A step-by-step guide to getting a Germany student residence permit

International students planning to study in Germany for more than three months will generally need a residence permit after arriving in the country. The permit allows students to legally stay in Germany for the duration of their studies and also grants them certain work rights.

However, the rules vary depending on nationality. Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland do not need either a student visa or a residence permit. Students from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom can enter Germany without a student visa but must apply for a residence permit after arrival. Most other international students require both a student visa and a residence permit.

How can students apply?

Students must apply for a residence permit at the local Ausländerbehörde (Foreigner's Authority) after reaching Germany. Before submitting the application, they are typically required to register their address, obtain student health insurance and gather the necessary documents.


The residence permit is usually issued for one to two years and can be extended if the student continues to make satisfactory academic progress. Students seeking an extension may be asked to provide proof from their university or educational institution that their studies are progressing normally.

How much does it cost?

The first issuance of a German student residence permit costs €110, while extensions cost €100. Students receiving scholarships are exempt from the fee. Reduced charges apply to Turkish nationals.

Can international students work in Germany?

International students holding a residence permit are allowed to work while studying.

Under rules introduced in March 2024, students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and up to 40 hours per week during semester breaks. In total, students can work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days in a year without requiring approval from the German Employment Agency.

Certain categories of employment, including student assistant roles and mandatory internships, may be treated differently under the regulations.

What happens after graduation?

Students who want to remain in Germany after completing their studies have two main options. Those who have not yet secured employment can switch to a job-seeker visa, while graduates with a job offer can apply for a residence permit for employment.

A key advantage for graduates of German universities is the pathway to permanent settlement. International students who graduate from a German institution can become eligible for a settlement permit after working in Germany for two years. By comparison, most other foreign workers generally need at least five years of employment in Germany before qualifying for permanent residence.

The settlement permit allows holders to live in Germany indefinitely, change employers or professions and access social security benefits, making it an important step for those planning a long-term future in the country.