Visa-free entry into Germany 

Things to consider:

• Entry into Germany:

While a round-trip ticket isn't mandatory, possessing one can be beneficial, as immigration officers may inquire about your return plans.

 

Required documents for account activation

• If you do NOT have a residence permit (RP) or visa yet:

A residence permit or visa is not required to complete processes like account activation for Korean students. However, you do need proof of address, which can be one of the following:

• Anmeldung (official address registration)
• Rental contract
• Utility bill
• Health Insurance certificate
  
  

If you are insured with TK through Expatrio:

You do not need to provide a separate proof of address, as we can use your TK insurance certificate for this purpose.

Things to consider:

• It is advised that Japanese students open and fund their Blocked Account while still in Japan.
  My Number (マイナンバー) Requirement

  • Japan requires individuals to report large overseas bank transfers under its tax and financial transparency laws. When transferring funds internationally, Japanese banks often request a 'My Number' before allowing the transaction. If students wait until they're in Germany, they may no longer have easy access to their 'My Number' or the necessary documents to complete the transfer through Japanese banks.
    
    

  Japanese Bank Restrictions

  • Some Japanese banks only allow international transfers to be initiated from within Japan. Making the transfer before leaving Japan ensures it can be completed without issues or delays.

Required documents for account activation

• If you do NOT have a residence permit (RP) or visa yet:

A residence permit or visa is not required to complete processes like account activation for Japanese students. However, you do need proof of address, which can be one of the following:

• Anmeldung (official address registration)
• Rental contract
• Utility bill
• Health Insurance certificate
  
  

If you are insured with TK through Expatrio:

You do not need to provide a separate proof of address, as we can use your TK insurance certificate for this purpose.

Things to consider:

Before arrival:

• Brazilians can enter Germany without a visa and stay up to 90 days.

• Most students arrive first and apply for their residence permit locally - going to the consulate in Brazil is optional.

• Prepare:

  • University acceptance letter

  • Valid passport

  • Proof of funded Blocked Account 

  • Health and Travel Insurance

  • Biometric photos

With Expatrio, you can open your Blocked Account, register for Health Insurance, and get free Travel Health Insurance before arrival.

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After arrival:

1. Register your address (Anmeldung)

2. Enroll at your university

3. Activate your Health Insurance

4. Apply for your residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde before your 90 days end

The embassy does not mention anything about visa or residence permit in Germany for any visa category. We recommend you ask your local embassy. 


Here is an example case:

Daniela – Studienkolleg Preparation and Arrival in Germany

Background: Daniela attended a German school abroad and earned the International Baccalaureate (IB), which is recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur after two years. During her school years, she received a scholarship that allowed her to spend several months in Germany.

Academic Plan: She plans to start her university studies in Germany in October 2025. As part of her preparation, she enrolled in a Studienkolleg in Mainz, which usually lasts one year, but she was accepted into an accelerated 6-month program.

Preparation and Arrival:

• Daniela was informed about Germany’s visa-free entry for up to 90 days for some countries like El Salvador, which allowed her to enter without a visa.
• Her school’s career advisor provided guidance, and through word of mouth, students were already familiar with platforms like Expatrio for managing blocked accounts and health insurance.
• Daniela chose to set up her Expatrio package before traveling to Germany for peace of mind, including securing Travel Insurance policy in case it was required at the airport (which it was).

Challenges and Process Upon Arrival:

• After arriving in Mainz, she activated her Expatrio products but was unable to open a Bank Account immediately because she didn’t yet have a residence permit.
• Although Expatrio offers a Bank Account as part of the package, it cannot be fully activated without a visa.
• To resolve this, Daniela completed her Anmeldung (city registration) in Mainz, which allowed her to open a Bank Account at Sparkasse. She was asked for her tax ID but not for a visa or residence permit at that stage.
• She downloaded her certificate of enrollment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung) and scheduled an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office).

Current Situation:

• • Daniela arrived in January, booked her appointment at the Immigration Office in February, and received a date in May. She is currently waiting for her residence permit to be issued.
  • Until then, she cannot leave Germany.
  • Her Health Insurance was activated upon arrival and began charging her from that moment.

Things to consider:

• The embassy states that Honduran citizens can stay in Schengen countries as tourists for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa (e.g., they can visit friends, family, etc.; take language courses or go on business trips).
  
  
• Honduran citizens only need to apply for an entry visa to enter Germany if they wish to engage in a paid activity (employment) in Germany.
  
  
• For the following reasons for staying in Germany, a visa is not required to enter the country: university or college studies, preparatory courses (Studienkolleg), language courses, family reunification or marriage, school exchange.
  
  
• Foreign university students who have been admitted to a German higher education institution (if necessary, with a preparatory German course) or to a preparatory college (Studienkolleg) may apply for a visa to pursue higher education in Germany.