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Residence & Migration

Apply for a student visa

Residence permit under Section 16b of the Residence Act for third-country nationals who wish to study in Germany.

Processing: approx. 2 months
Success rate: 88.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Provide proof of admission to the university

    Certificate of Enrollment or Letter of Admission.

  2. 2

    Proof of sufficient means of support

    Blocked account with a current balance of approximately €11,200 per year.

  3. 3

    Application to the Immigration Office

    In person, with a biometric photo and proof of health insurance.

Required documents

  • Certificate of EnrollmentMandatory

    Proof of admission to a German university.

  • Proof of a blocked accountMandatory

    Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover the cost of your studies.

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 2 months

Official: max. approx. 3 months

Online application

In person or by post

Common mistakes

  • • Proof of a restricted account is missing
  • • Application submitted only after entry, without a prior residence permit

Common reasons for rejection

  • • Livelihood not secured (no restricted account)
  • • Proof of enrollment not provided

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Students from non-EU countries who have been admitted to a German university.

Income limit

The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 months

Success rate

approx. 88.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Proof of a restricted account is missing
  • •Application submitted only after entry, without a prior residence permit

Common reasons for rejection

  • •Livelihood not secured (no restricted account)
  • •Proof of enrollment not provided

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.

Read more