Visa and administrative procedures

[Translate to English:] Pass in der Hose

Visa and residence permit

As a non-EU citizen, you generally need a visa to enter Germany. You must apply for this in your home country before your stay in Hannover. Once you have entered the country, you must then apply for a residence permit at the Foreigners' Registration Office in Hannover. Please note that you are not applying for a tourist visa, but for a visa for a longer stay with multiple entries and that the same is required for accompanying family members.


IMPORTANT: Students from so-called "positive third countries" such as the USA, Israel, Brazil or South Korea can enter Germany without a visa, but must apply for a residence permit for students on site, at the Foreigners' Registration Office in Hannover, if their stay is longer than 90 days.

Options for booking an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office:

    Booking an online appointment via https://auslaenderbehoerdeonline.hannover-stadt.de/. These are displayed at the beginning of each new week or
    Requesting an appointment by sending an e-mail stating your specific request and additionally your

  • Name
  • First name
  •  Date of birth
  • Nationality
  • The current address
  • A telephone number for any queries.

Students from non-EU countries who currently hold a valid residence permit from another EU member state and come to Germany on EU mobility can study for up to 360 days without a visa (Mobility Directive for Non-European Students and Researchers with an EU Residence Permit).
Exceptions: Students with a residence permit in the UK, Ireland or Denmark, as in such a case a national visa for Germany must still be applied for.

Further information:

Federal Foreign Office      Hannover's immigration office

 

[Translate to English:] Neues Rathaus Hanover
© pixabay.com

Registration in Hannover

All new citizens (EU and non-EU) residing in the city of Hannover must register at one of Hannover's eight citizens' registration offices within 14 days of arriving in Hannover.


This is usually only possible by appointment. (Please take your appointment confirmation with you when registering).

You also need to bring your passport and the completed and signed form "Wohnungsgeberbestätigung" (confirmation of accommodation) together with your tenancy agreement.

However, if you do NOT live in the city of Hannover, you are required to register at the Residents' Registration Office of the respective municipality/city in which you reside.

Helpful links from the Federal Foreign Office

Overview of visa requirements Which visa do I need for Germany? Federal Foreign Office Help Desk