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Education (studies/language course/apprenticeship)
Studying in Germany, lecture theatre © Colourbox
Exemption from visa requirements
If you are studying in Bulgaria and would like to complete part of your studies in Germany, you do not need a visa or a residence permit if the following conditions are met (see Section 16c of the Residence Act):
- You will not stay in Germany for more than 360 days for study purposes
- You hold a Bulgarian residence permit in which the term ‘student’ is entered (cf. Art. 17(1) of Directive (EU) 2016/801) and which remains valid for the duration of your stay in Germany
- You must participate in a mobility programme as a student (e.g. the European Union's Erasmus+ programme or a programme agreed between the Bulgarian and German higher education institutions)
- The university in Germany where you wish to complete part of your studies must notify the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) in accordance with Section 16c (1) of the Residence Act. The notification must be received by the BAMF at least 30 days before you wish to begin your studies in Germany.
Detailed information can be found in a flyer and on the website of the BAMF.
If the above requirements are not met, you will need a visa.
Online application procedure
Visas for the following purposes of stay can now be applied for online:
- Study
- Seeking a university place/preparatory language course
- In-company (advanced) vocational training
- School-based (advanced) vocational training
- Search for a vocational training place
Apply online now on the Consular Services Portal
The online portal guides you step by step through the documents required for your specific purpose of stay. Your documents will be checked for completeness as part of the online procedure so that you are optimally prepared for your appointment at the foreign mission. After successful preliminary review, you will receive a link to book an appointment. At the appointment, you will present any original documents that may be required, provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo), and pay the fee.
All the necessary information on the above-mentioned purposes of stay can also be found on the „Make it in Germany“ website.
Paper-based application procedure
If you do not wish to submit your application online (see above), but would prefer to submit a traditional paper-based application to the embassy, please proceed as follows:
Please use our digital application form, fill it out completely in English or German, and sign it, including the instructions pursuant to Section 54 of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
All application documents must be submitted as originals with one copy (NOT stapled, NOT bound).
Students must prove that they are able to cover the living expenses incurred in connection with their study visit. To this end, students must have access to EUR 992 per month or EUR 11,904 per year. If the student has to pay tuition fees, they must prove that they are able to cover these fees in addition to their living expenses.
As part of the visa application process, you must provide proof of funding for the first year of study. The following options are available for providing proof:
- Scholarship from German public funds.
- Scholarship from a funding organization recognized in Germany (e.g., DAAD).
- Deposit of a security deposit into a blocked account. You are free to choose the provider.
- Submission of a declaration of commitment on a standard federal form (see §§ 66 to 68). The declaration must be submitted to the immigration office by a third party who is usually resident in Germany. It must not be older than 6 months and must state the purpose of stay as „language course/study“ and include the note „creditworthiness proven.“
You must submit the application form, supporting documents, and fee in person at the Embassy.
To do so, please book an appointment using the Embassy's online appointment system.
Processing time
Due to the possible need for approval from the authorities in Germany, you should generally allow 8-12 weeks for your visa application to be processed (calculated from the date on which the complete application documents are submitted at the Embassy).
During application processing
The visa office will check whether your complete application meets the legal requirements. Once a decision has been made on your application, the visa office will contact you. Please understand that questions about the status of your application will generally not be answered during the processing period. All communication can only take place with the applicants themselves, a legal representative, or a person authorized in writing.
Decision on the application
You will be informed as soon as the Embassy has made a decision on your application. Your passport is required for the visa to be issued.
If all the information on your visa label is correct, nothing stands in the way of your trip. Please check this as soon as you have your passport with the visa in your hands. You should notify us of any errors immediately so that we can issue a new visa.