No direct exchange partner needed for a student exchange

You do not need an exchange partner in Germany. A one-to-one exchange is not required. Privately or commercially organized exchange programs are also possible.

Exchange possible even after graduating in your home country

Have you just graduated from school in your home country? You can still participate in a student exchange. However, the exchange program must also offer German students an exchange abroad.

Scholarships do not prevent the residence permit

Do you receive a scholarship from public funds? That is not a problem. The residence permit can still be granted. This applies especially to merit-based scholarships.

Apply for Residence Permit for School Attendance or Student Exchange

You want to attend a school in Germany or take part in a student exchange? Here you can find out how to get the residence permit.

At a glance

How do you get a residence permit for attending school or a student exchange?

You want to attend a school in Germany or take part in a student exchange? Then you may be granted a residence permit. The authority decides on a case-by-case basis. Attending school does not establish a legal entitlement to the issuance.

For attending school, the residence permit generally only comes into consideration from grade 9 onwards. The school must be a public or state-recognised school with an international orientation. Or a school that prepares for international qualifications or qualifications from other countries. For all school types, a composition of students from different nationalities must be ensured.

For a student exchange, the stay may also be permitted for lower grade levels. The exchange may be organised by an exchange organisation, a provider of independent youth welfare, a school, or a public body. Privately or commercially organised exchanges are also possible.

If you are not yet of legal age, your legal guardians must give their written consent.

Requirements

Who qualifies?

You want to attend a school with an international orientation in Germany (generally from grade 9 onwards) or take part in a student exchange

Additional requirements

For school attendance: The school must be public or state-recognised with an international orientation and a composition of students from different nationalities.
For a student exchange: The exchange may be organised by an organisation, a provider of independent youth welfare, a school, or a public body. Private or commercial exchanges are also possible.
If you are not yet of legal age, you need the written consent of your legal guardians.
You must be registered in Berlin and attend in person with an appointment.

How to apply

Make an appointment at the State Office for Immigration via the contact form (preferably 8 weeks before your residence title expires)

Gather all documents: passport, passport photo, school certificate, and proof of livelihood and health insurance

Attend your appointment in person and bring all documents in original (for minors under 18, an authorised supervising person submits the application)

Done! You may receive your residence permit. The authority will decide on your application.

Since 01.05.2025 only digital photos are accepted. Learn more

100,00EUR

Adults

Minors50,00 EUR
Digital passport photo at self-service terminal6,00 EUR

Exemptions

Exchange students

Good to know

With a residence permit for school attendance or student exchange, you are not allowed to work. This applies to any form of employment. Self-employment is also excluded.

Die Aufenthaltserlaubnis nach § 16f Abs. 1 (Schüleraustausch) und 2 (Schulbesuch) berechtigen nicht zur Ausübung einer Erwerbstätigkeit (vgl. § 4a). § 16f Abs. 3 Satz 4, 5 enthält insoweit ein umfassendes Verbot.

VAB A.16f, S. 168-171

Did you successfully complete school? Then you can freely change your purpose of stay. However, this does not apply if you attended school through a student exchange.

Nach erfolgreicher Beendigung des Schulbesuchs gem. § 16f Abs. 2, kann ein beliebiger Zweckwechsel erfolgen. Dies gilt allerdings nicht in den Fällen, in denen ein Schulbesuch im Rahmen eines Schüleraustauschs erfolgte.

VAB A.16f, S. 168-171

Is your child attending school in Berlin and needs care? Then you as a parent can receive your own residence permit. The authority decides on a case-by-case basis.

Soweit die Betreuung durch einen Elternteil erforderlich ist, kommt hier auch die Erteilung einer Aufenthaltserlaubnis nach § 7 Abs. 1 S. 3 in Betracht.

VAB A.16f, S. 168-171

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