Logo Universität Bremen, back to home
bsu Online

Residence Permits

Residence Permits

  • The application for a residence permit and other inquieries can only be made by email.
  • Please send the required documents in one pdf file to bsuprotect me ?!migrationsamt.bremenprotect me ?!.de
  • After checking your application of a residence permit you will receive an appointment by e-mail for the inclusion of the biometric data and payment of the fees
  • appointment to collect your residence permit after 4 weeks
Purpose of stayrequired documents
Study 
  • completed application form (see documents)
  • valid passport + entry visa (only for the first application)
  • Current confirmation of registration (only if you have recently moved from another municipality or moved within Bremen) or confirmation of the landlord
  • proof of health insurance for Germany
  • Certificate of enrollment or notice of admission from a university or college (if you are not enrolled in Bremen, you need to submit a confirmation from your university, that you don´t  have to be present)
  • overview of academic achievements to date (from 3rd semester)
  • Secured living expenses for students (from 01.07.24: 992,- € per month)
 
language course in preparation for studies / application for studies 
  • completed application form (see documents)
  • valid passport + entry visa (only for the first application)
  • Current confirmation of registration (only if you have recently moved from another municipality or moved within Bremen) or confirmation of the landlord
  • Proof of health insurance with a validity of at least 2 years
  • Certificate of enrollment in the language course
  • Proof of university entrance qualification
  • Secured living expenses for students (from 01.07.24: 992,- € per month)
 
Looking for a job after studying in Germany 
  • completed application form (see documents)
  • valid passport
  • Current confirmation of registration (only if you have recently moved from another municipality or moved within Bremen) or confirmation of the landlord
  • Proof of graduation in Germany
  • Bank statements of the last 3 months
  • proof of health insurance for Germany
 
scientific stay 
  • completed application form (see documents)
  • valid passport + entry visa (only for the first application)
  • Current confirmation of registration (only if you have recently moved from another municipality or moved within Bremen) or confirmation of the landlord
  • proof of health insurance for Germany
  • Employment contract (for academic staff)
  • Invitation letter from the educational institution (for visiting scientists)
 
Family immigration 
  • completed application form (see documents)
  • valid passport + entry visa (only for the first application)
  • Current confirmation of registration (only if you have recently moved from another municipality or moved within Bremen) or confirmation of the landlord
  • proof of health insurance for Germany
  • Kindergarten or school certificate
  • Birth certificate (for first-time applications for children)
  • official custody declaration
 
EU Blue Card 
  • completed application form (see documents)
  • valid passport
  • Current confirmation of registration (only if you have recently moved from another municipality or moved within Bremen) or confirmation of the landlord
  • proof of health insurance for Germany
  • Employment contract (with indication of monthly gross income) or job offer
  • Proof of German university degree or proof of recognition of foreign university degree
 

settlement permit

 
  • completed application form (see documents)
  • valid passport
  • Current confirmation of registration (only if you have recently moved from another municipality or moved within Bremen) or confirmation of the landlord
  • proof of health insurance for Germany
  • Proof of sufficient German language skills (at least B1 level)
  • Employment contract
  • Proof of pension insurance contributions paid to date
  • current certificate of income
  • Statement of account (current amount of rent + additional costs)
  • Rental contract (with indication of apartment size)
 

In addition, you can also submit a declaration of commitment to us in accordance with § 68 AufenthG.
The minimum monthly income currently required for this is 2.910,- Euro net for individuals.
The following documents must be submitted in advance as a pdf document by email:

  • valid identity card or passport and, if applicable, residence permit
  • certificates of earnings for the last 3 months
  • employment contract or proof of the duration of employment
  • for self-employed persons: Certificate of net income

Current fees (as of September 1, 2017):

  • issuing of an electronic residence permit (eAT): 100 EUR
  • extension of an electronic residence permit: 93 EUR
  • extension of an electronic residence permit while changing the purpose of residence: 98 EUR
  • re-issuing of an existing residence title (e.g. loss of passport or new passport): 67 EUR
  • temporary residence permit (Fiktionsbescheinigung) (valid for up to three months): 13 EUR
  • issuing of a supplementary document in the case of loss 15 EUR

The fees must be paid at the time of application in cash or by debit card (EC-Karte). Credit cards are not accepted.

Dokumente

FAQ

  • Which documents do I have to submit in order to obtain or extend a residence permit?

