Visa for Pupils
All information about visa requirements for pupils in Germany
Here you learn ...
- what a pupil visa is and when students can apply for a visa
- how pupil exchange works in Germany
- how to apply for a visa for vocational schools
- how to apply for a student visa in Berlin
Author
Attorney
Reading Time
10 Min.
Release Date
03.02.2025
Table of Content
1. School attendance in Germany
2. Requirements for a student visa
3. Student Exchange Visa
3.1 Student Exchange Visa Requirements
3.2 Student exchange AJA placement
4. Visa for vocational schools
5. Apply for a student visa in Berlin
6. FAQ Student Visa
1. School attendance in Germany
Since March 1, 2020, the process of issuing visas for students in Germany has been made much easier. A residence permit for school attendance can now be issued regularly if students from the 9th grade onwards want to attend a school in Germany. This has made school attendance much easier for international students.
2. Requirements for a student visa
If you are an international student who wants to attend school in Germany, you need a student visa. Certain requirements must be met in order for the visa to be granted successfully. One of the most important conditions is acceptance from a recognized school in Germany. The school must confirm that the student has been accepted for the relevant grade level.
The school class that the student wishes to attend must not consist exclusively of students of a single nationality. International mixing must be ensured (Section 16f Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act). In addition, the visa is usually only issued to students from the 9th grade onwards. Younger students can only receive approval in exceptional cases if there is a special reason.
Another key point is financial security , as students must also meet the general requirements of Section 5 of the Residence Act. The costs of attending school and living expenses must be borne primarily by the parents or another sponsor. This must usually be proven by a blocked account or a declaration of commitment.
In addition, underage students must provide consent from their parents with custody . This consent must be notarized, especially if the student is traveling to Germany without their parents. If the student lives with a host family or in a boarding school in Germany, this must also be documented. In addition, students must prove that they have sufficient German language skills or that the school offers special language support measures. If the school is an international school, this proof is not required.
3. Student Exchange Visa
A student exchange offers international students the opportunity to attend a school in Germany for a limited period of time . The basis for issuing a student exchange visa is Section 16f Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act. Since the law was changed on August 1, 2017, it has been made clear that there does not necessarily have to be a direct one-to-one exchange between German and foreign students. What is more important is that a global exchange is promoted in the long term.
The temporary student exchange differs from regular school attendance in Germany. While a residence permit for longer school attendance requires a more comprehensive examination, the student exchange visa is specifically designed for short-term educational stays .
3.1 Student Exchange Visa Requirements
A student exchange visa allows young people to attend school in Germany for a limited period of time - usually up to one year. The stay must be organized by an official exchange organization or directly by a school and serves the purpose of international understanding, which is why it is recognized as being in the public interest. If the student is not yet of legal age, the consent of the legal guardians is required.
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3.2 Student exchange AJA placement
For applicants who come to Germany via an AJA Association placement agency, simplified rules apply to proof of language skills. For applicants who come to Germany via an AJA Association placement agency, simplified rules apply to proof of language skills . If knowledge of German is available but cannot be proven by a certificate, the exchange organization must provide a comprehensible assessment of language skills in its cover letter - for example in a declaration of commitment. In such cases, the visa office can carry out a check on a case-by-case basis, for example by having a personal interview with the applicant.
If there is no or only limited language skills, it is sufficient for the exchange organization to confirm that a language course is being attended either in the country of origin or after arriving in Germany . This eliminates the need to take a language test before submitting the application. This simplified procedure reduces bureaucratic hurdles and allows for flexible handling of the language certificate without burdening applicants with additional tests. This is a significant relief, especially for young people taking part in an exchange program.
4. Visa for vocational schools
The Skilled Immigration Act clearly separated school-based vocational training from general school attendance. Since then, it has been covered by Section 16a of the Residence Act, which means that international students no longer need the classic student visa to attend school at a vocational school, but rather a visa for vocational training .
In order for such a residence permit to be issued, the training must lead to a state-recognized professional qualification . This is only the case if the training is organized according to federal or state legal requirements. Another key requirement is that the course of study must not be reserved exclusively for citizens of a specific country.
Exceptions only apply if the school education is based on bilateral or multilateral agreements. In such cases, a residence permit can also be issued for special programs.
5. Apply for a student visa in Berlin
In Berlin, a residence permit for school attendance can be applied for at the State Office for Immigration (LEA). To do this, you must have a primary residence in Berlin , and you must make an appointment in person at the relevant authority. The documents required include a completed application, a valid passport, a current biometric photo, a certificate from the school stating the duration and general conditions of your stay, and proof of secure livelihood. Exchange students can prove this with a written declaration from their host parents, while students who are not coming as part of an exchange need a blocked account with sufficient funds or a declaration of commitment. Proof of valid health insurance is also required, although travel health insurance is sufficient for exchange students.
The fee for issuing a residence permit is 100 euros for adults and 50 euros for minors, while students on an organized exchange are exempt from the fee. The processing time is usually five to six weeks, so it is important to submit your application in good time.
6. FAQ Student Visa
Who can apply for a visa to attend school in Germany?
International students from the 9th grade onwards can apply for a visa to attend school, provided they have received an acceptance letter from a recognised school and meet the other requirements (Section 16f Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act).
How long is the student exchange visa valid?
The national visa for student exchange is usually issued for up to 12 months, but never beyond the actual planned length of stay.
Can students be exempt from the visa fee?
In certain cases, exchange students can be exempted from the visa fee, provided that there is reciprocity between the countries involved. This regulation can be found in Section 52 Paragraph 7 of the Residence Ordinance.
Can a student stay and study in Germany after finishing school?
Yes, it is possible to change the purpose of attending school to studying. There is no need to prove that the student is willing to return if they want to start studying in Germany after graduation.
