Germany Student Visa Checklist: APS, Finance, Insurance

Admission, APS, TestAS, financial proof, insurance and the packet for a German student visa. Amounts change yearly — always confirm with the embassy.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a German student visa?

A university admission letter (or conditional admission), an APS certificate where your home country requires one, financial proof via a blocked account (Sperrkonto) showing you can cover living costs for the year, health insurance recognized in Germany, and the completed National (Type D) visa application packet with your passport, biometric photos, and application form. Required amounts and exact document lists change yearly and can also vary slightly between German missions in different countries, so always confirm the current figures directly with the embassy or consulate handling your application rather than relying on last year's numbers. Because the visa application packet draws together nearly everything else on your checklist (admission, APS, TestAS/TestDaF results, financial proof), it's realistically the very last step — don't book your appointment until the rest of your documents are actually ready, since German missions are strict about complete submissions and won't hold a slot for missing paperwork.

How much money do I need in the blocked account?

The required blocked-account amount changes yearly, set by the German Federal Government based on estimated living costs. For 2026 it is approximately €11,904 for the year (about €992 per month), covering roughly 12 months of study — you're allowed to withdraw only a capped monthly amount once you arrive, rather than the full sum at once, which is designed to ensure the funds actually last the year. Always confirm the current figure directly with the German embassy handling your application, since it is reviewed and adjusted periodically and using an outdated number is a common and entirely avoidable reason for a visa application to be delayed or rejected. A few alternatives exist in some cases — a formal scholarship confirmation, a financial guarantee from a German resident (Verpflichtungserklärung), or parental income proof meeting specific thresholds — but the blocked account remains the most straightforward and widely accepted option for most applicants.

How early should I book my visa appointment?

As early as your admission letter allows — ideally the moment you have it in hand, since appointment slots and processing time at German missions can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months depending on your location and the time of year (application season, typically ahead of the October winter-semester intake, is especially busy). A late booking is one of the most common and entirely preventable reasons students miss their intended semester start, forcing them to defer enrollment by a full six months. Some missions offer online appointment booking systems that release new slots on a schedule, so it's worth checking back regularly rather than assuming none are available if your first search comes up empty. Once you do have an appointment, treat it as a hard deadline for every other document on your checklist — the visa office won't reschedule around a document you're still waiting on.

What happens after I arrive in Germany?

Within the first days to weeks, you register your address (Anmeldung) at the local citizens' registration office (Bürgeramt/Einwohnermeldeamt) — this single step unlocks almost everything else you'll need, including opening a German bank account, signing a phone contract, and (if applicable) enrolling in public health insurance. You then take your entry visa, Anmeldung confirmation, and university enrollment proof to the local Ausländerbehörde to convert your entry visa into a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) covering the remainder of your studies — this appointment often needs to be booked well in advance too, so schedule it as soon as you know your arrival date rather than waiting until you land. Keep copies of every document from this point forward, since the residence permit will typically need to be renewed periodically throughout your studies.

Can international students work part-time in Germany?

Yes — the German student residence permit automatically includes permission to work a limited number of paid days per calendar year without needing separate work-permit approval, historically in the range of roughly 120–140 full days (or double that in half-days), though the exact limit is set by German immigration law and reviewed periodically, so confirm the current figure with the Ausländerbehörde or the Bundesagentur für Arbeit rather than relying on an older number. Working beyond that limit, or taking on self-employment or freelance work, generally needs separate approval from the Ausländerbehörde and sometimes the employment agency, so check before committing to extra hours. Many students use this allowance for part-time campus jobs or internships related to their field, which also helps build local work experience and contacts before graduating.

What's the difference between a Schengen visa and the national visa for studying in Germany?

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa, valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, meant for tourism, short visits, or brief academic stays — it is not the correct visa for full-degree study in Germany and cannot simply be extended into one once you're inside the country. The National visa (Type D) is the long-stay visa specifically for students enrolling in a full degree program, university-preparation course, or Studienkolleg, and it's what you apply for at the German embassy or consulate in your home country before departure. After arriving in Germany on a National visa, you convert it into a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at the local Ausländerbehörde, which then covers you for the remainder of your studies. Applying for the wrong visa type is a real and avoidable mistake — always specify that your visa application is for degree-seeking study when booking your appointment.