The residence permit for the purpose of fulfilling conditions prior to commencing studies in Germany is a temporary residence permit.

Specifically, the residence permit can be granted if

1. you have been admitted to full-time study at a state university, a state-recognized university, or a comparable educational institution, but the admission is subject to a condition that is not related to attending a preparatory course (for example, admission to a master's program is linked to the submission of proof of completion of a bachelor's degree);

2. you have been admitted to full-time study at a state university, a state-recognized university, or a comparable educational institution, but the admission is subject to the condition that you must first attend a preparatory college or a comparable institution. The permit may also be granted if you are not yet able to provide proof of admission to a preparatory college or a comparable institution;

3. You have been admitted to a state university, a state-recognized university, or a comparable educational institution for part-time study;

4. You have been accepted to participate in a preparatory language course without already having been admitted to a higher education institution; or

5. You have received confirmation from a company that you will be able to complete a preparatory internship.

When deciding whether to grant a residence permit for the above purposes, the immigration authorities may obtain and take into account statements from the university or other institutions approved for education or training regarding study requirements, course progression, degree completion, and other academic matters.

If you are under 18 years of age, the persons entitled to care for you must consent to your stay in Germany.

• You would like to stay in Germany to take up full-time studies after fulfilling a certain condition, to study part-time, or to participate in a preparatory language course or internship in preparation for your studies.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance for the duration of your stay from your own resources without claiming public benefits.
• There is no interest in expelling you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to submit your application online or provides a special application form.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you may not submit the application yourself, but will need a representative (usually the application is submitted by the parents with parental authority).
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied by at least one representative when you attend the appointment in person. If your parents or legal guardians are unable to attend in person, you must provide a written power of attorney for the application.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, preferably the originals, with you to the appointment).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of your residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will order the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it has been produced, you will be notified and can collect the eAT card from the relevant office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

• You are not entitled to a residence permit. It is at the discretion of the immigration authorities to grant a residence permit.
• The residence permit entitles you to work during the vacation period and to complete the internship. This restriction is usually included in the title as a secondary provision.
• Preparation for studies includes, in particular, German language courses and attendance at preparatory colleges or similar institutions.
• The procedure at the immigration office is usually conducted in German.
• All information provided to the immigration office should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that the matter can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be disadvantageous for those concerned. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time to the immigration office can result in the withdrawal of residence rights already granted, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or expulsion from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification
• Action before the court specified in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

Application deadline:

6 weeks to 8 weeks

Note (for further information on validity):

The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before your current visa or residence permit expires.

Duration (if range): 1 year to 2 years

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The residence permit is issued for at least one year. Its validity should not exceed two years when first issued.

If the applicant is participating in a Union or multilateral program with mobility measures (e.g., the European Union's ERASMUS+ program) or if an agreement between two or more higher education institutions applies to the applicant, the residence permit will be issued for at least two years.

If the course of study lasts less than two years, it will be issued for the duration of the course of study.

An extension must be applied for at the Foreigners' Registration Office in good time before the expiry of the validity. As a rule, a stay of ten years is considered the upper limit for the duration of residence.

Approximately 6 to 8 weeks

Note for further information on processing time:

The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the immigration office.

It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute)
• Visa, if required for entry
• If you have previously stayed in Germany: current residence document (e.g., residence permit)
• Current biometric passport-size photo (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of conditional admission to study, enrollment, or admission to a preparatory language course or internship
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses (e.g., from your own assets, deposit of a security deposit into a blocked account, bank guarantee, letter of commitment, scholarship, proof of receipt of benefits such as parental or child allowance, proof of parents' income, or similar)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g., confirmation of insurance coverage from your health insurance provider or insurance policy)
• In the case of conditional admission to a course of study or enrollment, proof of the language skills required for the specific course of study may be required
• For minors: consent of all legal guardians to the planned stay (declaration of consent); if the parents with custody cannot submit the application for their child together, a written power of attorney from the absent parent is required; if only one parent has custody, the signature of that parent is sufficient

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the immigration office may require less or more evidence.

• 100.00 euros for applicants of legal age
• 50.00 euros for applicants who are minors

Note:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be considered (for example, for persons entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish citizens.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes