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

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