Residence permit

While a visa will allow you to enter Germany and stay for a period of up to 90 days, a temporary residence permit is required if you are planning to stay for longer than three months. If you are not an EU national, you will need to apply to the Foreigners' Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) for a temporary residence permit. Selected few countries allow students from non-EU countries to enter without a visa and then to apply for a residence permit within 90 days. If you are unsure whether you need a visa, please contact the Welcome Center.

Important: if you are entering Germany to take up employment, please always enter the country with a visa, even if you are arriving from a so-called privileged country! It is only possible to start working right after your arrival if you came with a visa (including the work permission). If you have entered Germany without a visa, you must first wait until you have had your appointment with the immigration office before you can begin your job.

It is best to make an appointment to apply for or to extend your residence title in Saarland six to eight weeks before your visa expires. In the case of visa-free entry, it is best to apply for the title immediately after entry. In both cases, please make an appointment for this at the Foreigners' Office in Saarland. It is not possible to visit the Foreigner`s Office without an appointment.
Together with your appointment, you will receive a list of documents that you must bring with you.