If you are an international student, you should know that the visa with which you enter Germany is only valid for three months. In order to study and live in Germany, you will need to change your visa into a residence permit, before it expires and renew it after one or two years (depending on the duration of validity). You’re probably asking yourself, where and how do I start with this process? I’ve been through this process two times already, so I’ll explain it to you in 3 easy steps!
Step 1: Get an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde
You have two options for getting an appointment. The best and easiest way for me and how I did it both times was by contacting the coordinator of International Students, Mrs. Eisenkopf, since the International Office is able to get special and fast appointments for students of the Uni Halle. You can send her an email and ask her if it is possible that she makes an appointment for you. Or you can email directly the Ausländerbehörde (auslaenderbehoerde@halle.de) and ask for an appointment, but they might take a bit longer.
Step 2: Gather all your documents
In order to get your residence permit for the first time or renew it, you will need the following documents:
- Fully completed form application
- Recognized and valid national passport or passport replacement (copy)
- Certificate of enrollment of the current semester you’re in (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung)
- Current proof of health insurance coverage
- The current rental contract
- Proof of securing your livelihood
When I got my first residence permit almost two years ago, I had to bring all of these documents to my appointment and they checked then if everything was correct. This year, when I renewed it, I had to send everything in advance per email and the day of the appointment I only had to bring the following:
- Biometric passport photo (not older than 6 months)
- Recognized and valid national passport
- Processing fees in the amount of probably 93, - €
Step 3: Pick up your Aufenthaltstitel
If everything was in order, at the end of your appointment you will receive a paper with a date, place and time of where and when you need to pick up your residence permit. It usually takes about 2-3 months, so be patient :)
In general, the procedure is pretty simple, just make sure to do all of it with some time in advance. Remember when you get your residence permit for the first time, your three-month visa still needs to be valid. In my case, my first residence permit was valid for two years, but I decided to renew it after one and a half year, because I plan on going abroad next semester and I wanted to have everything ready on time, in order to avoid any problems (just as a tip!).
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate on contacting the international office. They will be happy to help you. You can find their office hours and email address here.