Where to apply for a student visa to Germany?

Preparing to study in Germany is a transformative step in your academic and professional journey. One of the most important points in this process is understanding where and how to apply for your visa or residence permit. In this guide, we'll uncomplicate the entire process, explaining in detail the options available to Brazilians and how to have a smooth experience from start to finish.

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The privilege of Brazilian citizens: two options for obtaining authorization

As a Brazilian, you have a significant advantage when it comes to studying in Germany. Unlike citizens of many other countries, Brazilians have two options to obtain a residence permit for studies:

Option 1: Order directly in Germany upon arrival

For Brazilians who are already accepted at a German university, it is possible to:

• Entering Germany as a tourist (without a prior visa)
• Remain legally for up to 90 days
• During this period, apply for your residence permit directly at the Department of Foreigners (Ausländerbehörde) of the city where you will study

This possibility is expressly confirmed by the German Representations in Brazil and applies to undergraduate, master's and doctoral students and language courses.

Option 2: Apply for a visa at German consulates in Brazil

Alternatively, you can opt for the traditional route, applying for your visa before traveling:

• Through German consulates and embassies in Brazil
• Following all formal visa application processes
• Ensuring that you will already have your visa in hand when you disembark in Germany

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German consulates and embassies in Brazil

Visas to Germany are issued exclusively by consulates and the German embassy in Brazil. The choice of where you will apply for your visa depends directly on your jurisdiction of residence. Each German diplomatic representation is responsible for serving residents of certain Brazilian states:

• Embassy of Germany in Brasilia: responsible for the Federal District and states not covered by consulates
• Consulate in São Paulo: serves SP, PR, SC, MS
• Consulate in Rio de Janeiro: serves RJ, ES, MG
• Consulate in Porto Alegre: specialized in serving RS
• Consulate in Recife: responsible for the Northeastern states

It is essential to identify which of these representations are responsible for your region before starting the process. For example, if you reside in Minas Gerais, you must apply for your visa at the Rio de Janeiro consulate, while residents of Santa Catarina must go to the São Paulo consulate.

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Applying for authorization directly in Germany

If you choose to apply for your residence permit after arriving in Germany, follow these essential steps:

1. Residence registration (first days after arrival)

• Register your address at the Resident Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt)
• This is a mandatory procedure for everyone living in Germany
• You will need the rental agreement and ID
• Registration (Anmeldung) is a prerequisite for the next step

2. Scheduling at the Department of Foreigners

• Schedule an appointment at Ausländerbehörde as soon as possible
• In big cities like Berlin, schedules are limited and hard to come by
• In some cities, it is necessary to line up in person at dawn
• Important: Start this process weeks in advance before the end of the 90-day period

3. Submission of documents

• Acceptance letter from the university
• Financial proof (generally via a blocked account)
• Health insurance valid in Germany
• Valid passport
• Proof of residence registration (Anmeldung)
• Immigration Office-specific forms

4. Issuance of authorization

• You will initially receive a provisional authorization
• The definitive residence card (Aufenthaltstitel) will be sent to your address later
• This authorization is generally valid equal to the duration of your course

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Scheduling and important deadlines

Regardless of which path you choose (apply in Germany or Brazil), deadlines are critical:

For those applying for a visa in Brazil:

• Start the booking process at least 3 months before your planned travel date
• Preferably shortly after receiving the letter of acceptance from the institution
• Consider additional time for potential processing delays
• Take into account the closing period of the academic year in Brazil

For those applying in Germany:

• You must apply for the residence permit before completing 90 days Of stay
• It is recommended to start the process as early as the first week after arrival
• Some cities have wait times of more than a month for appointments
• Planning ahead is crucial to avoid irregular situations

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Required Documentation

Proper documentation preparation is crucial for the success of your visa or residence permit application. The required documents are essentially the same regardless of where you make the request:

• Completely completed and signed application form
• Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond the study period
• Acceptance letter (Zulassungsbescheid) from the German university
• Proof of financial resources through a Blocked Account with a minimum deposit of €11,904 (amount updated for 2025)
• Certificate of proficiency in the language (German or English) compatible with the course
• School transcript and previous diplomas (certified translation)
• Health insurance valid in Germany
• Proof of residence registration (only for those applying in Germany)
• Recent biometric photos in the required format
• Proof of payment of applicable fees

It is essential that all original documents are accompanied by simple copies and, when necessary, by certified translations into German. Inconsistencies or lack of documentation may result in immediate refusal or significant processing delays.

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Blocked Account: fundamental financial requirement

One of the most important requirements for a German student visa is the opening of the”Blocked Account“(Sperrkonto), which serves as a financial guarantee during your stay in the country. This is a non-negotiable element of the process and deserves special attention.

The Blocked Account is a special bank account in Germany where you deposit in advance the necessary financial resources for its maintenance during the first year of studies. For 2025, the amount required is €11,904, calculated based on an estimate of €992 per month to cover basic expenses.

The operation of this account follows specific rules:

• The full amount is deposited at one time
• Upon approval of the visa or authorization, you will have limited monthly access to approximately €992
• The unlocking of resources follows a fixed schedule over 12 months
• The account can be opened remotely even before traveling to Germany

The main institutions that offer this service are Fintiba, Deutsche Bank and Coracle. Each one has specific procedures and fees, and it is important to compare the options to choose the one that best suits your profile and needs.

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Differences between short and long stay visas

Understanding the differences between the types of visas available is essential to choose the most suitable option for your educational project in Germany. The program Study and Work in Germany offers different possibilities that adapt to different objectives.

