Applying for a residence permit to attend a general education school
Service description
If you are a national of a third country and wish to attend a general education school in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit for the purpose of attending school. As a rule, you can start attending school from Year 9 onwards.
A third country is a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA). In addition to the European Union (EU), the EEA also comprises Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
You will be granted a residence permit for the duration of your planned schooling, provided the relevant conditions are met.
One of the conditions for being granted a residence permit is that attending school must be the main purpose of your stay. Part-time schooling is not permitted.
You must
- a public or state-recognised school with an international focus, or
- attend a private school.
The school must prepare pupils for:
- international qualifications,
- Qualifications from other countries or
- state-recognised qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB)
Whilst you are attending school, you must, as a rule, be able to support yourself – including having adequate health insurance cover – without having to rely on state benefits.
If you are under 18 at the time of the student exchange, your parents or legal guardians must give their consent to your stay in Germany.
Who should I contact?
Please contact the immigration office responsible for your place of residence.
What fees are incurred?
Fee: €100.00Advance payment: Nohttps://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthv/__45.htmlUnder certain conditions, you will receive a fee reduction or fee exemption.Fee: €50.00Advance payment: Nohttps://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthv/__50.htmlThis fee applies if you are a minor.What deadlines do I have to observe?
The residence permit is granted for the duration of the planned course of study, for example until the completion of the course and the award of the relevant qualification.
You should apply for a residence permit no later than 8 weeks before your current visa or visa-free period expires.
Application deadline: 8 weeks
You may lodge an appeal against the decision of the Immigration Authority within one month of being notified of it.
Objection period: 1 month
Legal basis
Legal remedy
- Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification
- Action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld
What else should I know?
- You are not permitted to work whilst you hold a residence permit.
- Whilst you are in the country to attend school, you will generally only be granted a residence permit for another purpose if you have a legal entitlement to do so (for example, for family reunification or to study).
- Following your stay for the purpose of attending school, you will only be granted a residence permit for another purpose if you have a legal entitlement to do so (for example, for family reunification or to study).
- The proceedings are usually conducted in German
Author
Forwarding service: Deep link to the original portal- Applying for a residence permit to attend a general education school in Saxony-Anhalt
Display of performance in the source portal
- Applying for a residence permit to attend a general education school in Saxony-Anhalt