Visa and residence permit regulations
In general, foreign nationals who wish to study in Germany must apply for a student visa in order to enter Germany, for which financial requirements must be met and proof of insurance must be provided. Do not enter Germany with a tourist visa because it cannot be changed into a student visa. Students from EU/EEA countries generally do not need a visa for entry.
Please check here whether you require a visa:
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service
Students from non-EU countries who are studying in an EU member state, please note the following special legal regulation:
Proof of financial means
When applying for a visa, you already have to prove that you can cover your living expenses during your entire stay. To do this, you must prove financial means of currently 934€ per month. You can prove this by putting the corresponding amount in a blocked bank account (Expatrio, Fintiba). Please note that a part-time job in Germany is not sufficient for self-financing and is not recognised as proof of financing.
Health insurance
In Germany health insurance is compulsory. Therefore, international students must provide proof of adequate health insurance coverage during their stay in Germany. Travel insurance will not be accepted!
Health insurance is compulsory from the time of enrolment, regardless of the date of entry to Germany.
Students from countries that have signed the Treaty on Health Care Abroad must only provide proof of health insurance in their home country and along their electronic health insurance card/AT 11. Please note that for working during the study period a public health insurance in germany is compulsory for all students, even for EU citizens. We also recommend taking out private health insurance abroad to cover any additional costs that may arise.
Students from other countries can take out public student health insurance in Germany at a cost of 120 euros per month. It can be arranged in advance online. Alternatively it is possible to enter Germany with a travel insurance and take out health insurance within seven days after arrival. Foreign health insurance will usually not be accepted except if unlimited coverage is guaranteed. In specific cases students can be excused from the health insurance compulsory. Students aged over 30 must take out private health insurance within the first week upon arrival
Please find more information on the German health insurance system here.
Registration of residence
All international students, including those who do not need a visa, must register their place of residence in Lüneburg with the local Registration Office.
The registration of exchange students will be effected during the orientation week. Please register on your own, if you arrive earlier.
The following documents are necessary for registration:
- Passport or personal identity card
- Confirmation of the landlord (pdf)
Please note that you must give notice of your departure.
Residence permit / Electronic title of residence (eAT)
A visa allows you to enter Germany and to stay for a maximum of 90 days. If you will stay for a longer period of study you must apply for a residence permit at the local office for foreign nationals within 2 weeks upon arrival in Germany. The electronic title of residence (eAT) will be issued as a document in credit card format within 4 to 6 weeks. Please note that you are not allowed to leave and re-enter Germany until you have received the eAT. The cost for the eAT amounts to 100 euros for a period of stay up to 12 months.
To apply for the eAT, students need the following documents:
- Fully completed and signed application for a title of residence
- Valid passport including visa (with a validity period of at least 6 months or preferably one year)
- 1 up-to-date biometric passport-size photo
- Letter of acceptance and confirmation of registration issued by Leuphana University of Lüneburg
- Proof of blocked bank account (e.g. Fintiba, X-patrio, Deutsche Bank) with the complete amount (934 € per month).
- Proof of unlimited health insurance coverage in German
The International Office will assist you in applying for the eAT within the scope of the orientation week.
For further information please consult:
https://www.daad.de/deutschland/nach-deutschland/en/
https://www.study-in-germany.de
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/sperrkonto/388600
The Foreigners Authority (Ausländerbehörde) is located in the Lüneburg Bürgeramt:
Bardowicker Str. 23
D-21335 Lüneburg
Please make an appointment!
Fon: +49.4131.3093252
termin-abh@stadt.lueneburg.de