International students planning to study in Germany for more than three months will generally need a residence permit after arriving in the country. The permit allows students to legally stay in Germany for the duration of their studies and also grants them certain work rights.
However, the rules vary depending on nationality. Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland do not need either a student visa or a residence permit. Students from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom can enter Germany without a student visa but must apply for a residence permit after arrival. Most other international students require both a student visa and a residence permit.
