🧭 Overview

• ✈️ Most non-EU students must obtain a student visa before traveling to Germany.
• 🏠 Students staying longer than 90 days generally need a residence permit after arrival.
• 📍 All residents must complete address registration (Anmeldung) after moving in.

🛂 Do you need a visa before you travel?

In most cases, non-EU citizens must apply for a visa at the German embassy or consulate in their home country
before entering Germany.

✅ Key points

• 🏛️ Apply at the German embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence.
• ⏳ Processing times can be long (often around 6–8 weeks, sometimes longer).
• 🗓️ Apply as early as possible.

ℹ️ Official information source:
The German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on
visa requirements, visa types, and application procedures.

🌐 Visit:

Federal Foreign Office – Visa Service

You should always consult this page and your local German embassy or consulate to confirm
which visa rules apply to your nationality and situation.

🌍 Exception: Visa-free entry for some nationalities

Citizens of certain countries may enter Germany without a visa and then apply for a
residence permit in Germany (usually within 90 days of entry).

This applies only to specific nationalities and can change at any time.

ℹ️ Examples (not exhaustive)

• 🇺🇸 United States
• 🇨🇦 Canada
• 🇯🇵 Japan
• 🇰🇷 South Korea
• 🇦🇺 Australia
• 🇳🇿 New Zealand
• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
• 🇮🇱 Israel

Always verify your individual situation via:

• 🏛️ The German embassy or consulate
• 🌐 The Federal Foreign Office (link above)
• 🏙️ Your local immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde)

📄 Choose the correct visa type

For study purposes, you usually need a national visa (D).
A Schengen (tourist) visa is generally not suitable for starting long-term studies.

• 🚫 Do not enter Germany on a tourist visa if you plan to study long term.
• ✅ Confirm the correct visa type with your German embassy or consulate.

🏠 Residence Permit after Arrival

If you stay in Germany for more than 90 days, you generally need to apply for a
residence permit at the local immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde).

✅ Typical steps

1. 📍 Register your address (Anmeldung).
2. 🗓️ Book an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde early.
3. 📄 Prepare all required documents (requirements vary by authority).

General guidance for international students is available from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD):

DAAD – Visa Information

📍 Registration of Address (Anmeldung)

After moving into your accommodation, you must register your address at the local registration office.
This requirement applies to all residents in Germany and is separate from your residence permit.

ℹ️ Important information

• 📅 Registration deadline: within 14 days after moving in.
• 🏡 You need a permanent address and usually a landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).
• 🚫 Hotels or hostels are generally not accepted as a permanent address.

🩺 Health Insurance (Important)

Valid health insurance coverage is required for living in Germany and is essential for
university enrollment and immigration procedures.

• 🛡️ Ensure your health insurance is recognized in Germany.
• 📄 Keep proof of insurance readily available.

✅ Summary

• 🛂 Most non-EU students need a visa before traveling.
• 🌍 Some nationalities may enter visa-free and apply for a residence permit after entry.
• 🏠 A residence permit is usually required for stays over 90 days.
• 📍 Address registration (Anmeldung) is mandatory within 14 days after moving in.
• 🩺 Health insurance coverage is essential.

🧳 Pre-Departure Checklist – Before You Travel to Germany

Before traveling to Germany to study at FAU, please ensure you have completed the following steps.
This checklist focuses exclusively on entry and residence requirements.

• 🛂 Check visa requirements
  Verify whether you need a visa using the Federal Foreign Office website and your local German embassy.
• 🏛️ Apply for the correct visa (if required)
  Apply for a national student visa (D) well in advance.
• 🪪 Passport validity
  Make sure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay.
• 🩺 Health insurance proof
  Prepare proof of valid health insurance accepted in Germany.
• 📄 Carry essential documents
  Keep important documents (passport, visa, insurance proof, admission letter) in your hand luggage.
• 🏡 Plan address registration
  Arrange a permanent address and remember to register it within 14 days after moving in.
• 🗓️ Plan your residence permit appointment
  If staying longer than 90 days, book an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde early.

Completing this checklist will help ensure a smooth entry into Germany and a well-prepared start to your stay.