Visas and residency permits
Make sure to organise your visa well in advance of beginning your studies so that you can enter Germany before the semester starts. It is hard to catch up if you miss the initial lectures. Please note that non-EU students have to renew their visas during their studies. You will need to submit your financial and study plans. Students with a student visa are only permitted to study in Germany for a certain number of semesters (a maximum of 20). This is why it important to plan the progression of your studies carefully.
To give you a clearer overview of the visa regulations, we've compiled the most important information here. Please also see the Federal Foreign Office website and the Hamburg Welcome Portal for more detailed information.
Do I need a residency permit for Germany?
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Citizens of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland do not need a visa to study in Germany. You are just required to register your address in Hamburg. To stay in Germany permanently, all you need is valid personal ID and a certificate of residence from the Einwohnermeldeamt (resident registration office).
Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States can also enter Germany without a visa. They also have to register their address with the Einwohnermeldeamt, plus they are required to apply for a residency permit within 90 days of arrival.*
Citizens of all other countries need a visa to enter Germany and a residency permit for a longer stay.
You can find out where to get your certificate of residence and how to apply for a visa or residency permit in the following FAQs.
Which visa do I need to apply for?
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It sometimes takes months until a visa is issued. This is why it is important to apply as early as possible. Please get the information you need about the process from the Germany embassy in your country.
Student applicant visa: A student applicant visa allows you to enter Germany for a maximum of three months. You can use this time to learn about the German university system and research different universities. This visa can be changed into a student visa if you are accepted to a university.
Study preparation visa: If you would like to attend a Studienkolleg (a course that prepares you to obtain your higher education entrance qualification for Germany) or a language course before starting your studies, you can also apply for a student visa. This visa is valid for a maximum of two years.
Student visa: If you have been accepted to study at a German university you can apply for a student visa. You will also need to submit proof that you have sufficient funds for the first year of your studies. Please get the information you need about the process from the website of the responsible Germany embassy.
Following an au pair stay: A visa for an au pair stay can be changed into a student visa. However, you need to enquire at the Immigration Office about doing this well in advance of the visa's expiry date.
How do I register my place of residence (obligatory for everyone)?
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Everyone who moves to a German city is required to register their place of residence. This is essential to living legally in Germany. The certificate of residence is also necessary for many other things, such as opening a bank account or obtaining a mobile phone contract.
You can find out how to register your place of residence on the Hamburg Welcome Portal.
If you live outside of Hamburg the registration process might be slightly different. You can enquire about the process at your local Einwohnermeldeamt (resident registration office).
How do I apply for a student visa?
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To apply for a student visa you usually need the following documents:
- Application form
- Passport and a biometric photo
- Certificate of residence
- Proof of health insurance coverage
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Enrolment certificate from the university
If you have questions please contact the responsible Immigration Office. You can find contact information and other information on the Hamburg Welcome Portal.
