FAQ

Ausl?nderangelegenheiten

• Which documents do I have to submit in order to obtain or extend a residence permit?

  You need the following documents:

  • Passport
  • Certificate of enrollment
  • transcript of student records
  • proof of health insurance
  • registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
  • secure living expenses (from WS 20/21 861,- EUR per month)
  • 1 current passport photo

• How long does it take to process an electronic residence title?

  It takes about four weeks to issue an electronic residence permit. So, make sure you apply in due time for your (electronic) residence permit or its extension. At present, the residence cards are sent only by mail!

• I have received the letter with the PIN; can I pick up my electronic residence title at the bsu straight away?

  You can pick up your electronic residence title if you have also received a corresponding email from us with a pickup date.

• I am an international student of a Bremen university and live in the surrounding area of Bremen. Is the bsu also responsible for me?

  Unfortunately, no, as the competence of a German immigration authority is derived from a person¡¯s primary place of residence.

  We process legal residence matters of international researchers, students, and their families who live in the city of Bremen.

• How long may I stay in Germany for study purposes?

  In general, the total duration of your residence for study purposes may last no longer than 10 years. This includes time for study preparation (language course/preparatory course).

• How many days a year am I allowed to work?

  If you hold a residence permit, you are entitled to work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year. This rule does not apply to student assistants working at university: as a student assistant, you may work more.

• I am an international student of a university in the surrounding area of Bremen but live in the city of Bremen. Is the bsu responsible for me?

  If you have registered your place of residence in Bremen, the bsu is responsible for you, even if you are enrolled at a university outside of Bremen. You should present appropriate proof of your stay in Bremen (e.g. internship contract) in addition to your university enrollment confirmation.

• Wird ein Praktikum auf die arbeitsgenehmigungsfreie Besch?ftigungszeit angerechnet?

• I would like to take a semester off, change my course of study or my university. What do I need to consider?

  In these cases, you will generally have to obtain the prior consent of the competent immigration authorities.

• I am doing a language course. Am I allowed to work at the same time?

  Participants in study-preparatory language courses are allowed to work like students. Please note the time limits on employment (maximum 140 full or 280 half days per year).

• I would like to drop out of my university preparatory course/studies and start vocational training. Can I change my residence permit for this purpose?

  There is no legal claim to this!

  However, you can submit a corresponding application for a change of purpose of stay at the bsu. We will then forward this to our head office for final processing.

  In any case, a fee of 98,- € has to be paid at the time of application.

• I have successfully graduated from university and would now like to apply for a residence permit while looking for employment. How long will this permit be valid?

  The permit will be valid for 18 months after the successful completion of your studies (date of your certificate).  

• Can I also apply for a job seekers residence permit as a visiting student?

  Visiting students can only be granted a job seekers residence permit if they also hold a degree from a German university.

• I have already found a job for after graduation. Can I apply for a residence permit for employment at the bsu?

  Yes, you can submit the application for a residence permit for employment at the bsu.

• I already hold a degree from my home country and now I want to drop out of my German university studies in order to take up employment. Can I change my residence permit for this purpose?

  Generally, according to section 16 (2) of the German Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz, AufenthhG), this is not possible. First, you will have to leave the country and apply for a new entry visa at a German embassy or consulate abroad.

  An exception could be obtaining an EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers.

  You will find the requirements in Section 19a of the Residence Act.

• Does the bsu also provide information about VISA procedures that are processed at German embassies or consulates abroad?

  No, we are not authorized to provide information about these matters.

  We generally do not respond to emails, which we receive frequently, about these matters, sometimes from applicants in their home country!

• Can I apply for an EU Blue Card or a permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) at the bsu?

  As a research assistant or professor at a Bremen university or research institution, you can apply for an EU Blue Card or a permanent residence permit at the bsu.

  You will need the following additional documents:

  • employment contract
  • detailed job description
  • proof of your monthly gross income
  • graduation certificate from your German university or recognition of a foreign degree
  • tenancy agreement

  As long as you are working at an academic institution in Bremen, the bsu will be the competent authority for you.

• I am currently working as an au pair in Bremen and would like to study here after my contract has finished. Can I apply at the bsu for an extension of my residence permit in order to study?

  Yes, you can, unless you have already arranged an appointment at our main office (Stresemannstr.).

  In this case, we will be responsible only after you have been granted your residence permit for the purpose of studying.