Your Residence Permit After Arrival in Germany
What to do after entering Germany: address registration, the immigration authority, your residence title and key documents for students and vocational trainees.
Visa and Residence Title: Understanding the Difference
A national visa is used to enter Germany. For a subsequent long-term stay, you generally need to arrange the appropriate residence title with the immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde) in good time.
You must submit your application before your visa or current permission to stay expires. This is essential to avoid falling into an irregular immigration status.
1. Register Your Address (Anmeldung)
After entering Germany and moving in, you generally need to register your address with the registration office (Meldebehörde or Bürgeramt) within two weeks of moving in, in accordance with the applicable rules.
You will usually need:
- Passport or another identity document
- Confirmation of occupancy from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
The exact document requirements depend on the city and the office.
2. Apply for Your Residence Title at the Immigration Authority
After arrival, check the procedure at the immigration authority responsible for your registered address early and apply for the appropriate residence title before your current authorised stay expires.
Documents you may need:
- Passport
- Address registration (Anmeldung / Registrierung)
- Proof of university enrolment or vocational training
- Proof of funding or a financial support agreement
- Health insurance
- Biometric photograph
- Additional forms required by the local immigration authority
The exact list is determined by the local immigration authority and may differ between cities.
Students
A study residence permit under Section 16b of the Residence Act (AufenthG) is usually issued initially for two years. If your studies continue, it may be extended subject to meeting the applicable conditions.
Permitted Employment:
During their studies, international students from third countries may work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or up to 20 hours per week under the applicable rules.
Vocational Trainees
A residence permit under Section 16a for vocational training may be issued for the duration of the training.
Additional employment unrelated to the training may be permitted for up to 20 hours per week.
Arrange Your Immigration Appointment Early
In some cities, the wait for an available appointment can be long. We recommend checking the procedure and booking an appointment as soon as you arrive.
How We Help
The exact requirements depend on your nationality, purpose of stay and individual circumstances. Before applying, check the current requirements on the official website of the relevant German diplomatic mission or immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde).
Need Help with Your Residence Title?
Book a consultation and we will explain the process in detail.
Book a Consultation