Visa Regulations

All international students are required to investigate in advance whether they need a visa to study in Germany or not!

Here are some general information on the subject. However, we always recommend to check with your nearest German Embassy for up-to-date information on this matter.

The German immigration law categorizes all visitors into 4 categories, depending on county of origin. They are as follows:

1. EU countries
   Nationals of EU countries usually do not need a visa to enter Germany or study in Germany.
2. Visa-waiver countries
   Citizens of these countries can enter Germany without a visa. With a valid passport they are allowed to stay for 90 days. After arrival, students need to register in Germany and apply for a residence permit. EBS will assist students with these two steps during the induction days.
3. Visa-waiver only for TOURISTS
   Citizens of these countries allowed to enter Germany without a visa. But this only allows them to stay for 90 days maximum as tourists. After this period they MUST leave the country.
   Students at EBS of course need to stay longer. This is only possible if they apply for a "national visa" BEFORE entering Germany. The visa is usually valid for 90 days and gives students the possibility to register in Germany and apply for a residence permit after arrival. EBS will assist with this during the induction days. The residence permit will give students the permission to stay in Germany until the end of their studies at EBS.
4. Unconditional visa requirement
   Citizens of many countries ALWAYS need a visa to enter Germany! The "national visa", which is needed for the purpose of studying, is usually valid for 90 days. After your arrival students have to register in Germany and apply for a residence permit. EBS will assist with this during the induction days. The residence permit will give students the permission to stay in Germany until the end of their studies at EBS.

To find out which countries belong into which category, please refer to a list issued by the German Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

If a visa is required, the student should calculate 8 to 10 weeks time to receive it.

At some embassies, the waiting times for a visa appointment can be very long. Thus, we recommend applying for a visa appointment as soon as possible.

You can find a detailed factsheet on visa and immigration matters at the top of this website. Also, the factsheet will be mailed to all newly admitted international students together with the admission documents.

Students may also refer to our "Life at EBS" Guide for further details.