Apply for a residence permit to continue studies begun in another EU country
If you are studying in an EU country, have been recognized there as a person entitled to international protection, and would like to continue your studies in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit.
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Basic information
If you have been recognized as a person entitled to international protection in another member state of the European Union (EU) and have been studying there for at least 2 years, you may be eligible to receive a residence permit to continue your studies in Germany.
You will need proof that part of your studies will take place at a German educational institution (usually a university) as well as admission from that institution.
The residence permit is temporary and valid for the duration of your studies in Germany.
With the residence permit you received for the purpose of studying, you are allowed to work up to 140 days per year. You may also engage in part-time student work.
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
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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 come in for an interview.
More information
Due to the complexity of residency law, this description is provided 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 Office of Migration, at a photo studio, or at 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 a 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 nationals 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 visa expires.
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