How long am I allowed to stay in Germany as an international student?
May 15, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Leonie Eiserfelder
Dear lawyer,
My name is Felix Tressel and I am a foreign student studying in Germany. I am currently very concerned about how long I can stay in Germany as a foreign student and what regulations I need to follow.
I am currently in the second semester of my studies and have several more semesters ahead of me. I want to ensure that I can continue my stay in Germany legally and without any problems. It is important to me that I comply with the applicable laws and regulations to avoid getting into trouble.
My concern is that I might lose my residence permit or that I might have to leave Germany after a certain period of time. I want to successfully complete my studies and therefore want to make sure that I can stay in Germany for the entirety of my study period.
Could you please explain to me in detail how long I can stay in Germany as a foreign student? Are there specific requirements I need to meet to extend my stay? What steps do I need to take to extend my residence permit and continue my studies in Germany?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice on this matter.
Sincerely,
Felix Tressel
Dear Mr. Tressel,
Thank you for your inquiry and your trust in my expertise in the field of immigration law. I understand your concerns regarding your stay in Germany as a foreign student and would like to provide you with all the necessary information to assist you.
As a foreign student in Germany, you generally have the right to stay in Germany for the duration of your studies. However, the exact duration of stay may vary depending on the type of residence permit you have and your individual situation. Typically, foreign students receive a residence permit for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year for job search after graduation.
To extend your stay in Germany, you must meet certain requirements. These include regular participation in studies, sufficient financial means to support yourself, and valid health insurance coverage. Additionally, you must apply to extend your residence permit in a timely manner before it expires.
To extend your residence permit, you must contact the Foreigners' Office in your place of study. There, you will be informed about the required documents you need to submit for the extension of your residence permit. These typically include a current proof of enrollment, proof of sufficient financial means, and valid health insurance.
It is important to take care of extending your residence permit early to avoid problems or unwanted departure. If you encounter difficulties during your studies or have further questions regarding residence permits, I am happy to assist you and provide guidance.
I hope this information has been helpful to you and I am available for any further questions.
Best regards,
Leonie Eiserfelder
Immigration Lawyer
