Visa
Whether you need a visa to enter Germany or not, depends on your nationality and the time period of your exchange stay in Regensburg. You will receive detailed information at the German Embassy/German Consulate in your home country.
Please make sure that your passport is valid for your whole stay in Germany.
EU / EWR Nationals
Exchange students from the following countries can enter Germany without visa: EU states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nonetheless, you will need to register with the foreigners’ registration office Regensburg within the first three months (90 days) after entry. The International Office will provide further information upon arrival.
Entry Without Visa
No visa is required for exchange students from the following countries:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Brazil
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Israel
- Japan
- Canada
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- San Marino
- South Korea
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- USA
Even though students can enter Germany visa-free, they need to apply for a German residence permit within a maximum of three months (90 days) after entry. The International Office will inform you about the necessary formalities upon arrival.
Entry With Visa Only
Exchange students who need a visa to enter Germany (please have a look below) have to apply for a “student visa” at a German Embassy/ German Consulate in their home country. It can sometimes take several weeks/months to get an appointment with the visa departments of the embassies/consulates. Therefore, make sure to apply for your visa early on.
⇒ Overview of the visa requirements provided by the German Federal Foreign Office
Do not enter Germany as a tourist! Once you have entered the country, your tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa.
After your entry to Germany, you have a maximum of 3 months (90 days) to apply for a German residence permit. The International Office will provide further information upon your arrival.
Blocked Account
Exchange students who need a visa to enter Germany often have to open a blocked account in order to prove that they have sufficient financial means to cover the costs of your exchange stay in Germany (currently € 861 per month).
Non-EU Students With EU Residence Permit – (REST) EU Directive
Non-EU Nationals who have a residence permit for the purpose of studies that has been issued in an EU country and covers the whole exchange stay at the University of Regensburg do not need to apply for a visa or German residence permit. They may enter Germany under the EU Directive 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council and may stay in Germany for up to 360 days.
However, the International Office needs to notify the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees about your planned exchange stay at least 30 days prior to your planned arrival and has to forward the following documents:
- Scan of EU residence permit
- Scan of passport
- Letter of acceptance
- Proof of participation in an exchange program/ multilateral program
- Proof of health insurance (e.g. European Health Insurance Card)
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the expenses for your exchange stay (currently 992€ per month)
International Office - 30.07.2024 15:11 
