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Glossary: Student visa
Category: Visa & Residence Permits (Residence permit as a temporary visa according to § 4 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 1 alternative 2 of the Residence Act )
Author: Mirko Vorreuter , LL.B. , Attorney at Law and Specialist Attorney for Immigration Law (License examination via the Federal Official Directory of Lawyers possible)
Image description: The image shows a standardized sample student visa issued by German missions abroad (embassies and consulates general) according to the model of Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format . Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format has been transposed into German law by Section 59 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) . The visa stamp is printed in Annex D13a of the Residence Ordinance .
If the student visa is not issued abroad by a German embassy or consulate, but rather domestically by the immigration authorities as an " electronic residence permit (eAT) " pursuant to Section 78 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ), the template for the student visa is governed by Council Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 on the uniform format of residence permits for third-country nationals , which is regularly updated. In exceptional cases, the student visa can then also be issued as an adhesive label ("visa sticker") affixed to the passport by the immigration authorities, pursuant to Section 78a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG). Unlike the electronic residence permit, the corresponding template for the adhesive label is not regulated under European law in Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002, but nationally in Annex D14 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) (residence permit pursuant to Section 4 Paragraph 1 Nos. 2 to 4 of the German Residence Act ).
For student visas, it is mandatory to explicitly exclude gainful employment under "Remarks" (or on the supplementary sheet ). The document must therefore include the entry "Employment not permitted. Violations are subject to fines of up to €500,000 for the employer ." Furthermore, the actual validity period of the student visa must be entered under "Remarks" if it differs from the formal validity period (e.g., due to an expiring passport ("Document valid until...").
Table of contents
1. What does a student visa look like (picture)?
2. Definition of student visa
3. Who needs a student visa?
4. Example: Student Visa
5. Important information about the student visa
5.1 Duration of student visa
5.2 Extension of student visa
5.3 Costs of a student visa
5.4 Processing time for student visa
5.5 Authority responsible for student visas
6. Rights and opportunities regarding student visas
6.1 Work permit with a student visa
6.2 Study, school, language course with a student visa
6.3 Family reunification with a student visa
6.4 Travel and stays abroad with a student visa
6.5 Eligible group of persons for a student visa
7. Requirements for a student visa
8. Required documents for student visa
9. Apply for a student visa online
10. Advantages of a student visa
11. Permanent residence permit with a student visa
11.1 Path from student visa to permanent residence permit
11.2 Path from student visa to naturalization
11.3 Next steps for student visa
12. Legal basis for student visas
13. Important laws regarding student visas
14. Important rulings on student visas
15. Frequently Asked Questions about Student Visas
16. Further information
16.1 Student visa in other glossaries
16.2 Related Topics
16.3 Blog posts about student visas
16.4 Glossary entries for the student visa
16.5 Sources and references for the student visa
Definition of student visa
The student visa pursuant to Section 16f Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) (also: visa for students; legally correct: residence permit for school attendance; English: Student Visa/Visa for Students/Residence Title for School Attendance) is a temporary residence permit for the purpose of attending school in Germany (purpose of residence: educational migration pursuant to Section 3 of the German Residence Act). In a narrower sense, the term "student visa" only refers to the visa for school attendance ( Section 4 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 No. 1 of the German Residence Act ), but not to the residence permit for school attendance (Section 4 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 No. 2 of the German Residence Act). In a broader sense, the term student visa encompasses all residence permits for school attendance purposes, i.e. both the student visa (application from abroad, Section 6 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act ) and the residence permit for students (application from within Germany, Section 7 of the Residence Act ).
The student visa must be distinguished from stays for school trips (students on group lists). Students participating in a trip to or through Germany as part of a school group accompanied by a teacher from a general education or vocational school are exempt from the requirement of a residence permit for entry , transit, and short stays in Germany, provided the conditions of Section 22 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) are met. However, this is not a student visa in the strict sense, as Section 22 of the Residence Ordinance specifically regulates visa exemptions for certain students.
Who needs a student visa?
