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Long-stay visas (Type D)

German Student Visa

A national visa for enrolling in a German university or degree programme, with the right to work part-time and stay on to seek graduate employment.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The blocked-account minimum (cited as approx. €11,904 for 2026) and the exact number of permitted working days per year change periodically and were taken from search snippets rather than a confirmed official fetch. Reverify the current blocked-account amount and work-day limit before publishing.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Germany government website before you apply.
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Issued by
German mission abroad; residence permit by the Ausländerbehörde
Proof of funds
Blocked account (approx. €11,904 for 2026 cited), scholarship, or declaration of commitment
Blocked-account amount changes yearly; verify current figure
Work rights
Limited working days per year alongside studies
After graduation
Up to 18 months to seek qualified employment
Duration
Issued for the study period, renewable

Who it's for

  • International students admitted to a German higher education institution
  • Applicants attending a Studienkolleg / preparatory course or still finalising admission
  • Prospective students who can prove financing for their first year

Requirements

  • University admission (or evidence of a strong prospect of admission) or preparatory-course placement
  • Proof of secured financing for the first year (blocked account, scholarship or declaration of commitment)
  • Recognised university entrance qualification
  • Health insurance cover
  • Sufficient language ability for the programme (German or English as required)
  • Valid passport

What you can do

  • Study full-time at your institution
  • Work a limited number of days per year (plus student assistant roles under conditions)
  • Stay on after graduation to look for qualified work
  • Switch to a skilled worker visa or EU Blue Card after finding a graduate job

How to apply

Obtain admission (or a course place) and set up proof of financing, typically a blocked account.

Apply for the national student visa (or student applicant visa) at the German mission abroad and attend a biometrics appointment.

After arrival, register your address and apply for the student residence permit at the local foreigners' authority.

Documents

  • Valid passport and biometric photos
  • Letter of admission or evidence of application/course placement
  • Proof of financing (blocked account confirmation, scholarship award or declaration of commitment)
  • University entrance qualification and prior certificates
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Language certificates as required by the programme

Frequently asked questions

  • You can use a blocked account holding roughly a year's living costs, a scholarship from recognised public funds, a declaration of commitment from a person in Germany with sufficient means, or your parents' documented income. A blocked account is the most common method for international students.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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