If you want to move to Germany as a student, on an exchange semester, or as a worker, this guide gives you everything you need to know before you go.
We have helped thousands of internationals settle in Germany, so we know which steps matter and in what order. Use this page to get a clear picture of your move, your first days, and life once you arrive.
In short, before you move to Germany you need to:
- Apply for the right visa (most non-EU students need a student visa before arrival).
- Prove your finances, usually with a Blocked Account holding €11,904 for the year.
- Take out German Health Insurance before you enroll.
- Register your address (Anmeldung) within 14 days of moving in.
- Open a German Bank Account and sort out your phone and internet.
A Blocked Account is a special German Bank Account where you deposit a year of living costs upfront, to prove you can support yourself. We explain each step below, with the cities you might choose, the paperwork you need, and what daily life really costs.
The Best German Cities to Live in as a Student
If you already have a city in mind, great. If not, there are many beautiful places to choose from. You can study in a smaller city, get a great education, and still have plenty of fun. Larger cities have their own pull, so here are the three big ones to know.
Berlin
Berlin, the vibrant capital: Berlin has something for everyone, as long as you are ready for real big-city life. Some corners are chic, others are rough around the edges. Artists love the open, free-thinking feel, and the nightlife draws visitors from all over the world. Want the full picture? See our guide to the cost of living for students in Germany.
Hamburg
Hamburg, the star up north: "Moin moin" is the greeting in Germany's second-largest city. Almost 2 million people live around the Elbe river, and the busy port shapes the city center. Districts like St. Pauli and the Schanzenviertel mix old tradition with modern city life. Hamburg often ranks among Germany's most livable cities. See the cost of living in Hamburg.
Munich
Munich, the Oktoberfest city: Munich is a cosmopolitan hub for politics, culture, media, and science. It regularly tops quality-of-life rankings, helped by its strong economy. Big employers like Allianz, BMW, and Siemens are based here, but that also makes it one of the most expensive German cities. See the cost of living in Munich.
Free Webinar: Your First 90 Days in Germany
Get a live walkthrough of what to do in your first three months, then ask your questions in real time.
Save your spot
Immigration to Germany: General Requirements
If you move to Germany to study or work, you will need to handle some paperwork beforehand. Germany has rules for almost everything, so it can feel bureaucratic. Still, it remains one of the best countries in Europe to live in, so the effort pays off.
German Visa Regulations for Students
International students who are not EU or EEA nationals usually need a visa to enter Germany to study. "Studies" covers training and further education at a state or state-recognized university, comparable training center, vocational academy, or preparatory college. Your studies must be the main purpose of your stay. Evening, weekend, and distance learning do not count.
❇️ Check if you are eligible to study in Germany with our Study Eligibility Checker.
What to Do After Entering the Country
After you arrive, you must first register at a Bürgerbüro (Citizens' Office) or your local administration. This step is called the Anmeldung. You then book an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Registration Office) to issue, change, or extend your residence permit.
Important: You must complete your Anmeldung within 14 days of moving into your address. Miss the deadline and some cities can issue a fine. Appointment slots fill up fast in big cities, so book yours early. Our step-by-step guide explains how to register your apartment in Germany.
❗️ Most citizens of countries outside the EU or EEA must apply for a visa at the German mission abroad before entering Germany. Make sure you enter with the correct visa. A tourist visa cannot be converted into a residence permit in Germany, so you may not be able to study here.
Documents Required for the Residence Permit to Study
- Application form
- National passport
- Biometric photo
- Housing contract
- Health Insurance
- Matriculation certificate
- Proof of financing, for example, a Blocked Account
How Long Is the Residence Permit Issued For?
The residence permit for studies can be issued for up to two years at a time. The exact period depends on:
- The length of your studies or study-preparation course, such as an intensive language course (this should be noted on your matriculation certificate)
- Your passport validity
- Proof that you can support yourself
Your Health Insurance
Most international students in Germany can join statutory (public) Health Insurance. This is the same system that covers most German residents, paid through monthly contributions. As of 2026, students typically pay around €140 to €160 per month for public student insurance, depending on the provider and your age.
❇️ If you are under 30 and admitted to a Bachelor's or Master's program in Germany, you are eligible for statutory Health Insurance.
❇️ Our recommendation: Health Insurance Plus. It gives you the cover you need for both your visa application and your stay, and connects you with leading German providers. You can also compare Health Insurance options in Germany first.
ℹ️ If you take a preparatory course (Studienkolleg) or a German course before your studies, you need private Health Insurance during that time. Statutory insurance only covers you while you are officially enrolled at the university. After your course, you can switch to public insurance.
Open a German Bank Account
ℹ️ Before you can open a Bank Account, you usually need your registration certificate (Anmeldung) from the Residents' Registration Office. Banks open an account for you once you prove you live in Germany.
