Visa
Should I apply for a visa to enter Regensburg?
Whether you need a visa (entry permit) for Germany as a study applicant depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Detailed information can be obtained from the German embassy or consulate in your home country.
Entry without Visa
No visa is required for students from the following countries:
- European Union (see below)
- Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway (EEA countries), and Switzerland (see below)
- Andorra
- Australia
- Brazil
- El Salvador
- Great Britain and Nordern Irland
- Honduras
- Israel
- Japan
- Canada
- Monaco
- San Marino
- South Korea
- USA
Entry with Visa only
All other students coming from countries not listed above need a visa to enter Germany.
Please do NOT enter with a tourist visa, as this cannot be converted into a residence permit for studies.
There are several types of visas that are suitable for this purpose:
- Visa for study application: With this visa you can get a residence permit for a maximum of 9 months. If after this time you do not have admission to study or to a study-preparatory German course at a university or a Studienkolleg, then you must leave Germany again.
- Visa for study preparation: With this visa you can get a residence permit for a maximum of 2 years. Within these 2 years you can attend study preparation German courses (not longer than 18 months in total) and, if necessary, complete the Studienkolleg or mandatory internships for your future studies. After that, your stay can only be extended if you have an admission to the degree studies.
- Visa for study: With this visa you can get the residence permit for the degree study.
After your entry you have a maximum of 3 months to have your visa converted into a suitable residence permit.
EU and EEA Countries
Persons from these countries enjoy freedom of movement within the European Union. They do not need a visa, a residence permit or a work permit.
EU citizens and citizens from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway must register with the registration office within three months of entering the country and provide information on the purpose of their stay. As a rule, the following documents are required for this purpose:
- "Registration of residence" and "Notification of residence" according to § 5 Freedom of Movement Act / EU (forms available at Registration Office of the City of Regensburg)
- Passport or ID card
- If applicable, proof of family affiliation (e.g. marriage certificate, certificate of descent)
- "Accommodation Provider Confirmation" /"Wohnungsgeberbestätigung" (forms available at Registration Office of the City of Regensburg)
After registration, you will automatically receive a certificate of your right of residence from the Foreigners' Registration Office.
If you are already in possession of a residence permit-EU or a certificate of your right of residence and you move from the federal territory to Regensburg, you only need to register at the registration office.
Switzerland
Swiss citizens also enjoy freedom of movement within the European Union and must register with the Foreigners' Registration Office within three months of entering the country. They do not require a visa or a work permit, but can (not mandatory) apply for a residence permit. As a rule, the following documents are required for this purpose:
- Registration and application for a residence permit (forms available at the Foreigners' Registration Office)
- Passport or ID card
- Certificate of Enrollment
- Proof of Health Insurance
- Proof of sufficient means of subsistence
If you are already in possession of a residence permit and are moving from the
Federal territory to Regensburg, you only need to register at the Foreigners' Registration Office.
International Office - 25.10.2021 10:36 
