Visa for MPMD Internationals

Student Visa for Non-EU Nationals

As an international student froma Non-EU country, you will usually need to apply for a study visa before arriving in Germany. Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America can enter Germany without a visa (source make it in germany/ status: January 2023).

We will provide you with detailled information and the necessary documents to do so right after your application is completed, so you can start the visa process as early as possible.

Visa with a German university degree

On graduation from the MPMD, you will qualify under this category. With a German university degree, you have different prospects for a visa, depending on your circumstances:

Without job offer

If you come from a third country and don't have a job offer after completing your studies, you can apply for a residence permit.

  • This residence permit is valid for up to 18 months while you look for a job in Germany
  • During these 18 months, you are allowed to take up any type of job
  • No German skills are required (but are always recommended).
  • Prerequisites: Proof of successfully completed studies, proof of health insurance, proof of financial means
    • “Financial means” is usually approximately 900-1,000 EUR per month for the duration of your stay, held in a blocked account or verified with a letter of commitment; details are regulated by the German embassy in your home country.

Please note, that this type of residence permit can not be extended.

With a job offer

If you come from a third country and have a job offer that matches your qualifications, you can apply for either a residence permit for qualified employment or an EU Blue Card.

Your work visa for qualified professionals.

  • This visa is valid for a maximum of four years, and you may qualify for a settlement permit afterwards. Family reunification is possible.
  • No German skills are required (but are always recommended).
  • Prerequisites: You must have a job offer in Germany or valid employment contract for a qualified job, passport, proof of financial means and no existing reason for expulsion.
    • “Financial means” is usually approximately 900-1,000 EUR per month for the duration of your stay, held in a blocked account or verified with a letter of commitment; details are regulated by the German embassy in your home country.
    • If you are over 45 years of age, you need a gross annual salary of at least €48,180 (as of 2023) or proof of adequate old-age pension provisions.

With a job offer and advanced qualifications and salary

On graduation from the MPMD, you might also qualify for the much sought-after EU Blue Card that allows you to work and possibly obtain a settlement permit (permanent residence permit). The EU Blue Card is available to person with a higher education degree and a gross annual income of at least:

  • €58,400 (as of 2023)
  • or €45,552 (as of 2023) for MINT professions, including the IT sector

Details:

  • The EU Blue Card is a special residence permit for international academics seeking qualified employment in Germany.
  • The visa is valid for a maximum of four years, and family reunification is possible.
  • Your local German Foreigners Authority must approve of any job changes taking place within the first two years of employment.
  • No German skills are initially required (but are always recommended).
  • After 33 months (in some cases after 21 months), holders of the EU Blue Card may obtain a settlement permit (for permanent residency). For this, proof of German skills of at least a B1 level (CEFR) is required.

Advantages:

  • Simplified procedure: issued without the involvement of the Federal Employment Agency
  • Early permanent right of residence
  • Less stringent conditions for things such as family reunification

Since the type of residence permit you receive is largely determined by your personal situation, you should seek advice from your Foreigners' Authority when applying. You can also obtain a residence permit even if you have a part-time job offer. It is important that the anticipated salary is sufficient to cover your living expenses. The Foreigners' Authority is the only decision-making body for this matter.

Interested in working in Germany? As a HTW student, the Centre for Study, Career and Start-Up Services will support and guide you from writing your application to successful salary negotiations.

So boost your career and apply for the MPMD now!

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