Visa and service

[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://serviceportal.hannover-stadt.de/termine# . 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.

Residence permit

As a non-EU citizen, you need a residence permit in accordance with §16 of the Residence Act to stay in Germany. This also includes preparatory study programmes, which may generally last a maximum of two years. In any case, you will need proof of funding, which you must submit either to the German embassy in your home country or to the Immigration Office in Hanover. The amount is 11,904 euros per year, which corresponds to 992.00 euros per month. This value determines the minimum amount that must be paid into the blocked account so that you can prove your financial means in order to obtain a student visa. It is also important to know that the required monthly minimum is the maximum amount that can be withdrawn or transferred by account holders within a defined period of time, unless someone has paid more than the required minimum blocked amount.

Proof of funds can be provided:

  • EITHER by setting up a blocked account of EUR 992.00 per month of residence in Germany (for one year: 12 months x EUR 992.00 = EUR 11,904)
  • OR by a declaration of commitment of at least EUR 992.00/month by a third party (e.g. parents)
  • OR by a recognised scholarship from public funds (e.g. DAAD or home university) in the sufficient amount of EUR 992.00 or other proof of income (e.g. salary payments).

There are many providers of blocked accounts in Germany; however, not all of them are officially authorised by the German authorities. Therefore, if you do not choose a reputable provider, there is a risk that your student visa will be refused.

Where can I make the appointment?

  • If you live in the city of Hannover: HannoverServiceCenter (HSC), Am Schützenplatz 1, 30169 Hannover (tram line 3 or 7, stop ‘Waterloo’), by appointment.
  • If you live outside the city but in the region (e.g. in Garbsen): Ausländerbehörde der Region Hannover, Team Zuwanderung, Maschstraße 17, 30169 Hannover, without an appointment during these opening hours

What documents do I need to bring?

  • a valid passport, a biometric passport photo
  • Proof of financial means (proof of livelihood such as scholarship certificate, salary statement, etc.)
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Certificate of enrolment
  • for married persons: marriage certificate, if the marriage took place after entering Germany.
  • Fees: 100 €, reduction for students, free of charge for scholarship holders of German scholarship providers

There are many providers of blocked accounts in Germany; however, not all of them are officially authorised by the German authorities. Therefore, if you do not choose a reputable provider, there is a risk that your student visa will be rejected.

Where can I make the appointment?

  • If you live in the city of Hannover: HannoverServiceCenter (HSC), Am Schützenplatz 1, 30169 Hannover (tram line 3 or 7, stop ‘Waterloo’), by appointment.
  • If you live outside the city but in the region (e.g. in Garbsen): Ausländerbehörde der Region Hannover, Team Zuwanderung, Maschstraße 17, 30169 Hannover, without an appointment during these opening hours?

What documents do you need to bring?

  • a valid passport, a biometric passport photo
  • Proof of financial means (proof of livelihood such as scholarship certificate, salary statement, etc.)
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Certificate of enrolment
  • for married persons: marriage certificate, if the marriage took place after entering Germany.
  • Fees: 100 €, reduction for students, free of charge for scholarship holders of German scholarship providers

Helpful links from the Federal Foreign Office

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