Apply for a Residence Permit for the Purpose of Studying
You can obtain a residence permit to prepare for your studies or to pursue your studies if you meet certain requirements.
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Basic information
You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of studying if you wish to study in Germany and have been admitted to a state-recognized university or a comparable educational institution in Germany. The program of study must be a full-time program.
The purpose of residence for the purpose of study also includes preparatory measures for study. These include
- attending a preparatory language course if you already have admission to a degree program and admission is contingent upon attending such a preparatory course, and
- attending a Studienkolleg or a comparable institution, provided that a spot is guaranteed.
The residence permit for the purpose of studying is temporary.
With your residence permit for the purpose of studying, you may work up to 140 days per year or engage in part-time student work. If you are participating in preparatory measures during your first year, you may not work, except during school breaks.
Requirements
- Their livelihood is secure, and they have adequate health insurance coverage.
- Your identity and nationality have been verified.
- There are no grounds for deportation or an entry ban against you.
- You meet the passport requirement.
- You entered the country with the required visa. Your stay is lawful.
- Admission to a degree program
- Your primary residence is in the city of Bremen
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Procedure
- The application and the required documents can be submitted to us by email or mail.
- If necessary, the Immigration Office will request additional documents.
- If your application is approved, you will receive an appointment to appear in person.
More information
The proceedings are generally conducted in German. If your German language skills are insufficient, you may seek the assistance of a translator.
Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.
Passport photos are now accepted only in digital form. The passport photo must be taken using a registration system on-site at the Immigration Office, at a photo studio, or by a photo service provider. You cannot submit a digital passport photo from your cell phone. For more information, please visit our website. Limited exceptions to the biometric requirements are permitted for infants and young children.
A residence permit can only be issued for the duration of your national passport’s validity. Please apply for renewal well in advance of your national passport’s expiration date.
If you do not possess a valid national passport, you must provide evidence of your efforts to obtain one (for example: written confirmation from the embassy, reasons for any delays).Appeal:
- Appeal
- Lawsuit
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Necessary Documents
- National Passport / Proof of Identity
- A current biometric passport photo
- Documents related to your studies:
- Proof of financial support (e.g., restricted account, letter of financial commitment, etc.)
- Certificate of enrollment
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of proper progress in the program
- Proof of the likelihood of success in the program
- Proof of enrollment in a preparatory program:
- Proof of financial resources (e.g., blocked account, letter of financial commitment, etc.)
- Proof of health insurance
- Registration for the preparatory language course and admission to the degree program
- Admission to the preparatory college
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Fees / Costs
100,00 EUR When a residence permit is issued for the first time as an electronic residence permit
93,00 EUR When renewing a residence permit as an electronic residence permit
27,60 EUR For Turkish citizens up to age 24 for initial issuance / for renewal
46,00 EUR For Turkish citizens aged 24 or older: for initial issuance / for renewal
56,00 EUR when the residence permit is issued for the first time as a label
49,00 EUR when renewing a residence permit as a label
6,00 EUR in addition, for taking a digital passport photo at the self-service terminal on site. -
Deadlines & processing time
What deadlines must be paid attention to?
8 weeks You should apply for a residence permit no later than 8 weeks before your current visa or residence permit expires.
1 year bis 2 years Validity Period.
The residence permit is issued for at least one year and, as a rule, for a maximum of two years. If the course of study lasts less than two years, the permit is issued for the duration of the course. If the person is participating in a European Union or multilateral program involving mobility measures (for example, the European Union’s ERASMUS+ program) or if an agreement between two or more higher education institutions applies to the foreign national, the residence permit is issued for at least 2 years or for the duration of the program if the program lasts less than 2 years.How long does it take to process
Once we receive your application, we will need some time to process and review it. Once the review is complete, we will get back to you.
This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.
The official information in German is complete and correct.
Updated on 20.08.2026