After you move to Cologne, you must register in one of the residence offices of the City of Cologne within one week’s time. It is best if you find a residence office close to your residence. The residence office can also give you information about your closest Foreigners Affairs Office responsible for issuing and extending your residence permit. Additional information below.

If you do not reside in Cologne, you need to visit another Foreigners Affairs Office. Click here for additional information.

You need to provide the following documents for registration:

• Identity card (PhD students from the EU countries, the EEA, or Switzerland)
• Passport with visa or residence permit (all other PhD students)
• Signed registration form (unless registering in person)
• Name and address of landlord.
• Landlord confirmation

Further registration information as well as the registration form may be downloaded here:

• Registration form
• Supplement to the registration form
• Registration information sheet.

During registration you will receive a registration confirmation. Please store it securely because you will need it to open a bank account, to apply for a residence permit, or to apply for a library card.

International PhD students from EU countries do not need a residence permit during their PhD studies in Germany. International PhD students from all other countries must apply for one.

International PhD students who entered Germany with a student visa must apply for their residence permit at the Foreigners Affairs Office while their visa is still valid.

You will need to provide the following documents to acquire a residence permit:

• Valid passport (including copies of all pages containing information)
• Current biometric passport picture (see www.epass.de)
• Proof of financial responsibility (see Visa)
• Proof of sufficient health insurance coverage
• Certificate of matriculation
• Copy of lease/proof of registration

In some cases, additional documents may be needed. Should this be the case, it will be discussed when you submit your registration request. Please note that starting September 1, 2011, registration documents will be processed electronically and a processing fee will be charged.