1. entry from EU/EEA countries or Switzerland
If you are coming from an EU country, the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) or Switzerland, you generally do not need a visa. However, it is important that you register with the Residents' Registration Office after your arrival.
2. with a residence permit from another EU country
If you already have a residence permit for studying in an EU country, you can enter Germany without a visa under certain conditions. In such cases, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) can help you - find out about the exact conditions there.
3. if a visa is required
If none of the above applies to you, you will need either a visa or a residence permit for your studies. Some countries have special regulations for entering Germany - you can find out which regulations apply to your country of origin from your local German embassy. Remember to submit your application in good time - processing can take several weeks or months.
4. proof of funds for the visa application
To apply for a visa, you must prove that you can finance your living expenses. This proof is currently around 11,904 euros per year. A frequently used option is a so-called blocked account: The amount is blocked until you are in Germany. Make sure you open the account in good time and have it officially confirmed. Once you have entered the country, you can access your money on a monthly basis.
Which visa do you need?
With the Visa Navigator from the Federal Foreign Office, you can find out which visa you need in just a few steps.
You need valid health insurance for your stay in Germany.
In the legal sense, students are not students and are therefore not automatically entitled to statutory health insurance. Some statutory health insurance companies do offer insurance, but they are not obliged to do so.
Most students therefore opt for private health insurance. Providers include Mawista, Dr. Walter or Care Concept. Look out for comprehensive benefits that include visits to the doctor, medication, hospital stays and dental treatment.
Make sure you find a room in good time - especially at the start of the semester, many accommodations are booked up quickly.
Our recommendation
A place in the hall of residence of the Studentenwerk Dresden. The rent is cheap and the location is student-friendly. Alternatively, you can also find accommodation in a shared flat (WG) or in a private apartment. You can find offers online or on the local notice board.
Studienkolleg
Schwenninger Weg 1
02763 Zittau
Good to know: It takes about 35 minutes to walk from Zittau train station to the Studienkolleg at Schwenninger Weg 1 (route).
After arriving in Zittau and moving into your accommodation, you must register with the Residents' Registration Office within one to two weeks.
Registration is free of charge. You fill out a form and receive a confirmation of registration. Keep it in a good place - you will need it if you move house, for example, or to apply for a residence permit if you come from a non-EU country.
You will need the following for registration:
Students from the EU, the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) or Switzerland do not require a residence permit. They enjoy freedom of movement under EU law. If you come from a non-EU country, you must apply for a residence permit within the first three months of your arrival. The residence permit for the preparatory college or subsequent studies is usually issued for one to two years and costs up to 110 euros, depending on the period of validity.
You are also allowed to work with it: Further information in this info sheet
You will need these documents:
District Office Görlitz - Foreigners' Registration Office Zittau
Hochwaldstraße 29
Website of the District of Görlitz
A German current account helps you to reliably organize regular payments such as rent, internet, telephone or insurance. You can use it to conveniently process transfers, standing orders and direct debits. You can use your debit card to withdraw cash from many ATMs in Germany - fees may apply depending on the bank. Contactless payment at checkouts is also widespread. A current account is usually free of charge for students, which makes it particularly attractive. Your card only works to a limited extent abroad. To use it outside Germany, it must be connected to the Maestro or V-Pay system, for example. Ask your bank whether and how you can use your card abroad.
Whether you opt for a traditional branch bank with personal service or prefer a digital online bank is up to you. Offers are available in Zittau and online.
Important: Your normal current account is not the same as a blocked account.
You also need a blocked account - before you start your studies - to prove that you have sufficient funds for your stay in Germany.
Welcome day: At the start of the semester, the Studienkolleg invites all new participants to a welcome day. You will receive important information about the start of your course, life on campus and your contact persons.
