German Student Visa and Residence Permit (Aufenthaltstitel) Guide

Visa Requirements

Like any country, Germany requires a permit for entry and stay. For international students, the process starts with obtaining a Student Visa from the German embassy in your home country.

• Application: You must submit required documents and filled forms, which can vary based on your nationality and region. Always check the procedures on your local German embassy's website.
• Initial Visa: The initial student visa is a sticker placed in your passport. It is usually short-term (often 3 to 6 months) but sufficient to allow you to enter Germany and take part in your Aufnahmeprüfungen (ANPs).

Once this initial visa is nearing its expiry date, you must begin the process of applying for the long-term residence permit, the Aufenthaltstitel.

The Residence Permit (Aufenthaltstitel)

The Aufenthaltstitel (German Residence Permit) is the long-term permit you need to legally reside and study in Germany. This process is handled by the local Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Office) in the city you live in.

ATTENTION: This process is highly city-specific. Procedures vary heavily depending on the state and city. Always recheck the local regulations of your Ausländerbehörde before beginning.

When to Apply

You must start the application for the Aufenthaltstitel extension or replacement about 3 months prior to your current visa's or permit's expiry date, as the processing time can be very long.

Required Documents (Common List)

You will need to submit several documents for the Aufenthaltstitel application:

• Application Form: Filled-out form from the Ausländerbehörde.
• Passport: Copy of your passport.
• Current Visa/Permit: Copy of your current visa sticker or existing Aufenthaltstitel card.
• Biometric Photo: A recent biometric photograph (3,5 x 4,5 cm).
• Certificate of Study (Studienbescheinigung): Proof of enrollment (e.g., in a Studienkolleg or university).
• Health Insurance Certificate: Proof of valid health coverage (Statutory or Private, depending on your status).
• Rent Contract (Mietvertrag) or Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (WGB): Proof of permanent address registration.
• Blocked Account Statement: Proof of sufficient financial means. (The required amount as of 2023 is €11,208 for one year).

Note on Funds: Some cities are flexible and may accept a normal bank statement showing sufficient funds and regular transfers, rather than a blocked account statement. However, this is not guaranteed (e.g., accepted in Aachen, but rejected in Cologne based on student experience).

The Application Process (Varies by City)

The submission and appointment process varies significantly:

Scenario A: Online Submission First (Common in Larger Cities)

1. Submit all required documents (usually via email or an online portal).
2. Wait for the Ausländerbehörde to reply. They will inform you if documents are missing.
3. If documents are complete, they will send an invitation for an appointment (often referred to as an "interview," though questioning is usually minimal or nonexistent) on a specified date. You can email them to request a change if the date does not work.

Scenario B: Appointment Booking (Common in Some Regions)

1. You do not submit documents beforehand. Instead, you must actively select an available appointment date shown on their website (often via an online calendar).
2. On the appointment date, you must bring all physical required documents (passport, photos, contract, Studienbescheinigung, insurance, etc.).
3. At the Ausländerbehörde, you will sign documents, have your fingerprints taken, and pay the fee.
4. You will then receive a collection notice with a future date (usually in the next month) to pick up your new Aufenthaltstitel card.

Temporary Permit: Fiktionsbescheinigung

If your old visa or Aufenthaltstitel expires while your new application is still being processed, you can request a Fiktionsbescheinigung.

• Function: This is a temporary residence permit that legally covers your stay while you wait for the final permit card.
• Issuance: It may be mailed to you or given in person upon request. You must return it to the Ausländerbehörde when you collect your new Aufenthaltstitel.

Fees and Charges

• New Aufenthaltstitel: Generally costs €100–€110.
• Extension: Generally costs €90–€100.
• Fiktionsbescheinigung: May or may not be free of charge, depending on the specific city's regulations.

This renewal process must be repeated every time your Aufenthaltstitel expires until you complete your studies in Germany.