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GERMANY

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Visa
Banking & Taxes
Housing & Renting
Healthcare
Transportation & Driving

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VISA & Immigration

A visa for Germany is an official document that allows a foreigner to enter, stay, or live in Germany for a specific purpose, such as tourism, work, study, or family reunification. It is usually stamped in your passport and must be obtained before traveling, unless your country is part of the visa-free Schengen agreement.

What Visa Do I Need to Study in Germany?

If you are a foreign student that is planning to study in Germany, you will need a student visa. There are 3 different visas you can apply for.

Here are are the 3 main visas you can apply for:

    • For students who are fully admitted to a German University

    • Given to you for 90 days, after that you have to apply for a student residence permit in Germany

    • Valid for long-term studies

    • This is if you have not received full admission yet but need to be in Germany to complete the application process

    • Valid for 3-6 months and can be converted to a Student Visa later

    • This is if you are taking an intensive German language course (at least 18-20 hours a week)

    • Cannot be converted to a student visa later

How to apply for a Student Visa?

Firstly, before you apply for a student visa, you need a university admission letter. you can get this at Uni-Assist or directly on the universities website.

Now that you have the university admission letter, here is a quick step-by-step guide on what you need when applying for one and also how to apply.

  • Valid passport

  • University admission letter

  • Proof of Financial Resources (Blocked Account - 11,208 euro a year)

  • Proof of health insurance

  • Proof of accommodation in Germany

  • Visa application form (from the German Embassy website)

  • Motivation letter (explaining why you want to study in Germany)

  • Academic Certificates (school diploma or transcript)

  • CV (Resume)

Now that you have all the documents you need, now is the time to actually apply:

  • Book a visa appointment at your nearest German Embassy or Consulate, or online

  • Bring all the documents mentioned above

  • You may be asked to attend a visa interview to discuss about your study plans and finances

  • Wait for approval (the visa processing time can take between 6-12 weeks)

  • If approved, you will get a national student visa for 90 days

  • Once in Germany, you must apply for a student residence permit

Register your address and get a Student Residence Permit

Within 2 weeks of arrival you have to register your address (Anmeldung) and also apply for a Student Residence Permit.

    • Within 2 weeks of arrival, go to the local Bürgeramt (registration office) and register your German address of where you are currently staying

    • Bring Passport and Visa

      Rental Agreement (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)

    • Make your way to the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners office) before your 90-day visa expires

    • Bring Passport, Enrollment Certificate, Proof of Financial Resources, Health Insurance Proof, Biometric Photos

    • Pay a Fee (around 110-150 euro)

Banking & Taxes

If you’re a foreign student moving to Germany, you’ll need to understand how banking, taxes, and blocked accounts work.

What Do I Need for a Bank Account in Germany?

Here is a quick check list of what you need to open a bank account in Germany:

  • Passport or Residence Permit

  • German Address (Anmeldung Certificate)

  • Student Status

Some online banks like N26 allow you to open an account without Anmeldung Certificate which is very useful for when you first land in Germany and don’t have a permanent address

German Taxes and Tax System

In Germany, taxes are collected by the fiscal administration (Finanzverwaltung) or also known as tax administration (Steuerverwaltung). Germany also has a progressive tax system, meaning the more you earn, the more tax you will have to pay.

DO I AS A STUDENT HAVE TO PAY TAXES?

  • Yes, if you live and work in Germany for more than 183 days per year.

  • If you are employed, your employer automatically deducts taxes from your salary

  • If you DO NOT work in Germany, no income tax is required, only if you are receiving money from abroad

Important Taxes to know

    • 5.5% extra tax (only for high earners above 66,760 euro per year)

    • 8%-9% tax on income if you register as religious

    • Not religious? Opt out during Anmeldung to avoid it

    • If employed, you and your employer share the cost (14% of salary)

    • If self-employed, you pay the full health insurance yourself

What are Blocked Accounts (Sperrkonto)?

A Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) is a special bank account required for foreign students and visa applicants to prove they have enough money to support themselves while living in Germany

Why do I as a Student need a Blocked Account?

