Welcome to Germany
Have you received your letter of admission? Then it's time to start planning your study abroad programme at the SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences. An important milestone is your residence permit.
Your residence permit is only valid in combination with your passport. If your passport expires before your residence permit, your residence permit is also no longer valid. If you leave Germany for more than 6 months, your residence permit will expire automatically.
First steps in Germany:
- Start looking for accommodation and find a flat (shared room, flat, etc.). You need a correct address to complete your registration.
- After moving into your new flat/room, get an appointment at the Bürgeramt to register your address. Please note that this must be done within 2 weeks of your move date.
- Don't forget to take out German health insurance. You cannot start your studies without proper health insurance.
- You have a national visa (D): Remember that you have to change your current visa into a residence permit within 90 or 180 days after your arrival in Germany (please check the entry stamp and visa conditions). This must be done at the Aliens' Registration Office in your city.
- You do not need an entry visa: Please apply for your residence permit within the first 90 days after arrival in Germany (please check the stamp in your passport).
- Some students, e.g. exchange students, who stay in Germany for less than one year, can obtain a national (D) visa valid for up to 12 months instead of a national entry visa for 90 days. These students do not need to apply for a residence permit after their arrival in Germany.
- Swiss nationals: Please apply for a "Residence Permit-Switzerland" within 90 days after your arrival in Germany.
You will find further information in the "Student Welcome Guide", which you will receive together with your admission documents.
How & where do I get my residence permit?
At the time you need to apply for or renew your residence permit, we recommend that you live in the city where you study. In case you do not live in the city, the immigration office can probably only give you a fictitious certificate of 3 months.