    You need the following documents:

    • Passport
    • Certificate of enrollment
    • transcript of student records
    • proof of health insurance
    • registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
    • secure living expenses (from WS 20/21 861,- EUR per month)
    • 1 current passport photo

  • How long does it take to process an electronic residence title?

    It takes about four weeks to issue an electronic residence permit. So, make sure you apply in due time for your (electronic) residence permit or its extension. At present, the residence cards are sent only by mail!

  • I have received the letter with the PIN; can I pick up my electronic residence title at the bsu straight away?

    You can pick up your electronic residence title if you have also received a corresponding email from us with a pickup date.

  • I am an international student of a Bremen university and live in the surrounding area of Bremen. Is the bsu also responsible for me?

    Unfortunately, no, as the competence of a German immigration authority is derived from a person’s primary place of residence.

    We process legal residence matters of international researchers, students, and their families who live in the city of Bremen.

  • How long may I stay in Germany for study purposes?

    In general, the total duration of your residence for study purposes may last no longer than 10 years. This includes time for study preparation (language course/preparatory course).

  • How many days a year am I allowed to work?

    If you hold a residence permit, you are entitled to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. This rule does not apply to student assistants working at university: as a student assistant, you may work more.

  • I am an international student of a university in the surrounding area of Bremen but live in the city of Bremen. Is the bsu responsible for me?

    If you have registered your place of residence in Bremen, the bsu is responsible for you, even if you are enrolled at a university outside of Bremen. You should present appropriate proof of your stay in Bremen (e.g. internship contract) in addition to your university enrollment confirmation.

  • Wird ein Praktikum auf die arbeitsgenehmigungsfreie Beschäftigungszeit angerechnet?

  • I would like to take a semester off, change my course of study or my university. What do I need to consider?

    In these cases, you will generally have to obtain the prior consent of the competent immigration authorities.

  • I am doing a language course. Am I allowed to work at the same time?

    For participants in language courses preparing for university studies, employment in the first year of stay is only permitted during the holidays.

  • I would like to drop out of my university preparatory course/studies and start vocational training. Can I change my residence permit for this purpose?

    There is no legal claim to this!

    However, you can submit a corresponding application for a change of purpose of stay at the bsu. We will then forward this to our head office for final processing.

    In any case, a fee of 98,- € has to be paid at the time of application.

  • I have successfully graduated from university and would now like to apply for a residence permit while looking for employment. How long will this permit be valid?

    The permit will be valid for 18 months after the successful completion of your studies (date of your certificate).  

  • Can I also apply for a job seekers residence permit as a visiting student?

    Visiting students can only be granted a job seekers residence permit if they also hold a degree from a German university.

  • I have already found a job for after graduation. Can I apply for a residence permit for employment at the bsu?

    Yes, you can submit the application for a residence permit for employment at the bsu.

  • I already hold a degree from my home country and now I want to drop out of my German university studies in order to take up employment. Can I change my residence permit for this purpose?

    Generally, according to section 16 (2) of the German Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz, AufenthhG), this is not possible. First, you will have to leave the country and apply for a new entry visa at a German embassy or consulate abroad.

    An exception could be obtaining an EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers.

    You will find the requirements in Section 19a of the Residence Act.

  • Does the bsu also provide information about VISA procedures that are processed at German embassies or consulates abroad?

    No, we are not authorized to provide information about these matters.

    We generally do not respond to emails, which we receive frequently, about these matters, sometimes from applicants in their home country!

  • Can I apply for an EU Blue Card or a permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) at the bsu?

    As a research assistant or professor at a Bremen university or research institution, you can apply for an EU Blue Card or a permanent residence permit at the bsu.

    You will need the following additional documents:

    • employment contract
    • detailed job description
    • proof of your monthly gross income
    • graduation certificate from your German university or recognition of a foreign degree
    • tenancy agreement

    As long as you are working at an academic institution in Bremen, the bsu will be the competent authority for you.

  • I am currently working as an au pair in Bremen and would like to study here after my contract has finished. Can I apply at the bsu for an extension of my residence permit in order to study?

    Yes, you can, unless you have already arranged an appointment at our main office (Stresemannstr.).

    In this case, we will be responsible only after you have been granted your residence permit for the purpose of studying. 

Updated by: Fokken
RSS
Print page