Germany immigration from India | A student’s guide

The criteria or standards for Germany immigration from India 

One must know certain standards or measures while planning for Germany immigration from India. Once you are granted a visa, you can stay in Germany for a certain time. However, if you want to stay longer than that, it is necessary to find employment. To immigrate to Germany, you must meet the criteria from one of the following categories-

• Residence permit for highly qualified persons
• Employment-related residence permit
• Family reunification (spouse/partner)
• Refugee status
• Permanent residence permit

Types of visa offered by Germany 

If you are visiting Germany for the first time, you may be confused about what type of visa you need. To help you navigate through the process, here are some common types of visas for Germany-

• Tourist visa

A Schengen visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to 90 days within six months. The tourist visa can be used by citizens of all countries except those issued with an entry ban (such as war-torn nations).

• Business visa

It is also known as a D visa, allowing citizens to conduct business activities in Germany. The business visa is valid for up to 90 days within six months, and multiple entries are allowed during this period.

• Student visa

A student visa allows students attending a German university or college to study there for more than three months. Students must prove they have sufficient finances to support themselves while studying in Germany and show they have adequate accommodation arrangements made before entering Germany on their student visas.

• Work permit 

A work permit allows non-EU citizens wishing to work in Germany under certain conditions (for example, if they already have job offers from employers). Local government offices issue work permits after applicants have been registered with the German employment agency. 

Requirements for applying for a Student visa in Germany 

When applying for a Germany immigration visa from India as a student, you will need to connect with the local German Embassy or a consulate. The visa fee is around $70. 

It is advised that you apply at least three months before you plan to immigrate to Germany. You will need to provide the following documents while applying for the Germany immigration process from India-

• Complete application form.
• Passport (make sure that it is valid and not expired).
• Two passport-size latest photographs. 
• Evidence that shows that you have been accepted for a full-time course in a credited German university. It can be in the form of an admission letter sent by the university. 
• A transcript of the academic record. It includes all certificates, progression reports, and mark sheets. 
• A certificate that shows your level of proficiency in the German language. It is required only in the case of the course you are enrolled in, having coursework in the German language. 
• Evidence shows you have enough funds to support yourself financially throughout the academic year. You can submit the bank passbook to prove this. The Minimum required living expense in Germany is around $10,250. 
• A certificate that shows that you have an active health insurance plan. 
• A declaration that proves the authenticity and credibility of the documents provided with the application. 

You can prove that you have sufficient funds in Germany by depositing a security deposit in a blocked account. It is an account that states that you cannot withdraw the money until you move to Germany. 

You must apply for a residence permit upon arrival along with the student visa. You can visit the local Alien Registration Office within two weeks of your arrival in Germany. You will need to provide the following documents to apply for the residence permit-

• Proof of health insurance (public or private).
• A certificate that shows you have enrolled in a university. 
• Proof of required funds to support yourself (and any accompanying family).
• Passport 
• Current visa 
• Biometric passport-size photos 
• Residence permit fee (may vary as per the time you apply for it)

For English-taught courses, the students must provide a valid TOEFL or IELTS certificate. The residence permit provided will be valid for two years. You should update it before it expires. 

Work permit with Student Visa

With the student visa, you can work 120 full days in a year or 240 half days. You can take jobs such as research assistant, teacher assistant, etc., at your university. In such cases, exceeding the 120-day limit is okay. 

If you want to search for employment in Germany after completing the degree, you can extend your residence permit to 18 months. You can do so as long as your work is related to your field of study. 

Key takeaways

• Apply for a Germany immigration visa from India at least three months before you plan to move. 
• You will need to apply for a residence permit as soon as you arrive in Germany. 
• The resident permit needs to be renewed every two years. Make sure to do so well before the deadline to avoid any issues. 

If you liked this blog, read A complete guide for study abroad in Germany.

FAQs

Question 1: How much money do I need for a German student visa?

Answer: Students need at least 11,200 euros in their account annually. You will need proof that you have enough funds to apply for a student visa.  

Question 2: Can I get a German student visa without IELTS?

Answer: If the course you are enrolled in is English-based, you will need a valid IELTS score. 

Question 3: Is it easy to get a German student visa?

Answer 3: If you have all the required documents, getting a German student visa is easy.