Most German banks now let you open an account online in about 10 minutes. They usually ask for your name, address, marital status, and nationality. Learn more about how to open a German Bank Account.
Want to skip the wait? The Expatrio Value Package includes a free German Bank Account, so you can set it up before you arrive. You get your Bank Account alongside a Blocked Account and Health Insurance in one simple package, ready for your visa and your first days in Germany.
What Documents Do You Need to Open an Account?
- Valid passport
- Certificate of registration in Germany (proof of residence)
- If needed, your residence permit (for non-EU nationals)
- If needed, your reason for residence, such as a certificate of matriculation for students
Find a Cheap German Internet Provider
Student budgets are often tight, and many of you will share an internet connection in a flat or need it for your studies. Wi-Fi is standard everywhere.
ℹ️ DSL rates for students give you fast internet at a fair price. You often need to show a certificate of enrollment after ordering to get the discount.
Here are some popular internet providers in Germany:
❇️ Compare student rates and pick the one that fits you.
Mobile Contract or Prepaid SIM Card?
To join a mobile network in Germany, you first choose your type of plan. A prepaid SIM card needs regular top-ups. A contract charges a monthly fee for your chosen package. Here is how the two compare:
Mobile contract
- Suited to a long-term stay
- Flat rate
- Long notice period
- Address registration needed
- Bank Account (IBAN) required
Prepaid SIM card
- Suited to a short-term stay
- Pay only for what you use
- Easy to cancel
- No Bank Account required
ℹ️ You can buy a SIM card online or in a store. ❇️ For cheap prepaid data, check German discounters like Aldi or Lidl.
Your First Steps After Arriving in Germany
The order of your first tasks matters, because some steps depend on others. Here is the sequence we recommend for your first weeks.
Your first weeks in Germany, step by step
1
Find a place to stay
Secure at least short-term accommodation so you have an address from day one. You need this address for nearly every other step.
2
Register your address (Anmeldung)
Book your Anmeldung within 14 days of moving in. You get a registration certificate that you need for your bank, residence permit, and more.
3
Open/Activate your German Bank Account
With your registration certificate, open a current account. You will need it for rent, your phone contract, and to receive your Blocked Account funds.
4
Confirm your Health Insurance and enroll
Activate your German Health Insurance, then enroll at your university. You cannot enroll without valid cover.
5
Get your residence permit
Book an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office to convert your visa into a student residence permit.
Living in Germany
If you are still looking for a place to live, you can find a German flatmate and move into a WG (shared flat). If you do not want to bring household goods, a dormitory room is a good choice, since these are usually furnished.
ℹ️ A dorm room can be cheaper, and your university may help you arrange one. A German flatmate, on the other hand, can make settling in more fun.
Cost of Living
Germany is affordable for students and workers. According to the DAAD, students spend on average around €876 per month. For your visa, you must prove you have €992 per month, or €11,904 for the year. Expect to pay more in big cities, especially Munich and Berlin.
Rent and Utility Costs
Rent is usually the largest part of a student budget. It varies a lot by city and by whether you live alone, in a shared room, or in a dorm. Dormitories are usually the cheapest option, but spots in big cities can have long waiting lists. Smaller cities are far more affordable than Munich, Hamburg, or Cologne.
Food
Food is the second-largest cost for most students. It covers groceries and eating out, so cooking at home keeps your spending low. An affordable option is to eat lunch at the "Mensa" (university dining hall).
Semester Fees and Tuition
Not every student pays tuition fees, but everyone pays a semester contribution. Depending on the university, this is usually a few hundred euros per semester and often includes a public transport ticket. Tuition fees apply at private universities, for some second degrees, and for long-term students. These can reach several hundred euros per semester or more.
Learn the Language
If you want to improve your German during your stay, a language course can help a lot.
ℹ️ In daily life, you can get by with basic German or English, mainly in big cities. In rural areas, people may speak less English.
You can find many courses online, and your university usually offers a free or low-cost option.
❇️ Our tip: a language tandem lets you meet locals, practice German, and share your own language.
Public Transport
Getting around Germany on public transport is easy. Buses, the metro, trains, and bikes are affordable and convenient. Many students use the Deutschlandticket for cheap nationwide travel, and your semester fee may already include a semester ticket. See our overview of transport costs in Germany.
Driving in Germany
Driving in Germany is fun, especially on the Autobahn sections without a speed limit. Keep a few things in mind.
Can I Drive in Germany with a Foreign EU Driver's License?
Yes. A valid driver's license issued in the EU or EEA is recognized in Germany.
Is a License from Outside Europe Recognized in Germany?
Yes, you may drive with a non-EU or non-EEA license, but you may need a translation.
Does a Foreign License Have to Be Transcribed?
If you move to Germany permanently, you must have a license from outside the EU transcribed after six months at the latest.
