Every year our team of visa specialists support each of our students studying abroad in Germany to have the proper documents to enter and stay in the country. Let's get started!
Depending on your IES Abroad program and citizenship, you may need a student visa to study abroad in Germany. We’ve outlined citizenship options below to help you learn more about your requirements for legal entry and stay in Germany.
“What would I say if you asked me what it was like to study abroad in Germany? I’d give you the answer that I give everyone. I’d say it was amazing, life-changing, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Isabel P. • Case Western Reserve University • Freiburg – Environmental Studies & Sustainability
You’re in luck! You do not need to obtain a student visa for Germany before you leave home.
If you are studying for a semester or a year, you will need to apply for residence permit once you arrive. Our on-site staff will be available to help explain this process during orientation. In the meantime, get an idea of what to expect by browsing the information below.
If you are a studying for a summer, you will not need a residence permit.
You do not need to obtain a student visa nor a residence permit for Germany. You will be able to enter the country and stay legally using your EU passport.
Once you arrive on-site, our staff will help you register with the German authorities (anmelden). There is no fee for this registration.
Refer to the German Federal Foreign Office website to determine whether a student visa or residence permit is required for you to enter and stay in Germany.
Should you need to apply for a student visa, we encourage you to begin this process early. We will provide the necessary visa letters. If you have questions, please contact your IES Abroad Program Advisor.
Additionally, if you attend a U.S. university or college, we recommend you apply while you are at school as the application process is often much easier while in the United States.
Sofia V. • University of Texas - Austin
Applying for a German Residence Permit
A student residence permit is an ID the size of a credit card issued by the German government. The student residence permit allows you to legally stay and study in Germany for the length of your program.
Once you are accepted to your semester or year-long IES Abroad program, you will find detailed instructions to apply for a German Residence Permit in your MyIESabroad account. For now, read below to get an idea of what the process will look like.
If you are a non-U.S. and non-EU citizen, refer to the German Federal Foreign Office website to determine whether or not you need a visa and what the process will be to apply.
When you arrive in Germany, you will enter the country as a tourist. During orientation, the IES Abroad staff will assist you in submitting the proper documents for a residence permit, including your passport.
If you plan to travel in Germany or Europe before or after your IES Abroad program, please contact your Program Advisor before making any travel plans.
The processing time for a residence permit takes about one week, during which time you will be without your passport.
The fee for applying for a residence permit is approximately €50-60 paid to IES Abroad.
Considering multiple destinations?
We've compiled visa resources for every country so you'll have everything you need to make your study abroad adventure as seamless as possible.
“Berlin offers a breath of fresh air for my overworked self.”
Corey B. • Brandeis University • Berlin – Language & Area Studies
We’re Here for You
Our team of visa specialists are here to help. Step-by-step instructions to ensure you have the proper visa and/or entry documents to study abroad are available in your MyIESabroad account once you are accepted to a program.
German entry requirements are determined by the German government, not by IES Abroad. While our team of visa specialists regularly updates this page, the most up-to-date and official information can be found on German government and consulate websites. This page was last updated May 20th, 2024.
“What would I say if you asked me what it was like to study abroad in Germany? I’d give you the answer that I give everyone. I’d say it was amazing, life-changing, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”Isabel P. • Case Western Reserve University • Freiburg – Environmental Studies & Sustainability
