If you are a part of the European Union or one under an agreement with Germany (Honduras, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, USA) then you do not need a visa. Citizens from all other countries need a visa in order to enter Germany, of which can be obtained from either the German embassy or consulate in your home country.

A student visa is given once the applicant proves that they have been accepted to study in Germany and that they can afford their stay. An acceptance of study can also include admission to a Studienkolleg or a German language course. The entrance visa is generally valid for 3 months. Once a student has arrived into Germany and has started studying they must then apply for a long duration residence permit.

The following documents are needed for your application for a student visa:

Note: Never come to Germany on a tourist visa with the intention of converting it into a student visa; this will not be possible. The visa must be issued before you enter the country; you should therefore apply for it in good time. As a student in Germany you may work for a maximum of 3 months and, depending on where you study, only during recess periods (e.g. semester holidays). Contact your nearest Consulate for more information

The study applicant visa (Studienbewerber-Visum) permits you to enter the country before the admission decision by the university or college, in order to obtain information on the spot. The university applicant visa is particularly important for applicants to the Hochschule für Musik and Theater (College of Music and Drama), so that you can enter the country for the entrance examination. This type of visa may also be useful to applicants who wish to improve their language skills in Germany before starting their studies. The study applicant visa is limited to three months, but it can be converted to a visa for study purposes if you receive your admission from the university or college during this period.

Visa applications for language courses must be accompanied by the following documents:

Everybody that resides in Germany must complete a declaration of residency (Anmeldung) and register their presence in the country within 8 days of arrival, at the Domicile Declaration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt). The declaration form, which can be found in a stationary store, must be signed by the interested party (renter) and the owner of the property. If you have to move while in the country, you must declare this to the Einwohnermeldeamt within 8 days stating your new address. If you stay in a hotel or an inn for less than 2 months, then you do not need to worry about the declaration of residency.