Applying for a Residence Permit

If you are not a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you will need a residence permit to stay in Germany for a longer period of time. You must apply for a residence permit in person at the Immigration Office ( Ausländerbehörde ) responsible for the area in which you live while your visa is still valid, or alternatively, within 90 days of entry.

Necessary documents

• Registration certificate from the Residents’ Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt)
• Completed application form for the residence permit (also available from the Welcome Centre)
• Passport with visa, where applicable, or entry stamp, if you were able to enter without a visa
• Biometric passport photo (available from a vending machine at the City Hall bldg, at the train station and on central campus)
• Proof of financial means: Copy of employment contract, hosting agreement or scholarship certificate, which includes details such as monthly salary, scholarship amount or personal bank statements
• Copy of the tenancy agreement / lease agreement
• Proof of adequate health insurance
• If you are here with accompanying family members: certified marriage certificate and/or birth certificates, and if applicable, proof that any children that are of compulsory school age in Germany have been registered at a school in Göttingen

Foreign documents that were not issued in either German or English must typically be accompanied by a certified translation.

Further information

• Ausländerbehörde der Stadt Göttingen (City of Göttingen Immigration Office)
• Ausländerbehörde des Landkreises Göttingen (District of Göttingen Immigration Office)
• Electronic residence permit (eAT)