The Schengen visa (Type C) allows stays of up to 90 days and is suitable for short-term language courses, visits to universities, or participation in summer programs. This visa does not allow work and cannot be converted into a long-term visa within Germany.

On the other hand, the National Visa (Type D) is intended for long-term studies (over 90 days) and offers significant benefits:

• Permission to work up to 20 hours a week during term time
• Possibility to work full time during holidays
• Right of residence for the entire duration of the course
• Opportunity to remain in Germany for up to 18 months after completing studies to seek employment

The choice of the appropriate visa type depends directly on the educational program you intend to study and your long-term goals in Germany.

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Interview process and application review

For requests made at consulates in Brazil:

Visa applications at German consulates generally include an interview. During this stage, consular officers will verify your study intentions, financial capacity, and potential to return to Brazil after completing the program. Clarity about your academic goals and future plans is essential.

It is important to demonstrate knowledge about:

• The chosen course and the institution
• How this experience will contribute to your career
• Your plans after completing your studies
• Your financial capacity to remain in Germany

For requests made in Germany:

At the German Foreign Office, the process is generally more administrative and less focused on extensive interviews. However, you should be prepared to:

• Explain your study purpose clearly
• Answer questions about your academic program
• Demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means
• Present all requested documents in an organized manner

In both cases, honesty and clarity are key. Avoid inconsistencies or vague information that may raise doubts about your intentions.

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Special situations: minors and extension of authorization

Minors

The application process for students under 18 requires special attention to additional requirements, aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of these young people during their stay in Germany.

For underage applicants, in addition to standard documentation, it is necessary to submit:

• International travel authorization signed by both parents with recognized firms
• Birth certificate in international format or with an apostille
• Proof of legal guardianship or liability in Germany
• Confirmation of accommodation and adequate supervision
• Health insurance with more comprehensive coverage

Renewal of residence permit

The initial residence permit generally has a limited validity and will need to be renewed:

• Approximately one month before the due date, schedule the renewal
• You will need to provide financial proof for the next period
• Proof of satisfactory academic progress will be required
• The health insurance must be valid for the new period

For students who complete their courses, there is the possibility of extending the authorization for up to 18 months to search for employment in Germany.

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Brazilians in the German labor market

Did you know that Brazilian professionals are standing out in the German labor market? According to recent research, Brazilians are among the 10 nationalities with Highest salaries in Germany, with a monthly average of more than €4,500, even exceeding the average salary of the natives.

With the German minimum wage fixed at €12.82 per hour in 2025, the country offers excellent conditions for those who wish to start their international career after studying. International students graduated from German institutions have significant advantages in entering this promising market.

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Language preparation for the visa and studies

Mastering the German language is fundamental not only to your academic success, but also to facilitate the entire visa and adaptation process. Before you even begin your international journey, consider Learn German online through specialized courses, which can significantly accelerate your learning.

Language proficiency increases your chances of visa approval and allows for better communication with authorities during the process. In addition, it opens doors for the program University abroad, which offers unique opportunities for international academic training.

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Technical training as an alternative

If you are looking for practical experience combined with studies, the program Ausbildung - German vocational training - may be an excellent option. This dual system combines theoretical learning with practical experience in companies, offering a direct path to the labor market.

For engineers and technical professionals, Germany offers limitless opportunities, with leading companies in various sectors. Health professionals, such as physicians and nurses, also find a fertile field for professional development.

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The gateway to Europe

Studying in Germany not only offers access to an excellent education system, but it also opens doors to the entire European Union. With the Blue Card EU, qualified professionals have the opportunity to work and live legally in several European countries after completing their studies.

For those who wish to explore other academic possibilities in Europe, the program Study and Work in Ireland it also offers an excellent alternative, with a differentiated visa process.

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How Be Easy can make your process easier

Obtaining a visa or residence permit for Germany involves multiple steps and attention to various bureaucratic details, making the process potentially stressful for those who face it for the first time. In this scenario, having specialized assistance can make all the difference.

Be Easy offers comprehensive support to optimize your process, with services that include:

For those applying in Brazil:

• Personalized analysis of your profile to identify the most appropriate type of visa
• Assistance in preparing and organizing all necessary documentation
• Detailed guidance for completing consular forms correctly
• Specific preparation for the consular interview with realistic simulations
• Follow-up of the process with the German authorities

For those who choose to apply in Germany:

• Pre-trip guidance on all necessary documents
• Remote assistance for residence records upon arrival
• Scheduling support at the Department of Foreigners
• Review of documentation and forms before submission
• Virtual support during the process, with translations and linguistic support when necessary

For all candidates:

• Support for opening a Blocked Account with the best conditions
• Guidance on suitable health insurance for students
• Clarification of doubts at every stage of the process
• Assistance with document translations and apostilles
• Continuous monitoring from initial planning to obtaining authorization

Our team of immigration specialists to Germany constantly monitors updates in consular regulations, ensuring that your request is always in line with the latest requirements.

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Be Easy

Na Be Easy, we transform the complex process of obtaining a visa or residence permit for Germany into a smooth and successful journey. Our specialized team offers personalized support at every stage, from choosing the educational institution to your arrival in Germany.

With over a decade of experience in educational exchanges, we guarantee not only the approval of your request, but also a transformative experience abroad. Get in touch today and discover how we can make your dream of studying in Germany an accessible and hassle-free reality.

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