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Dealing with Red Tape
You should get the red tape out of the way as soon as possible. That may be unpleasant, but it's necessary. Germany has a lot of bureaucracy. Your first stop should be the Resident Registration Bureau (Einwohnermeldeamt). Anyone who who plans on staying in Germany for more than three months has to register their permanent address within one week. You'll need a copy of the rental agreement or other documented proof of where you're living. If you move, you have one week to register your new address. It is important to find out exactly where your Resident Registration Bureau is located. Its location within the city administration varies from city to city. The International Relations Office at your university can tell you more.
The Foreigners' Affairs Office (Ausländerbehörde) is the next stop for students or guest researchers in Germany.This is where you apply for a residence permit. Don't forget that you have to do this in person. Students also have to prove that they can support themselves financially. This means they will have to have at least 500 euro at their disposal each month.
Approval is assured if the following documents are in order:
- Valid visa (for non-EU students)
- Completed application form (available at the univisersity's Office for International Affairs)
- Valid passport
- Proof of health insurance
- Copy of rental agreement or letter from landlord
- Three (3) passport-size photos
- In some cases you'll need to show that you've had a physical examination
Residence permits for students are valid for one year and have to be renewed every year.
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| Further Information
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