If you are a citizen of a third country—i.e., you are not from an EU or EEA country—and would like to attend a general education school in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit for school attendance.

The immigration office will issue the residence permit for the duration of the planned school attendance if the requirements are met and there are no apparent reasons for refusal.

One of the requirements for the issuance of a residence permit is that attending school is the main purpose of your stay. Part-time schooling alone does not meet these requirements.

• You want to attend a public or state-recognized school with an international focus or a private school that prepares its students for international qualifications, qualifications from other countries, or state-recognized qualifications (such as the International Baccalaureate [IB]).
• Your chosen school guarantees school classes with a mix of students of different nationalities.
• You want to attend at least the ninth grade.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance for the duration of your stay from your own resources without claiming public benefits. The current BAföG rate (Federal Training Assistance Act) serves as a guideline here.
• There is no interest in expelling you.

• You must apply for a residence permit before your visa or visa-free stay expires.
• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to apply online or provides a special application form.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you may not submit the application yourself, but require a representative (as a rule, the application is submitted by the parents with parental authority).
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied by at least one representative when you attend the appointment in person. If your parents with parental custody are unable to attend in person, a written power of attorney must be provided for the application.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, if possible the originals, with you to the appointment).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of your residence permit in the form of an electronic residence title (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will order the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can collect the eAT card from the relevant office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

• During the period of validity of the residence permit, gainful employment is not permitted. An exception may be made for the duration of the holidays.
• During your stay for the purpose of attending school, i.e. until you have successfully completed your education and received the corresponding certificate, a residence permit for another purpose will generally only be issued if you have a legal right to do so (e.g. for family reunification or to study).
• If you have attended school in Germany while holding another residence permit, this does not justify the issuance of a residence permit for school attendance.
• The procedure is usually conducted in German.
• All information provided to the immigration authorities should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that the matter can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be detrimental to those affected. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time to the immigration authorities can result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or expulsion from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification
• Action before the court specified in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

Duration: 6 weeks to 8 weeks

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before your current visa or visa-free period expires.

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The residence permit is issued for the duration of the planned school attendance, for example until the end of the educational program.

Duration: approx. 6 to 8 weeks

Note for further information on processing time:

The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the immigration office.

It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses (e.g., from your own assets, deposit of a security deposit into a blocked account, bank guarantee, letter of commitment, scholarship, proof of your parents' income, or similar)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g., confirmation of insurance coverage from your health insurance provider or insurance policy).
• Certificate from the school stating the duration and conditions of school attendance
• For minors: consent of all legal guardians to the planned school attendance (declaration of consent); if the parents with custody cannot submit the application for their child together, a written power of attorney from the absent parent is required; if only one parent has custody, the signature of that parent is sufficient

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the immigration office may require less or more evidence.

Cost (fixed):

• 100.00 euros for adult applicants
• 50.00 euros for applicants who are minors

Note:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be considered (for example, for persons entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish citizens.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes