Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of applying to university

You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of applying to university if you meet certain requirements.

You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of applying to university if you would like to study in Germany but have not yet been allocated a place or no place is available for certain.
The residence permit for the purpose of applying to study is a temporary residence permit. It can be issued for a maximum of 9 months.
If you have not yet reached the age of 18, the persons entitled to take care of you must agree to your planned stay for the purpose of applying to study.

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 livelihood (e.g. declaration of commitment, blocked account at a bank, proof of parents' income or similar)
• Tenancy agreement
• Proof of your health insurance
• Proof of a relevant school-leaving certificate
• Proof of existing language skills (e.g. a certificate) or of the intended acquisition of language skills
• Consent of the persons entitled to personal care, if applicable

- Forms: Forms can be obtained from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online
- Online procedure occasionally possible
- 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 deporting you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have a school-leaving qualification that entitles you to study in Germany or, alternatively, to attend a preparatory college.
• You have the language requirements to take up studies or can prove that you intend to acquire the language skills required for your studies in Germany within a maximum of 9 months.
• Their livelihood is secured for the duration of the study application.
  

You must apply for a residence permit at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
• If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents checked (bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• In the case of an electronic application, the Immigration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Immigration 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 permit (eAT card).
• If your application is approved, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the immigration office.
• The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• Fees are charged for the issue of the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

• You should apply for a residence permit at least eight weeks before your valid visa expires.
• Objection period: 1 month
  

About six to eight weeks.

Issuing a residence permit: EUR 100.00

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