Residence permit for the purpose of training Granting for study preparation and studies

You can obtain a residence permit if you meet certain requirements

You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of studying if you want to study in Germany and are admitted to a state-recognised university or comparable educational institution in Germany. The study must be full-time.

The purpose of the study also includes preparatory measures. Study preparation measures are

• attendance of a preparatory language course, if admission to studies has already been obtained and admission is linked to attendance of a preparatory course, and
• attending a preparatory college or a comparable institution, if a place is certainly available.

The residence permit for the purpose of studying is a temporary residence permit. It is granted for at least one year and usually for a maximum of two years or for the duration of the study if the study lasts less than two years.

In the case of participation in a Union or multilateral programme with mobility measures (e.g. the European Union ERASMUS+ programme) or if the foreigner is covered by an agreement between two or more higher education institutions, the residence permit is issued for at least two years or for the duration of the studies if the studies last less than two years.

With your residence permit, you may work for up to 120 days or 240 half days a year or take part in student employment for the purpose of studying. You are not allowed to work in the case of preparatory measures in the first year, except during the holiday season

The foreigners' authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

The foreigners' authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• Valid passport
• Current biometric photo
• Visa, if required
• Proof of subsistence (e.g. scholarship certificate, declaration of commitment, blocked account at a bank, proof of parents' income or similar)
• Lease
• Proof of your health insurance
• Letter of admission from the educational institute
• If applicable, proof of the required language skills, e.g. by suitable language certificates such as language tests of the ALTE-certified examination providers Goethe-Institut, telc GmbH, ÖSD, TestDAF, but also DSH, DSD, TOEFL, IELTS
• For participation in preparatory measures: proof of admission to the Studienkolleg or to a preparatory language course

• Forms: Forms can be obtained from your immigration office, if necessary they are also offered online
• Online procedures possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and - if required for entry - an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in expulsion against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You are admitted to a state-recognised university or educational institution in Germany.
• Your livelihood is secured for the duration of your studies.
• Depending on the study requirements of your degree programme, you may have to provide proof of language skills required for your studies (usually at least level B2) to the Foreigners' Registration Office. No proof of language skills is required if they have already been tested by the host university as part of the admission decision or are to be acquired as part of a preparatory language course.

The residence permit must be applied for at the immigration authority responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the immigration authority and concerns, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your immigration authority offers the electronic application for a residence permit.
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to produce an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• In the event of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you upon receipt of your online application in order to make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence title (eAT card).
• If your application is granted, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT card at the Foreigners' Registration Office.
• The eAT card must always be picked up in person.
• Fees apply for the issuance of the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

• The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry of your valid visa or residence permit.
• Opposition period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

Issue of residence permit: EUR 100.00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or exemption may be considered.