Whether you need a visa (entry permit) for Germany as a student applicant depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. You can obtain detailed information from the German embassy or consulate in your home country.
Students from EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland
Exchange students who are citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can enter Germany without a visa. People from these countries enjoy freedom of movement within the European Union and do not require a residence permit or work permit.
However, you must register with the registration office in Regensburg within 90 days of your arrival. The International Office will inform you about the necessary formalities upon arrival.
Entry without a visa - other countries
Students who are citizens of the following countries also do not require a visa to enter Germany. However, you must apply for a residence permit for study purposes at the Department of Foreigners' Affairs of the City of Regensburg within 90 days of arrival. The International Office will inform you about the necessary formalities after your arrival.
- Andorra, Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, USA, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Entry only with visa
Exchange students who do not fall under the exceptions listed on the left must apply for an entry visa at the German diplomatic mission in their home country. Please apply for your visa as soon as you have received your letter of admission to study at the University of Regensburg. It may take several weeks or even months before you receive your visa.
When applying for your visa, please also note our semester dates and official arrival dates.
Never enter the country as a tourist! Once you have entered Germany, a tourist visa cannot be subsequently converted into a national visa for study purposes.
Blocked account:
Exchange students who require a visa must usually prove that they have sufficient funds to cover the costs of their exchange stay in Germany (currently �992 per month) by means of a blocked account.
Third-country nationals with an EU residence permit - REST Directive (EU) 2016/801
Third-country nationals who have received a residence permit for study purposes in another EU country that covers the entire period of the exchange programme in Regensburg are covered by the so-called REST Directive (EU) 2016/801 and do not need to apply for a German residence permit.
However, the International Office of Universit?t Regensburg must report your planned exchange stay to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees at least 30 days before your arrival. The International Office requires the following documents for this purpose:
- Scan of the EU residence permit for study purposes
- Scan of the passport
- Scan of the letter of admission for the study programme in Regensburg
- Proof of participation in an exchange programme / multilateral programme
- valid and sufficient health insurance cover (e.g. EHIC)
- Proof of financial means to cover living expenses (currently �992 per month)
Further information on REST Directive (EU) 2016/801 can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (external link, opens in a new window).
European Union - Entry and Exit
? GregMonati, Pixabay From October 2025, a new entry and exit system (EES) for short-term stays of up to 90 days will be gradually introduced. Detailed information can be found on the website of the European Union:
Entry / Exit System (EES) (external link, opens in a new window)
ETIAS - European Travel Information and Authorisation System
At the end of 2026, the European Union will introduce an electronic travel authorisation, ETIAS. The travel authorisation must be applied for by nationals who can enter the EU without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days. Further information on ETIAS can be found on the website of the European Union: