How to get a German student visa?

If you need to stay in Germany for more than 90 DAYS, you should get a Residence Permit as soon as arriving in Germany.

There is no limitation on when you should complete the visa application, but it is highly recommended that you do it early enough before your planned trip to Germany.

Three months before the start of planned studies typically worked suitably for many who had already gone through the same experience.

Step 1: If you need a student visa, book a visa interview from the German embassy in your home country. You should schedule your consultation 4 to 6 weeks before your departure date.

Step 2: It’s better to start preparing your documents While waiting for your Acceptance letter.

• Two duly completed national visa application forms. (Fill out the visa application form here)
• Valid national passport. Which means:
  
  1. It must have three more months of validity on the day you leave Germany.
  2. It must be no older than ten years on the day you plan to leave Germany.
  3. It must have at least two blank pages.
  4. Passports that contain illegible data cannot be accepted.
  5. Your passport must not be damaged.
• Two recently taken biometric portrait photographs. 

The photo should meet the following requirements when applying for a German visa:

1. 1. The photo size should be 35×45 mm or 1.37×1.77 inches.
   2. The image should have been taken in the last six months.
   3. Your face should take up 70-80% of the picture.
   4. A full frontal view of the face must be displayed in the photo.
   5. The photo should be of high quality and accurately represent your actual appearance.
   6. The background of the image should be light grey.
   7. The image should be sharp-focused, clear, and adequately contrasted.
   8. Red eyes, reflections in the picture, and shadows across the face are not permitted.
   9. Lighting must be even (not too dark, not too bright).
   10. The image will be printed on high-quality, glossy, or matte paper.
   11. The print resolution of the photo must be 600 dpi minimum.
   12. The German embassy requires two identical images to be submitted.

• Proof of acceptance at a German education institution. 
• Proof of German language proficiency. (For German and mixed-language study programs).
  
  • Level II (DSD)
  • TestDaF
  • DSH
  • Goethe Institute German Language Diploma (GDS).
• English language proficiency. (For English and mixed-language study programs).
  
  • Most German universities accept the IELTS 5 – 6.5 scores.
  • Accepted results of TOEFL are PbT 550 Points, CbT 213 Points, and IbT 79-80 Points.
• Authenticated certificates of earlier education.
  
  • German university entrance qualification “Abitur”. Assume you’ve studied in a German education provider abroad. (If not, send the following documents).
  • Recognized foreign academic qualification. It must show you have qualifications equal to those recognized as the German Abitur.
  • Academic records or transcript.
• Curriculum vitae. It should be evidence of any previous and current internship and work experiences. Find Out how to write a proper resume.
• Means of Financial Support “Finanzieruungsnachweis.” Your evidence must show you have enough money to cover living, accommodation, and study costs. (Send any of the following).
  
  • You blocked your bank account. (Please show you have at least €11,208 in your bank account)
  • Letter of commitment by a German resident “Verpflichtungserklärung “. A German will cover your accommodation and other living expenses for the duration of your course.
  • Letter of a declaration by a parent. You have to prove their commitment to support you financially during your course. It must be supplemented by their bank statements for the previous six months.
  • Scholarship granting certificate. It’s a letter that shows you are a receiver and the amount of financial coverage this scholarship will offer you.
• Student health insurance. It must have 30,000 EUR coverage and be valid for three months. 
• Motivational letter. It would be best to describe the reasons for choosing the specific university and study program. Note your previous studies and plans and how these studies will enhance your profession and life. Learn how to write your motivational letter (SOP)
• Marriage certificate. (if you’re married). 
• Birth certificate of your children (If you have any children).
• Payment receipt of the German student visa application fee 

Step 3: Schedule a visa appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your home country

• Make an account on the online visa application portal of the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt)
• Complete the online visa application form
• Upload the required documents.
• Select the nearest German embassy or consulate for your visa appointment.
• Pay the visa application fee, usually €75.

Step 4: Attend your visa interview and submit your documents

• Arrive at the embassy or consulate on time for your scheduled visa interview
• Bring your passport, application form, and all supporting documents in original and copies
• Answer questions regarding your study plans, educational background, and financial support
• Submit both original documents and copies for verification

Step 5: Receive your visa and plan your travel to Germany

• Claim your visa from the embassy or consulate
• Book your flights and make travel arrangements to Germany
• Once in Germany, register your residence with the local immigration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) within seven days

Is It Possible to Get a German Student Visa Without a Blocked Account?

It is possible to apply and get a German study visa without a blocked bank account by fulfilling one of the following requirements:

• Submitting your parent’s documents certifying their income and financial assets.
• A friend or a relative with a permanent residence in Germany can guarantee to cover your living expenses (Verpflichtungserklärung).
• Presenting a scholarship award notification from a recognized institution (e.g., DAAD, Max Planck).

If you cannot fulfill any of the requirements above, then the blocked account becomes a mandatory prerequisite for the visa to study in Germany.

What Dos and Don’ts with a German Student Visa?

As a German international student, you can:

• Apply for a student residence permit. This is possible if you still need to complete your planned studies within the visa period and will be completing them in a reasonable time.
• Get a part-time job. You may work for up to 120 working days/year, even if you’re already working part-time in an academic institution where you are studying. However, your work must not interfere with your study progress.
• Apply for a resident permit to find a job after graduation. Suppose only you’ve completed your studies in Germany. In that case, you’ll be qualified to apply for a residence permit up to six months after graduation. You can get a temporary position while searching for a permanent job that matches your academic qualifications.

As a German international student, you cannot:

• Get a full-time job. You are not allowed to accept a job that needs you to work 240 days per year. Despite this, you cannot apply for a work permit as a student. 
• Abandon study lessons. Please participate in study lessons to avoid the cancellation of your eligibility to remain in Germany.

For How Long Can You Stay in Germany With a Student Visa?

You can remain in Germany for three months with a German student visa. Within this period, you should apply for a residence permit to study. The maximum duration for which you can receive a residence permit is two years. You can extend the residence permit depending on the time of your course.

Additional tips for obtaining a German student visa:

• Start the application process early, as visa processing times can vary
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months more than the duration of your stay
• Provide accurate and complete information on the application form and during the interview
• Be ready to talk about your academic interests, study motivation, and plans
• Keep all documents organized and readily available throughout the application process

Can I get a partner visa for Germany?

You can get a partner visa for Germany as an international student. The partner visa, also known as the spouses visa or unmarried partners visa, allows your spouse or unmarried partner to join you in Germany if you are a German citizen or have a permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis).

Eligibility requirements:

• You must be a German citizen or have a permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Germany.
• Your partner must be a non-EU or non-EEA national.
• You must be in a genuine and subsisting relationship. This means you have lived together as a civil partnership for at least two years.
• You must intend to live together permanently in Germany.
• You must meet the financial requirements. This means that you must be able to support your partner and yourself without relying on public funds.
• You must have suitable accommodation for your partner and yourself.
• You must meet the German language requirements. This means that you must be able to speak and understand German to a certain level.

Document requirements:

• Completed visa application form
• Passport or travel documentation
• Marriage certificate or civil partnership certification (if applicable)
• Proof of relationship (such as joint bank statements, utility bills, or rental agreements)
• Evidence of financial support (such as bank statements, payslips, or tax returns)
• Proof of accommodation (such as a residence agreement or property purchase documents)
• Evidence of German language proficiency (if applicable)
• A letter from your partner’s sponsor (if applicable)

Application process:

1. Complete the online application on the website of the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners Authority) in the district where you live in Germany.
2. Gather all required documents.
3. Calculate and pay the visa application fee.
4. Schedule an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde to submit your application and biometric data (facial image and fingerprints).
5. Attend your appointment at the Ausländerbehörde.
6. A decision will be made on your application within six months.

Cost:

The current visa application fee for a partner visa is 75 €.

Processing time:

The processing time for a partner visa is usually six months. However, it can take longer in some cases.