All non-European foreigners who wish to attend school in Germany and do not have another purpose of residence (e.g., family reunification ) require a student visa in accordance with Section 16f Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ). It is important to note, however, that the student visa is not required for attending school, but only for residence. Educational programs without practical employment do not require a work permit, and there is no such thing as an "educational permit." Student visas are therefore of limited practical relevance, as most foreign children attending school in Germany already have a family reunification visa ( child visa in accordance with Section 32 of the German Residence Act ).
Example: A minor British national wants to attend an international school in Berlin on a student visa to learn the German language and culture.
Important information about student visas
Duration of student visa
The validity period of a student visa, as defined by most authorities, corresponds to the period for which the applicant has been admitted by the respective school (e.g., for a school year or a semester). In practice, however, student visas (especially in Berlin) are also issued for significantly longer periods.
Student visa extension
The student visa can be extended (as a residence permit ) as long as the internship continues.
Cost of student visa
The fee for issuing a national visa for school attendance (category "D") is €75, and for extending a national visa for school attendance (category "D") it is €25 (§ 45 para. 2 of the Residence Ordinance). If the student visa is applied for in Germany at the immigration office (student visa as a residence permit ), the fee is €100 (§ 45 no. 1 of the Residence Ordinance). For minor students, the fees are reduced by half (§ 50 of the Residence Ordinance). For class trips (students on group lists according to § 22 of the Residence Ordinance), the fee is only €12 per student.
Student visa processing time
Student visas are not processed with the same priority as work visas, but are still significantly faster than humanitarian and family reunification visas . The processing time for student visas typically averages between one and three months, depending on the issuing authority and the quality of the submitted documents.
Competent authority for student visas
For the issuance of a D visa for the purpose of attending school, the German missions abroad authorized by the Federal Foreign Office are responsible, according to Section 71 Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ). If the student visa is to be applied for within Germany ( residence permit for school attendance purposes), the immigration authorities are responsible (Section 71 Paragraph 1 AufenthG).
Rights and options regarding student visas
Work permit, student visa
The student visa does not entitle the holder to engage in dependent employment or any self-employed activity ( § 16f para. 3 sentence 5 of the German Residence Act ). The only exception to this is student internships.
Studies , school, language course, student visa
Attending university, school, and language courses is possible with any residence permit, including a student visa. No separate permit is required.
Family reunification, student visa
Family reunification for a student visa holder is theoretically possible. However, this scenario plays no role in practice, as students are generally only able to support themselves . Practically relevant situations are conceivable only in cases of extreme hardship.
Travel and stays abroad: Student visa
Entry to and exit from Germany is straightforward with a student visa, as long as the visa is valid . A temporary residence permit ( Fiktionsbescheinigung) is required for travel with an expired student visa. Stays abroad of up to six months are permitted with a student visa ( § 51 para. 1 no. 7 AufenthG ).
Eligible group of people for a student visa
According to Section 16f Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), foreign students are generally eligible to apply for a student visa from the ninth grade onwards if their class is composed of students of different nationalities and the school is a public or state-recognized school with an international focus, or a school that is not, or not predominantly, financed by public funds and prepares students for international qualifications, qualifications from other countries, or state-recognized qualifications. However, in practice, the student visa in this form plays a minor role, as most foreign students are in Germany for other reasons (mostly within the framework of family reunification with their children according to Section 32 of the Residence Act ) and are permitted to attend school in Germany.
Requirements for a student visa
The requirements for a student visa differ depending on whether the student visa is applied for abroad at the embassy or domestically as a residence permit at the immigration office. Generally, a student visa can be granted if the following requirements are met:
As a rule, the visa is granted from the 9th grade onwards (exceptions possible; § 16f para. 2 no. 1 AufenthG )
The school class is composed of students of different nationalities.
It is a public or state-recognized school with an international focus, or a school that is not or not predominantly financed by public funds and that prepares students for international qualifications, qualifications from other countries, or state-recognized qualifications.
The immigration authority approves the issuance of the visa (§ 31 para. 1 sentence 1 no. 2 e) AufenthV)
Secure livelihood ( § 5 para. 1 no. 1 Residence Act ; in particular with regard to health insurance and housing )
Valid passport and verified identity (§ 5 para. 1 no. 1a, no. 3 Residence Act)
No ongoing investigations/no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (see Section 79 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act )
No grounds for deportation (no negative AZR/SIS/VIS entries ), no security risk, no criminal record (§ 5 para. 1 no. 2, no. 3 AufenthG) and no entry ban ( § 11 AufenthG )
No specific grounds for refusal (e.g., Section 10 of the Residence Act ) and no grounds for expiry ( Section 51 of the Residence Act ) exist.
