Visas & Residence Permits

Germany requires most international students to complete several administrative procedures before and after arrival. This page provides an overview of student visas, residence permits (Aufenthaltserlaubnis), city registration (Anmeldung), and other important processes for students in Bonn.

**Please note that requirements may vary depending on your nationality, and administrative procedures can change from year to year, or even between semesters. As the Fachausschuss, we are neither an official legal authority nor a university administrative body. Therefore, you should always verify information with the relevant authorities and offices.**

Two Paths to a German Student Residence Permit

All non-EU/EEA students who plan to study in Germany for more than 90 days will ultimately need a student residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Studium). As previously mentioned, the key difference is whether a student must obtain a visa before traveling to Germany.

Path B: Visa-Free Entry
Students from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Israel may enter Germany without a student visa. Upon arrival, they can complete the necessary administrative steps—including registering their address, obtaining health insurance, and preparing proof of financial resources—before applying for a student residence permit. The residence permit application must be submitted within 90 days of entry.

Path C: Student Visa Required
Students from most other countries must obtain a student visa from a German embassy or consulate before traveling to Germany. This visa typically permits entry and temporary residence for several months. After arriving in Germany, students must still complete the same administrative steps and apply for a student residence permit. The application should be submitted before the student visa expires to ensure uninterrupted legal status.

Important: Regardless of which path applies, the end result is the same: students studying in Germany long-term will need a student residence permit issued by their local Foreigners' Office (Ausländeramt).

The Process

1. Schedule an Appointment with the Ausländeramt
Students residing in Bonn must schedule an appointment with the Bonn Foreigners' Office (Ausländeramt) to apply for their residence permit. Because appointment availability can be limited, students are encouraged to begin the process as early as possible after arriving in Germany. The address for the Ausländeramt is Oxfordstraße 19, 53111 Bonn.

2. Gather Required Documents
You will be asked to provide many of the same documents throughout your first months in Germany. Create a dedicated folder containing both original documents and digital copies, including your passport, enrollment documents, proof of financial resources, health insurance, and your Anmeldung (i.e. "city registration") documentation.

When attending appointments with city or immigration officials, it is usually better to bring too many documents than too few. Requirements can vary, and having additional documentation available may prevent delays or the need to reschedule an appointment.

The Ausländeramt may request additional documentation depending on your circumstances, but students are generally required to provide the following documents:

3. Attend Your Appointment
At your appointment, an immigration officer will review your documents, verify that you meet the residence permit requirements, and collect any necessary biometric data (i.e. photograph, fingerprints). If approved, your electronic residence permit (eAT) will be produced and issued at a later date.

Because appointments can be difficult to secure and may take several weeks or months to obtain, students should prioritize attending their scheduled appointment. If the appointment conflicts with a class, simply notify your professor in advance. Faculty understand that residence permit appointments are an essential part of establishing legal residency in Germany and are generally accommodating when students must miss class for this purpose.