EU/EEA citizens:
International students from EU/EEA countries do not have to apply for a residence permit during their studies in Germany.
Non-EU/EEA citizens:
International students from Non-EU/EEA countries have to apply for a residence permit within 90 days after their entry into Germany - whether or not they entered Germany with a visa.
For those who live in Cologne:
Please apply online for a residence permit on the website of the City of Cologne. If you never had a residence permit before, please opt for "Initial application". If you wish to extend your current residence permit, please opt for "Application for extension of the residence permit".
Important: only after the City of Cologne has received your online application form, there will give you an appointment at one of the District Foreigners Registration Offices in Cologne for informing you on the next steps!
Those students who live in Hürth:
Please make an online appointment on the website of the Foreigners Registration Office of Rhein-Erft in Bergheim, both for the initial application and the extension of your residence permit.
Necessary documents for the residence permit application are the following:
- completed application form
- proof of residence registration and/or copy of rental contract
- passport (with visa, if required) and copies of all printed pages
- 1 biometric passport photo
- current proof of enrollment
- proof of financial self-sufficiency (blocked account, declaration of commitment / "Verpflichtungserklärung", scholarship grant, bank statements, if necessary
- proof of health insurance coverage (from a German statutory health insurer or an exemption certificate/"Befreiungsbescheinigung" from a German statutory health insurer, private health insurance)
In some cases other documents may be necessary - in this case you will be informed at your appointment. The residence permit is usually issued electronically by chip card. Applicants have to pay a processing fee.
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Information on financial proof:
If you apply for a residence permit, you have to submit a financial proof to the German Authorities. This financial proof ensures that you are able to cover all living costs during your stay in Germany. The amount of money you have to prove is based on rates that also apply to German students. At the moment it amounts to 934 € per month, that means 11.208 € per year.
Please note: The maximum BaföG rate will increase from €934 to €992 in winter semester 2024/2025, it is therefore likely that embassies and immigration offices will expect you to provide €992 per month, i.e. €11'904 per year for the winter semester 2024/25. We strongly recommend that you block this amount before applying for a visa or residence permit.
The financial proof can be proved by the following documents:
Please note: Not every Foreigner´s Registration Office accepts every proof of financing!
We therefore strongly recommend opening a blocked account, as this proof of financing is certainly accepted by all Auhtorities. You must provide a proof of the sum of 11.208 € each time you renew your residence permit for one year. It is therefore advisable to keep the entire sum in the blocked account throughout your studies and to finance the expenses incurred during your studies - if possible - through different means (e.g. through part-time job, support from parents, etc.).
Further information:
Information on the legal framework conditions for Immigration and Residence of foreign students and scholars (DAAD)