For initial applications for a residence permit within Germany: Legal first entry with a visa in accordance with Section 5 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act (unless a national of a "Best Friends" country , Section 41 of the Residence Ordinance )
Apart from these requirements for the student visa , there may also be other forms of student visa (such as student exchange, the collective list for students or opportunities to attend school under special bilateral agreements ( § 16f para. 4 AufenthG ).
Required documents: Student visa
The required documents for a student visa vary depending on where the visa is applied for (domestically at the immigration office or abroad at a foreign mission (embassy or consulate)) and the type of student visa. Experience shows that applying for student visas in Western countries is generally less demanding than in North Africa or Central Asia. In some countries, the requirements for the plausibility of certain documents are even excessively stringent, almost impossible to meet, in order to prevent the student visa from being misused for illegal immigration.
Application form ( VIDEX form when applying for a visa abroad; when applying for a residence permit at the immigration office, the specific form depends on the authority (e.g. contact form or appointment booking))
Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months after planned departure from Germany, the passport must have at least 2 blank pages and must have been issued within the previous 10 years)
Certificate from the school stating the duration, conditions and any costs of the student exchange or school attendance, or an agreement or contract regarding the student exchange.
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence in accordance with Section 5 Paragraph 1 No. 1 of the Residence Act (for exchange students, a written declaration from the host parents that accommodation, meals and pocket money will be provided; for school attendance without student exchange, a blocked account , declaration of commitment or declaration of support from the parents (including proof of the parents' creditworthiness)
For minors: Parental consent form
Proof of health and accident insurance in accordance with EU standards (valid throughout the EU; minimum coverage: €30,000 including repatriation in case of illness or death; valid from the date of entry for the entire stay); for longer stays, incoming or expat insurance is required.
Other formalities:
Only required if applying through an authorized representative (e.g., a lawyer ): Power of attorney
When applying for a visa in a country other than the country of origin: valid residence permit of the respective country.
Fees for the residence permit
Photograph (passport photo) that complies with the standards of Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 ; see also sample photos of the Federal Foreign Office
Depending on the authority: Data protection declaration/Consent to data processing
If the foreigner's name in the submitted documents differs from the name in the passport : Certificate of name change
Regarding the necessary documents for a student visa , it is essential to check the website of the responsible authority, as the required documents can vary considerably. If the responsible authority does not provide information on the necessary documents for student exchanges, the website of the Berlin Immigration Office for student visas can be consulted as a guide.
Apply for a student visa online
As of January 2026, student visas cannot yet be applied for online via the German Federal Foreign Office's international application portal . To apply for a student visa, the VIDEX form must be completed according to the instructions on the website of the relevant German mission (embassy or consulate) and submitted at the appointment. Online applications for student visas can be found on the websites of the respective embassies, for example, as follows:
→ Apply for a student visa online from Peru
→ Apply for a student visa online from Mexico
→ Apply for a student visa online from Brazil
If you are already in Germany, you can apply for a student visa online as a residence permit at the immigration office as follows:
→ Apply for a student residence permit in Berlin online
→ Apply for a student residence permit in Munich online
→ Apply online for a student residence permit in Schleswig-Holstein
Advantages of a student visa
Entry and stay as a student in Germany is possible.
German schools are generally well-regarded internationally.
An opportunity to learn about German culture and language.
The path from student visa to permanent residence permit
The student visa cannot be converted into a permanent residence permit ( § 16f para. 3 sentence 3 AufenthG ).
The path from student visa to naturalization
Naturalization is not possible with a student visa , as Section 16f of the Residence Act is excluded in Section 10 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 Number 3 of the Nationality Act . Contrary to a widespread misconception, this does not mean that the time spent with this type of visa does not count towards the naturalization period . This time does count; it simply means that a change to a different residence permit (e.g., a work visa ) is required before naturalization can take place.
