the country as a tourist. During orientation, the IES Abroad staff will assist you in submitting the proper documents for a residence permit including your passport.
If you plan to travel in Germany or Europe before or after your IES Abroad program, please contact your IES Abroad Advisor before making any travel plans.
WHEN
The processing time for a residence permit takes about one week, during which time you will be without your passport.
COST
The fee for applying for a residence permit is approximately €50-60 paid to IES Abroad.
Our team of visa specialists are here to help. Step-by-step instructions to ensure you have the entry documents to study abroad are available in your myIESabroad account once you are accepted to a program.
