Germany Visa Guidelines
The Padnos Center for Global Experiences (PCGE) provides the general information below as a service to GVSU students. We strive to maintain accurate information regarding visa procedures, however, changes to policies and procedures may occur frequently without our knowledge. Students are responsible for obtaining the appropriate visa for their program and must consult the consulate for the most up to date information on application procedures.
Please look over the visa information carefully and do not delay, as visa procedures are time sensitive.
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Do I need a visa? |
All students participating in study abroad programs in Germany longer than 90 days are required to apply for a residence permit either prior to arrival in Germany or after arrival. |
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Processing Time and Visa Appointment |
Students have two options when preparing to study in Germany for more than 90 days. Option 1 – Apply for a residence permit AFTER you arrive in Germany BUT know that if your flight is round trip and the return date exceeds 90 days after departure, the airline may require you to show proof of a visa to board or may require you to change your return flight to fit within the 90 day window. There are usually ticket change fees involved, plus an added cost if the price of the flight has gone up. One way around this is to purchase a one-way ticket to Germany and purchase your return one-way ticket separately after arrival. Option 2 – Apply for a residence permit through the German consulate in Chicago. Please note that if you decide to apply for the residence permit while in the United States, you may be required to open a “blocked” bank account with a German bank as instructed on the consulate’s website. This will add to the total amount of time needed to process your visa application. We suggest contacting the consulate directly to find out if this will be required. Processing time could take up to several months from the date of application. Students applying for a residence permit prior to arrival in Germany will need to schedule an appointment and travel to the German consulate in Chicago. Students completing a paid internship opportunity must apply for a residence permit prior to arrival in Germany. |
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Application Instructions |
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Estimated Cost |
90 Euro (~$102 USD) Please reference the German Consulate for the most updated visa fees |
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Nearest Consulate or Embassy |
Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany 676 North Michigan Avenue - Suite 3200 Chicago, IL 60611-2804 |
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Contact Information |
Phone: +1-312-202-0480 |