Visa, Residence permit

Visa

Whether you need a visa to study in Germany depends on your country of origin.
Foreign students from EU member states as well as from a number of other countries do not need a visa to enter Germany. Nevertheless, you must report to the relevant Foreigners' Registration Office after your arrival and apply for a residence permit. Do not enter Germany with a tourist visa, as this will not allow you to enrol! For current and binding information on study visas, proof of funding, etc., please visit these websites:

Portal of the German Ministry of Education 'study-in-germany'

Portal of the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany

Portal of the German Embassy in your country of o rigin

Foreigners' Registration Office

After your arrival in Germany, the Foreigners' Registration Office at your place of residence is responsible for your residence permit. As soon as you have found a flat or a room, you should first register at the citizens' registration office (Bürgeramt) of the city of Koblenz. Do you live in another city or district? Then register with the authorities there.

Applying for a residence permit for study purposes:

If you are planning on studying in Germany past the expiration date of your visa, then you must apply for a "residence permit for study purposes". Residents of Koblenz are requested to send copies of the following documents 3-4 months before the expiration of your visa to the e-mail or mailing address below:

Passport (must be valid for the duration of the residence permit that you are applying for)

Entry visa and stamp

Signed rental contract

Letter of admission from your university

Proof of financial means (ex. blocked account with 11,904€, approved declaration of commitment)

Proof of health insurance (copy of your helath insurance card)

More information about the residence permit for study purposes here (in German only):

Information from the Foreigners' Registration Office Koblenz: Residence permit for the purpose of applying for or studying at university

Applying for an extension to your residence permit for study purposes:

A residence permit for study purposes is usually issued for 1-2 years. If you have not finished your studies before the expiration of your residence permit, then you must apply for an extension. Residents of Koblenz are requested to send copies of the following documents 3-4 months before the expiration of your permit to the e-mail or mailing address below:

Passport (must be valid for the duration of the residence permit that you are applying for)

Signed rental contract

Letter of admission from your university

Proof of current academic performance (transcript of records with number of earned credit points)

Proof of financial means (ex. blocked account with 11,904€, approved declaration of commitment, employment contract with payslips from the last three months)

Proof of health insurance (copy of your helath insurance card)

Please note! A residence for study purposes may not exceed a total of ten years, including both bachelor's and master's studies. Your academic performance will be reviewed at each extension. If you do not demonstrate satisfactory progress in your studies, your residence permit may be denied.

Foreigners' Registration Office City of Koblenz

Rudolf-Virchow-Straße 11
56073 Koblenz
Tel.: +49(0)261 129-4685

Enquiries and appointments: [email protected]

City of Koblenz Registration/Bürgeramt

After moving into your flat, you must register with the City of Koblenz / Bürgeramt. Do you live in another city or district? Then register with the authorities there.

Pleas bring:

a valid passport (and vise, if applicable)
Rental contract and confirmation of residence from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung - must be issued by the landlord after two weeks at the latest)

Registration is free of charge. Every citizen in Germany is obliged to register with the authorities after arriving at their new place of residence.

Bürgeramt Koblenz
Gymnasialstraße 6
56068 Koblenz
Tel.: +49(0)261 129-7000
E-Mail: [email protected]

Book your appointment for the Bürgeramt online here.

Updated: December 5, 2025