Before moving to Munich, it is important that you know all the latest visa requirements for entering, traveling and/or studying in Germany. We recommend that you get in touch with the German embassy or consulate in your home country to find out about the most up-to-date regulations. As visa applications can be a lengthy process, we recommend you apply at least three months before your arrival date.
European Union Citizens
Citizens of the EU/EEA/EFTA do not need a visa to study in Germany, nor are they required to apply for a residence permit on arrival. We recommend that you consult with your nearest German consulate or embassy before arrival for the latest regulations. However, you will still need to register your address when you arrive in Munich. We provide more information on this in the section ‘Post-Arrival Procedures’ below.
Non-European Union Citizens
If you are not a citizen of the EU/EEA/EFTA, you must apply for a visa at your nearest German embassy at least two months before your arrival in Germany.
Citizens of Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Canada ,El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, New Zealand, South Korea, U.K. (including Northern Ireland) and the U.S.A may obtain a residence permit directly upon arrival in Munich by providing the acceptance documents at the immigration office.
As well as the documents listed below, you may be asked to supply supplementary paperwork. Please note that submission of documents does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. There are no urgent/express visas.
European Union Citizens
Citizens of the EU/EEA/EFTA do not need a visa to study in Germany, nor are they required to apply for a residence permit on arrival. We recommend that you consult with your nearest German consulate or embassy before arrival for the latest regulations. However, you will still need to register your address when you arrive in Munich. We provide more information on this in the section ‘Post-Arrival Procedures’ below.
Non-European Union Citizens
If you are not a citizen of the EU/EEA/EFTA, you must apply for a visa at your nearest German embassy at least two months before your arrival in Germany.
Citizens of Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Canada ,El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, New Zealand, South Korea, U.K. (including Northern Ireland) and the U.S.A may obtain a residence permit directly upon arrival in Munich by providing the acceptance documents at the immigration office.
As well as the documents listed below, you may be asked to supply supplementary paperwork. Please note that submission of documents does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. There are no urgent/express visas.
Non-European Citizens Also Need
Here is a general overview of the documentation you will need:
Application Forms
Two completed visa application forms in German with pictures and signatures accordingly and two signed forms certifying §55.
Medical insurance that covers any medical and repatriation expenses due to an accident or sudden disease, valid for the entire duration of stay and in all countries.
A passport valid for the total period of stay for which the visa is requested, photocopies and four (4) recent passport-size photos.
A well-structured motivation letter and a CV.
Proof of Finances
Proof of finance with a minimum of €861 per month of your intended stay either by: a blocked account at a German bank showing a minimum amount of €10,332 (with a withdrawal limit of €861 per month) or a formal letter of obligation, according to paragraph §§66,68 of the Aliens Act, from a resident of Germany and for the duration of the applicant's stay in Germany. You have to open a “blocked account” (Sperrkonto) directly with the bank of your choice. Fintiba is the fastest option for these purposes.
Two letters of acceptance from EU (in English and Spanish).
Language Level
Certificate stating your English fluency tests (IELTS/TOEFL/CAE).
Academic History
Evidence of previous academic performance/degree certificate.
You must obtain your residence permit within 90 days of arrival in Munich. The temporary visa that you receive in your home country is only valid for three months. You must then apply for a temporary residence, which lasts for one year. The residence permit process is done first online, and then by appointment on the second floor of the Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR, see address below).
You must take the following documents:
- Passport (original)
- Studienbescheinigung, a document stating that you are an official EU student. You will receive it from our Academic office upon arrival.
- Three biometric passport pictures (there are also photo booths in the KVR building)
- Proof of German Medical Insurance
- Proof of adequate funding (a blocked account with at least €10,332)
- The completed residency permit application form
Once you submit your documents online, you will receive an email from the KVR for an in-person appointment. The residence permit costs €100. The process takes at least 30 working days, during which you cannot leave the country. A notice that your card is ready will be mailed to you. You can also track it online. You can pick up your card at the KVR. You will need to take your passport and the letter you have received.
To renew your residency permit, follow the same steps you took to originally apply. Please apply 90 days before your current residency permit expires.
You must take the following documents:
- Passport (original)
- One passport size photo
- Studienbescheinigung for new academic year (letter confirming EU assistance)
- €96
- Proof of German medical insurance
- Proof of adequate funding (a blocked account with at least €10,332)
- The completed residency permit application form
Post-Arrival Procedures (All Students)
Everyone must register their address in Munich (Anmeldung). Every time you change your location within the city, you must register it within two weeks at the KVR – Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR, local administrative department).
You must take the following documents:
- Passport (original)
- Visa/Residency permit
- Filled out registration form
- Proof of residence (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR)
Hauptabteilung II Bürgerangelegenheiten
Bürgerbüro Meldewesen, Kfz- und Fundangelegenheiten
T 089 233-96000
Opening hours:
By appointment only at https://www.muenchen.de/rathaus/terminvereinbarung_bb.html
U-Bahn stop Poccistrasse: U3 & U6
Bus: line 31