After entry, a new sequence of mandatory steps begins. Registration must be made within 14 days of moving in. No residence permit without registration. Without a residence permit, you cannot stay legally after your visa has expired. This page shows what applies and in what order.
The order
Each step presupposes the previous one. Anyone who ignores the order blocks themselves. No registration without accommodation. No immigration authorities without registration. No residence permit without immigration authorities.
Registration is not possible without a fixed address. If you don't yet have a place in a dormitory, you need a temporary address to bridge the gap - Guesthouse, hostel with a fixed address or short-term furnished room. The address must actually be occupied at the time of registration.
Apply for dormitory places at the Studentenwerk as early as possible - at the same time secure a temporary solution.Registration at the residents' registration office (citizen registration office) is required by law in Germany. Bring with you: passport, confirmation of accommodation provider (from landlord or dormitory) and the completed registration form. After registering you will receive one Registration confirmation – You will need this document for all further steps.
Book an appointment at the Citizens' Office online in advance - spontaneous appointments rarely work in big cities.Anyone who registers with a statutory health insurance company (TK, DAK, AOK) requires confirmation of registration and proof of enrollment. After registration, the health insurance company issues a membership certificate - this is required for enrollment.
Final enrollment takes place at the university's student secretariat. Bring with you: letter of admission, confirmation of registration, proof of health insurance and proof of semester contribution. Once you have completed your matriculation, you will receive your student identification number, student ID card and university admission.
The study visa allows entry - not unlimited stay. You need one for your stay during your studies Residence permit for studying (§ 16b Residence Act). This can be applied for at the immigration office in your city. Bring with you: passport, confirmation of registration, proof of enrollment, health insurance, proof of blocked account and biometric photo.
Book an appointment at the immigration office early - waiting times in large cities (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg) can be 4-10 weeks.After registering your residence, the Federal Central Tax Office automatically sends one Tax identification number by post – usually within 2-4 weeks. This number is required for part-time jobs, bank accounts and scholarships. If you need the tax ID more quickly, you can request it directly from the tax office.
A German bank account simplifies all payments: semester fees, rent, blocked account payouts. To open an account you usually need: Passport, registration confirmation and tax ID. Online banks (N26, DKB, Deutsche Bank) allow you to open without visiting a branch. Some banks also require proof of enrollment.
Residence permit
The immigration authorities check whether the requirements for a residence permit for studying are met. The appointment cannot take place without complete documents - missing documents will result in a new appointment.
Residence permit for studies
The first residence permit for studying is usually issued for 1-2 years. It can be extended as long as the studies are still ongoing. Submit an extension application at least 6 weeks before it expires - not just when the residence permit has expired.
Start of semester
After registration and enrollment, study operations begin. What you have to do in the first few weeks at university - and what you shouldn't miss.
Orientation, courses, exams
Most universities offer an introductory week at the beginning of the semester – There is usually a separate program specifically for international students. These events are important: Here you can find out how the examination system works, how to register for courses and who to contact if you have any problems.
In Germany, courses are usually registered via an online system (for example: HIS, KISS, Moodle, SLCM). Places on the course are limited - anyone who registers late will not get a place. Pay close attention to the registration period and act on the first day of the registration period.
| term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Exam | Written exam, usually at the end of the semester |
| Housework | Written preparation (paper) on a topic of the course |
| Report | Oral presentation, usually followed by a discussion |
| Exam registration | Mandatory before every exam – missed registration = no participation |
| ECTS points | credit points; standardized across Europe; 30 ECTS per semester is usual |
| Resignation | Deregistration from an exam is possible up to a certain date |
| Repeat test | If the exam is not passed: usually 2 re-attempts |
Practical
In addition to registration and university, there are a number of smaller steps, that make life in Germany fully functional.
Bank account, SIM card, semester ticket and more
After receiving the tax ID, you can open an account. Recommended options for students without fees: DKB Student, N26, or the Deutsche Bank / Sparkasse student account. Online banks (N26, DKB) open the account completely without visiting a branch via video identification.
For a German SIM card with a contract, an ID and a German address are usually required. Prepaid SIM cards are available in supermarkets and electronics stores without proof of address. Recommended providers for students: Aldi Talk, Congstar, O2 Free – depending on data requirements.
The semester ticket is included in the semester fee. It allows free use of local public transport within the university's area of validity. From 2025, the Deutschlandticket will be valid as a semester ticket at many universities - check the conditions depending on the university.
At German universities there is usually a language center that offers free or cheap German courses. For international students who are starting a German-language course of study: the language center is a valuable resource for language work during their studies.
Studies – cluster complete
All eight pages of the Studium Cluster are now accessible – from the recognition of your qualifications to the immigration authorities after entry. Anyone who has followed all the steps in the correct order is now at the beginning of their studies - not at the beginning of preparation again.
More topics
You now know all the steps.
Let us clarify what applies next to your situation.
Free · No obligation · 30-45 minutes
As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.