Do you need a visa to study in Germany?

Depending on your citizenship, you may need a visa and/or residence permit to study in Germany.

💡 Note: A residence permit is different from a Student visa. Student visa allows you to enter Germany and stay for up to 3 months. After that, you need a residence permit. You can use your student visa to apply for a residence permit.

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• Student visa info ↘
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Financial requirements to study in Germany

International students wanting to study for a Master's degree in Germany must complete a document called a Finanzierungsnachweis to show proof of financial resources. Typically, you'll need to prove you have access to roughly 11,208 euros per year, also known as Regelbedarf - which refers to the estimated living costs required for a student in Germany each year.

You'll be asked for proof of financing when you apply for a visa. You may also need to present it when you apply for a residence permit in Germany.

Meeting the financial requirement

You can show how you plan to finance your Master's program through one of the following ways:

• Funds in a blocked account (Sperrkonto) - this is the most common way of proving your financial means
• Your parents' income/financial asset statements
• A sponsorship letter from a permanent German resident who agrees to cover expenses on your behalf
• Scholarship award letter for your Master's

The money you hope to earn while working alongside your Master's degree won't be counted towards your evidence of financial support. You won't be able to use an employment contract as your Finanzierungsnachweis.

We recommend that you check all of the details with your local German embassy to ensure you're well-informed ahead of time.

Residence permit for international students in Germany

If you plan to stay in Germany for more than three months to pursue a Master's degree, you must register with the local authorities.

Depending on your citizenship, you may also need a residence permit.

A student residence permit allows you to reside in Germany while attending your studies. It's issued by the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigner's Authority) and is valid for one to two years.

Registering for a residence permit

Step 1: Find your local Ausländerbehörde

Once you enter Germany, you must locate the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigner's Authority) closest to you and find out if you need an appointment to apply for your residence permit.

If you need an appointment, book the first available date, as the residence permit processing period can take up to two months.

Step 2: Register your home address at Bürgeramt

You must register your address within 14 days of entering Germany and receive Meldebestätigung (Registration Certificate).

To do this, find your city's Bürgeramt (also known as Bürgerbüro or Citizens' Office in English)—larger cities have multiple, so choose the one closest to where you live. You can use the Deutsche Post directory of Bürgeramter to find the nearest office.

Book an appointment at the Bürgeramt and bring the following documents:

• Proof of residence certificate (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) - your landlord can provide this document. A rental contract isn't enough.
• Your passport
• Your student visa (if you needed one)
• Registration form - you'll complete this one at the Bürgeramt

You'll usually receive Meldebestätigung within a day or two.

Step 3: Get a health insurance

You must have health insurance from the first day of your arrival in Germany.

Some students may be covered by policies in your home country:

• A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will cover students from other European Union countries.
• Germany recognizes health insurance from these countries:
  • Bosnia-Herzegovina
  • Iceland
  • Israel
  • Liechtenstein
  • Montenegro
  • Morocco
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Serbia
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey

Students from all other countries will have to sign up for a public health insurance policy in Germany.

If you're under 30 or you've completed your 14th subject-related semester at a German university, you can expect to pay approximately 110 euros monthly.

If not, you can expect to pay 190 euros or more a month.

Step 4: Prepare the required documents for the residence permit

You'll need the following documents for the residence permit:

• Application form - you can download it from your Ausländerbehörde website or at the office
• Your passport
• Your student visa (if you needed one)
• Proof of financial means
• Certificate of enrollment/letter of approval or conditional acceptance into a German university
• Residence registration certificate (Meldebestätigung)
• Health insurance certificate
• One passport-size photo

You may also need to pay a fee of up to €260 for the application process. Make sure to bring proof that you've paid the application fee, such as a confirmation receipt.

Step 5: Submit all documents to the Ausländerbehörde

On your appointment date, go to your local Ausländerbehörde and submit all of the documents listed above.

Note: If you haven't done so before the appointment, ask for the Residence Permit Application Form at the office and fill it out.

Your appointment will also include an interview with the immigration officer.

Step 6: Wait for your residence card

If you've submitted all of your documents and met all of the requirements, you should receive a residence card within a few weeks, but the process can take up to 2 months.

You'll either receive the card by post or a letter instructing you to pick it up at the Ausländerbehörde.

Working while studying in Germany

You can work while studying for your Master's degree in Germany. The number of hours you're allowed to work and the permit required will depend on your nationality and visa status:

Students from the EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals can work in Germany without restriction. If you work more than 20 hours per week, you must pay Germany National Insurance, which will be deducted from your earnings.

International students from other countries can work for 120 days per year without a permit as long as they work for a recognized employer. If you want to work more than 120 days, you must apply for permission from your local job center (Agentur für Arbeit).

Note: These rules may not apply if you work at your university. In this case, you must double-check with your international office.

Staying in Germany after graduation

Germany has some of the world's leading employers and is an exciting place to begin your career.

Your right to work in Germany after graduation will depend on your citizenship:

• EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals can work in Germany after graduating with their Master's degree without a permit
• Students from other countries can apply for two types of visas after graduating:
  • Job search opportunity card: if you don't have a job offer
  • Work visa for qualified professionals: if you've received a job offer

On the Study in Germany site, you can learn more about getting a job in Germany after your studies and the process of settling in the country.

Bottom line

Pursuing a Master’s degree in Germany can be a rewarding experience, but it requires thorough preparation and an understanding of the necessary procedures.

Careful planning is essential for securing the appropriate visa and residence permit, meeting financial requirements, and ensuring health insurance coverage.

Additionally, taking advantage of work opportunities during your studies and understanding post-graduation visa options can further enhance your experience and future prospects.

Always ensure you have the latest information and guidance from official sources to make your journey as smooth and successful as possible.

Read more about getting a Master's in Germany:

• How to Apply for a Master's in Germany
• Scholarships for Master's Studies in Germany
• The Ultimate Guide to Pursuing a Master's Degree in Germany