The Freie Universität Berlin provides some general information on visas and residence permits for international students.

Visa

As a rule, all foreigners who stay in Germany for more than 90 days and want to work or study in Germany need a visa before entering Germany. There are a number of exceptions to this rule, especially for EU citizens. The procedure, regulations for different groups of people and useful links can be found on the Study in Germany website. Further and legally binding information, such as current regulations and the addresses of German embassies or consulates, can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

If you need a visa, you must apply for it in your home country. Please apply for your visa well in advance, as it can take several months for the visa to be issued. For more information, please contact the German embassy or consulate in your home country.

If you have not yet received a notice of admission to a university or undergraduate program, you should apply for a student visa. If you have received notification of admission to a university or undergraduate program, you should apply for a student visa. The German mission in your home country will inform you which additional documents are required for a visa application. As a rule, you will need the following documents:

• valid passport
• certificate of health insurance coverage 
• proof of financial resources
• certificates of previous academic work and achievements
• proof of German language skills or proff that you intend to attend a language course in Germany, or English languages skills for an English-language degree program
• for a student visa: unversity entrance qualification recognized in Germany
• for a student visa: letter of admission from your German university (or a statement from the university confirming that you have a good chance of admission)
• possibly a health certificate

Registration

If you are in berlin and have found accommodation, you must register your residental address at one of the more than 40 Bürgerämter maintained in Berlin for this purpose before applying for a resident permit. You will need to make an appointment for this.

You will need the following documents to register:
■ your passport, visa or official identity card
■ residence confirmation from your landlord (you can also find the form online HERE by searching for "Einzugsbestätigung des Wohnungsgeber/Vermieters (Muster)"
■ a completed registration form

If you are accompanied by family members, you will also need their passports and documents on marital and family status (marriage certificate, birth certificate). You will receive the registration confirmation free of charge at your appointment.

Residence Permit

For stays of more than 90 days, non-EU citizens must usually apply for a residence permit at the Berlin Aliens' Registration Office after entering the country. You must apply as soon as possible or at least eight weeks before the visa expires. Please read the information on the Freie Universität website, where you will also find an information sheet with all the required documents.

The FU Passport Service supports students and employees of Freie Universität who need a residence permit for Germany. If you have any questions about applying for a residence permit, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our passport service checks the application documents for completeness and forwards your applications directly to the Foreigners' Registration Office.

Please note that it is essential for each applicant to make a personal appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office.