Administrative services A-Z

- Forms: You can obtain forms from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online.
- Online procedure possible in some cases
- Written form required: yes
- Personal appearance required: yes

You can obtain a residence permit to search for a study place if you would like to study in Germany but no study place is available to you yet.

If you have not yet reached the age of 18, the persons authorized to have custody of your person must consent to your residence for the purpose of applying to study.

• You would like to stay in Germany to look for a place to study.
• You are entitled to attend a German university or a preparatory college on the basis of your school-leaving certificate.
• You are able to secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay from your own resources without recourse to public benefits.
• There is no interest in deportation against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute).
• Visa, if this was required for the entry
• In case of a previous stay in Germany: Current residence document (for example residence permit)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of school-leaving qualification entitling the holder to study in Germany or, alternatively, to attend a Studienkolleg (preparatory course)
• Proof of subsistence (e.g. from own assets, payment of a security deposit into a blocked account, bank guarantee, declaration of commitment, scholarship, proof of parents' income or similar)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (for example, confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy).
• For minors: Consent of all persons entitled to custody to the planned stay (declaration of consent); if the parents entitled to custody cannot submit the application jointly for their child, a written power of attorney of the absent parent is required; if only one parent is entitled to custody, the signature of this parent is sufficient.

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Aliens' Registration Office may require less or further proof.

• 100,00 Euro for applicants of full age
• 50,00 Euro for underage applicants

Remark:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

The timing as well as the form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be considered (for example, for persons entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish nationals.

• § Section 45 number 1 Residence Ordinance (AufenthV)
• § Section 50 Residence Ordinance (AufenthV)

• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to submit the application online or provides a special application form.
• If you have not yet reached the age of 18, you may not submit the application yourself, but require a representative (as a rule, the application is submitted by the custodial parent).
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office. In the case of online application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• If you are under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by at least one representative at the personal appointment. If the custodial parent cannot appear in person, a written power of attorney for the application must be provided.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be verified (please bring your documents, originals if possible, to the appointment).
• If your application is granted, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the residence permit in the form of an electronic residence title (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will order the production of the eAT card from the Bundesdruckerei. Once it has been produced, you will receive information and can collect the eAT card from the relevant office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

Responsible In the state of Brandenburg, the foreigners authority of the district/city is responsible

Application deadline:

6 weeks to 8 weeks

Remark (for further information on validity):

The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiration of your still valid visa or residence permit.

The residence permit is issued for a maximum of nine months.

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

In the state of Brandenburg, this is if you

- live in a town or municipality belonging to a district: the district administration,

- if you live in an independent city: the city administration.

• Brandenburg authorities directory

• § Section 17 (2) Residence Act (AufenthG)

• The procedure at the Aliens' Registration Office is usually conducted in German.
• All information provided to the Aliens' Registration Office should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief, so that the request can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be disadvantageous for the person concerned. In a serious case, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time vis-à-vis the Aliens Department may result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years or expulsion from the Federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of the right of residence, this description is for information purposes only and is not legally binding.

• Information from the Federal Foreign Office on studying in Germany
• Information from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• Federal government portal for applicants from abroad

Ministry of the Interior and for Municipal Affairs of the State of Brandenburg