Residence permit
When enrolling at a German university, international students can apply for a residence permit for the purpose of university study and need to regularly extend this. To make an appointment, please use the Online Service Residence Permit Hamburg. You can access the necessary forms online.
If you have any questions about your residence permit, see the advising services for international services at: international-student-support"AT"uni-hamburg.de
Advising international students
Incoming Students / PIASTA—Intercultural Living and Studying TeamSection 52: International Student Services and MobilityDepartment 5: International Affairs
international-student-support"AT"uni-hamburg.de
Advising on residential, social, and personal matters
Residence permit—rights and obligations
- You can have a part-time job for 120 full or 240 half days of a calendar year. However, this only applies to permanent employment. Freelance activities (e.g., translation, language courses offered on an hourly basis) must be authorized by the foreigners’ department.
- You may leave and reenter Germany as often as you wish. You should note, however, that you may not spend more than 6 months at a time outside Germany. If you do, your residence permit expires.
- You may complete an exchange program and benefit from the more relaxed visa conditions within the EU. If you spend more than 6 months outside of Germany for the purpose of studying, notify your local foreigners’ department.
- Make sure to extend your residence permit before it expires.
- Notify your local foreigners’ department about any changes in your status (e.g., change of subject or degree).
- Make sure that your residence permit for the purpose of university study covers 10 years (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and, if applicable, additional preparatory courses such as language courses or a Studienkolleg).
- You may have a part-time job for 120 full or 240 half days per calendar year—freelance work must be authorized by the foreigners’ department.