You need it to show the German government that you can support yourself while you are living in Germany. This is REQUIRED by the German government when applying for a student visa and residence permit.

How much money do I need to prove that I can support myself?

As of 2024, you need to have 11,208 euro per year. You can only withdraw 934 euro a month.

Where to open a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)?

There are many places where you can open a Blocked Account, but here are our recommendations for companies that provide blocked accounts.

  • Expatrio - Fast processing, combo package with health insurance

  • Fintiba - Popular among students

  • Deutsche Bank - Traditional but slowest option (can take weeks)

Healthcare

If you're a foreign student in Germany, you must have health insurance—it’s a legal requirement for university enrollment and getting a residence permit

Types of Health Insurance

There are two different types of insurance in Germany:

    • Best for students that are under 30

    • Fixed student rate of 110 euro a month

    • Covers doctors visits, hospital stays, medication and preventative care

    • Accepted everywhere in Germany

    • For students that are over 30 or language/preparatory students

    • Cheaper, being around 30-50 euro a month but limited coverage

    • Not accepted everywhere like public health insurance

If you are an EU/EEA Student (being a person from the European Union) and you do have a EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), you do not need German Health Insurance since it is accepted everywhere and covers what you need.

How to get Health Insurance?

For both Public Health Insurance and Private Health Insurance you apply online through the insurers website or at a local office.

Just a small tip, if you have created a Blocked Account, some providers offer health insurance packages!

Renting

Finding accommodation as a Foreign Student in Germany can be challenging, especially in the bigger cities like Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt. Do not worry, here is everything you need to know about renting an apartment in Germany.

What Do You Need to Rent an Apartment?

As a foreigner, landlords are going to give you a harder time about documents.

Here is everything you need:

  • Passport and Visa/residence permit - to prove your identity

  • Proof of University enrollment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung)

  • Proof of income (or a letter from your parents if you do not work)

  • Certificate proving you do not have outstanding debt (Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung)

NEVER RENT RENT WITHOUT A CONTRACT, ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOU GET A WRITTEN LEASE YOU AND THE LANDLORD SIGN.

Types of Student Accommodations

    • Cheapest option

    • Managed by the Student Services making life a little easier

    • Fully furnished, usually includes utilities and internet

    • Shared kitchen and bathroom

    • Often the best option for first time students

    • This is the most popular option

    • You rent a private room in an apartment and share kitchen and bathroom

    • A good option for making friends and splitting costs making living cheaper

    • This is the most expensive option but you get more privacy

    • Best if you prefer living alone

    • Requires a SCHUFA (credit report) and proof of income

What is a SCHUFA (Credit Report)?

This is a credit report indicating your creditworthiness, meaning if you manage to pay all your bills on time and do not have any outstanding debts.

Do I need a SCHUFA as a student?

As a student you do not need a SCHUFA unless you are renting a private apartment, if you are unsure whether you need one or not, always ask your landlord about it!

Driving & Transportation

Germany has one of the best and well-developed transportation systems in the world, with high speed trains, efficient buses and world-renowned highway system, the Autobahn, with no speed limit.

Here are all the Transportation services that you can use as a student:

    • Germany has an extensive train network. The Deutsche Bahn (DB) operates both intercity and regional trains.

    • The ICE (InterCityExpress) trains are high-speed and connect major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich.

    • Tickets can be purchased online, at ticket machines, or through the DB app.

    • Buses and trams serve most cities and towns.

    • You can buy tickets from ticket machines at stations or on the bus/tram.

    • Monthly passes are available for commuters.

    • Most major cities have a U-Bahn (subway) system for fast travel within the city.

    • Tickets for the U-Bahn are sold at ticket machines or via mobile apps.

    • Day passes and weekly/monthly tickets are available for frequent travelers.

    • Germany is bike-friendly, and many cities have dedicated bike lanes. You can also rent bikes through services like Lime or Donkey Republic.

    • Cycle paths are well-marked, and it’s common to use a bicycle for commuting short distances.