How to get a study visa to Germany

So you've chosen a major, a university, taken the German (or English) language exam, applied and received a positive answer! But the challenges don't end there. Ahead of you is getting your German student visa.

First, the very first step to begin the process is to visit the site of the German Consulate General, which provides all necessary information on the procedure to obtain a visa in Russian. Here you can make an appointment to submit your documents. It is recommended to do this in advance, as the visa application procedure may take approximately 1-2 months.

As studying in Germany involves staying on its territory for more than 90 days, you choose the section "National Visa". Here you can find all documents you have to submit (passport, diploma, application form, applications etc.)

Financial confirmation

We would like to focus on one point: the proof of residence financing. The amount is on the basis of 670 euros per month. This can be in the form of:

1. a blocked account with a corresponding amount at a German bank

2. a letter of guarantee in accordance with Section 66-68 of the Residence Act

3. a certificate of the respective amount in a Russian bank account.

But the greatest guarantee of the visa application is generally the German blocked bank account. The only thing to do is to fill in an application form on the bank website, send it by mail, and, upon receipt of the letter of account opening, transfer the required amount to the German account. The whole procedure takes about 3 weeks.

It is also important to remember that all documents in Russian must be submitted with an official translation into German. This can be done in any translation company that can be certified by a notary.

You should also decide in advance where you will live - student dormitory, room, apartment. Before applying you should have a rental agreement or at least a print-out of a letter from the landlord, or some kind of confirmation that you are on the waiting list for a room at the accommodation. This is the end of the paperwork until you need to renew your visa!