Residence permit – school attendance and exchange

Description

You can apply for a residence permit to attend school or participate in a student exchange. Normally, the residence permit for school attendance is only eligible from grade 9 onwards, whereas a student exchange is also possible for lower grades.

Attendance at school alone does not entitle the holder to a residence permit for this purpose.

Visa
Before entering Germany, you must apply for a visa at the competent German mission abroad. Nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the USA or the United Kingdom may also enter Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit before commencing their studies.

After entry
After your arrival in Germany, you must first register your residence at the Citizens Office.

Application for a residence permit
You must apply for a residence permit before your visa/residence title expires. If you can enter Germany without a visa, you must submit the application within 90 days of your entry. Please submit the application form and the required documents either online or by post. After we have reviewed your application, you will receive an appointment from us.

Prerequisites

• Registration of main residence in Munich
• Valid national passport
• Assurance of livelihood for the entire duration of the stay.
• Consent of the legal guardian (only if the foreign student is not yet of age)

Student exchange
Exchange organisations, youth welfare organisations, German schools or other public bodies can arrange a pupil exchange with a school or public body in another country. A privately or commercially organised exchange of pupils is also possible.

Type of school for a stay to attend school
It must be either a

• a public or state-recognised school with an international orientation or a school which is not or not predominantly publicly funded and which prepares students for international qualifications, qualifications from other countries or state-recognised qualifications
• state-recognised qualifications.
  

For all types of schools, a composition of pupils of different nationalities must be ensured. Exceptions can be made for so-called embassy schools.

Required documents

• Fully completed application form
• Valid national passport
• A recent biometric passport photo (photo machines can be found at the Foreigners Office)
• Valid visa for entry for the purpose of school attendance or exchange of pupils
• Certificate from the school (the certificate from the school must state the duration, the framework conditions and any costs of the exchange of pupils or the school visit)
• Agreement or contract on the exchange of pupils (original)
• Proof of a secure livelihood
  • Exchange students: Written declaration by the host parents that accommodation, food and pocket money will be provided or blocked account at a German bank with a credit balance of 875 euros for each month, declaration of commitment, scholarship or declaration by the parents that they will secure their livelihood for the duration of the school visit (proof of the parents' income situation and copies of passports must be enclosed)
  • School attendance without exchange of pupils: Blocked account at a German bank with a credit balance of 875 euros for each month (e.g. 10,500 euros for 12 months of school attendance) or submission of a declaration of commitment by a third party on an official form or declaration by the parents to secure their livelihood for the duration of the school attendance (proof of the parents' income situation and copies of passports must be enclosed)
• Proof of health insurance (insurance card or a membership certificate of the health insurance company)
  • Exchange student: Travel health insurance is sufficient. This must be valid for the entire duration of the stay.
  • School visit without exchange: Those with statutory health insurance have sufficient health insurance. Those with private health insurance must pay attention to the type and scope of their health insurance. For more information, please read the information sheet.
    
• Written parental consent
  • under 18 years: A written, notarised statement from the legal guardians must be submitted.
  • Under 16 years: In addition, the parents must name a responsible adult carer.
    
    

Legal basis

§ Section 16f (1) Residence Act