Next steps for student visa
The most important step in applying for a student visa is finding a school that will accept you. You will need to obtain a school certificate/confirmation confirming your enrollment. Next, you must check whether you meet the other requirements for the student visa. A common problem with student visas is demonstrating sufficient financial resources ( § 5 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act ). If you meet all the requirements for the student visa, you can submit your application online or in person at the authorities. Our lawyers will be happy to advise you on the specific requirements and assist you with your application. → Book an appointment
Legal basis for student visa
The legal basis for the student visa is Section 16f Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ). According to Section 16f Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act, a residence permit for the purpose of attending school should generally be granted to a foreigner under certain conditions, starting from the ninth grade. At the European level, the legal basis for the student visa is Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, study, traineeship, voluntary service, student exchange schemes or educational projects and au pair employment . The legal basis for so-called student group lists (class trips) is Section 22 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV). The legal basis for school-based vocational training is Section 16a Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act .
Important laws Student visa
Important rulings on student visas
There is very little published case law specifically concerning the Working Holiday Visa in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions about Student Visas
Can you apply for a visa at 17?
Yes, you can apply for a visa at 17. Generally, there is no lower age limit for visas, as minor children in Germany also need a residence permit (e.g., derived from their mother). However, since you are still considered a minor at this age, the written consent of your legal guardians (usually both parents) is mandatory for the application (declaration of consent from the person with parental responsibility).
Can I apply for a visa at 17 years old?
You can submit the application, but you are not yet legally competent. This means your parents must sign the application form for you. If you are already 16 years old, many German embassies and consulates abroad require your own signature on the form in addition to your parents' signature. However, the visa appointment must always be booked in your name, not your parents'.
How can a child obtain a visa?
A child receives a visa upon application submitted by their legal guardian(s). In addition to the usual documents such as a passport and passport photos, a birth certificate and proof of custody must be provided. Furthermore, the purpose of the stay (e.g., family reunification , student exchange, or language course) must be documented, and proof of financing and health insurance coverage must be provided (general requirements for issuance according to Section 5 of the German Residence Act).
How much does a visa for children cost?
The fees for children are reduced compared to the adult rates. For a national visa (long-term stay), minors generally pay half the standard fee, i.e., €37.50. For a Schengen visa (short-term stay), the fees for children between 6 and 12 years of age are currently €45, while children under 6 are usually exempt from the fee entirely (Sections 44 et seq. of the German Residence Ordinance).
Do you have to be 18 years old to get a student visa?
No, you don't have to be 18 years old. Minors can also obtain a student visa if they already have an offer of admission to a university or preparatory college. In addition to meeting academic requirements, they must provide proof of secure accommodation and supervision for the minor in Germany. In some cases, a "Letter of Guardian" is required.
Student visa in other glossaries
The student visa can also be found in the following glossaries:
Sources and references for the student visa
( Government resources and literature )
[1] Visa Handbook, Pupils, Version: 06/2024
[4] BeckOK AuslR/Fleuß, 46th ed. 1.10.2025, AufenthG § 16f Rn. 1-45
[5] BeckOK MigR/Ewald, 24th ed. 1.1.2026, AufenthG § 16f Rn. 1-37
[6] Bergmann/Dienelt/Samel, Commentary on Immigration Law, 15th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 16f
[7] Erbs/Kohlhaas/Hadamitzky/Senge, Strafrechtliche Nebengesetze (AufenthG), 259th ed. October 2025, § 16f para. 1-3
[8] NK-AuslR/Stahmann, 3rd ed. 2023, AufenthG § 16f
[9] Huber/Mantel/Hoffmeister, Residence Act/Asylum Act, 4th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 16f
[10] Eichenhofer in Huber/Eichenhofer/Endres de Oliveira, AufenthaltsR | Part 1. Residence Act, para. 273 | 2nd edition 2025, 8. Residence permit for language courses, student exchange and school attendance (§ 16f AufenthG)
[11] Hornung in Kluth/Hornung/Koch Immigration Law Handbook | § 4 Residence (Requirements, Purposes of Residence, Integration) Rn. 359-364 | 4th edition 2025, 8. Participation in a language course and school attendance
Last updated: February 20, 2026
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