How much does a visa to Germany cost? Complete guide 2025
Planning an exchange in Germany involves several costs, with a visa being one of the essential elements. Understanding the amounts involved in the German visa application process is essential for proper financial planning. In this guide, we will detail all the costs related to a student visa to Germany, from official fees to additional expenses that often go unnoticed.
Types of visas for Germany
The German visa system is structured to meet different purposes of staying in the country. For Brazilian students interested in Study and Work in Germany, the most common visa is the national student visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken). This visa is intended for long-term courses, such as undergraduate, master's or doctorate, allowing a stay of more than 90 days.
Unlike other types of visas, such as the Schengen visa (for tourism) or the work visa, the student visa offers additional benefits. It allows students to work up to 120 full days or 240 partial days a year, allowing students to gain professional experience and supplement their income while studying. Upon completion of the studies, it is possible to request a 18-month extension to seek job opportunities in Germany.
The Brazilian advantage: applying for a visa already in Germany
A crucial piece of information that few know: Brazilian citizens have the privilege of entering Germany without a prior visa and applying for a residence permit directly in the country. This rule applies to students with regular enrollment at a German university, who must apply for a residence permit within 90 days of arrival at the Foreign Office (Ausländeramt) of the city where they will be residing.
This differential significantly simplifies the process for Brazilians, eliminating the need for long waits for consular interviews in Brazil. However, it is essential to start the process as soon as you arrive, as in large German cities scheduling at Ausländerbehörde may be limited.
Official student visa costs
To properly plan your budget, it's important to know all the fees involved in the German visa process. The basic amount for applying for a national student visa is the first investment, but there are other related costs:
- National visa application fee: €75 (approximately R$450, depending on the current price)
- Fee for document recognition: €25 (about R$150)
- Compulsory health insurance: Starting at €80 per month (approximately R$480/month)
- Certified translation of documents: Between R$50 and R$120 per page, depending on the type of document
- Authentication of documents: Approximately R$25 per document at the Brazilian registry office
- Biometric photos: Between R$30 and R$60 (set with German specifications)
- Certificate of proficiency in German or English: Between R$500 and R$1,000, depending on the exam
Financial proof: the major requirement
Financial proof is one of the main requirements for obtaining a German student visa. The German government requires students to demonstrate the ability to remain in the country for at least one year. Currently, the stipulated minimum amount is €11,904 per year (approximately R$71,000).
There are different ways to prove this amount. The most common is by opening a blocked account (Sperrkonto) at a German bank. This amount is deposited in advance and released monthly to the student, in installments of approximately €992 (about R$5,950). This financial requirement guarantees that the student will have sufficient resources to cover housing, food, and other personal expenses during the initial period of study.
Visa application process
The German visa application process involves several steps that must be followed correctly to avoid delays or refusals. Learn the step by step:
- Document preparation: Gather all necessary documents, including a valid passport, letter of acceptance from the German institution, financial proof, health insurance, and completed application form.
- Residence registration: Upon arrival in Germany, your first step should be to register your address at the Resident Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt) in your city.
- Scheduling at the Department of Foreigners: Schedule an appointment at the local Ausländerbehörde as soon as possible, as hours are limited in cities like Berlin.
- Translation and authentication: All documents in Portuguese must be translated into German or English by certified translators. Some documents also require an apostille from The Hague.
- Interview: Attend the Department of Foreigners on the scheduled date with all original documents and copies. The interview is generally brief, focused on verifying the documentation.
- Payment of fees: Pay the fees at the time of the interview, generally accepted only in cash or international credit card.
- Receipt of authorization: After approval, which may take a few weeks, you will receive your residence permit.
Additional expenses often overlooked
Many students focus only on official visa fees, forgetting to account for indirect costs that can significantly impact the budget. Transportation to the Department of Foreigners, postal costs for sending documents, and bank fees for international transfers can add hundreds or even thousands of reais to the process. It is also important to consider possible unforeseen events, such as the need to translate additional documents or reschedule interviews.
Tips for saving money in the visa process
There are some strategies to reduce the costs associated with the German visa process without compromising your chances of approval. Plan ahead to avoid emergency fees for services such as translations or authentications. Compare the prices of different certified translators, as the prices may vary significantly. For financial proof, evaluate all available options: in addition to the blocked account, in some cases it is possible to present a letter of financial commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) signed by a German citizen or permanent resident in Germany.
Another important point is health insurance. Some insurance companies offer specific plans for international students with more affordable prices that meet visa requirements. Many German universities also have agreements with insurance companies that offer special conditions for their students. Taking advantage of these opportunities can represent significant savings in the long term.
How Be Easy can facilitate your visa process
Proper preparation for the German visa can be the difference between approval and refusal. A university abroad is a dream for many Brazilians, but the bureaucratic process is often challenging. The German Foreign Departments are extremely strict in their analysis of documentation, requiring that everything be perfectly in order. Common errors include insufficient financial proof, incorrectly translated documents, or motivation letters that don't follow the expected format.
Experienced exchange agencies can identify potential problems even before submission, significantly increasing your chances of approval. In addition, professional support reduces the stress associated with the process, allowing you to focus on preparing for your international experience. It is worth remembering that each case is unique, and a specialized consultant can offer personalized guidance for your specific situation.
Be Easy
A Be Easy offers expert advice for the planning and execution of your dream of studying in Germany. Our team of experienced professionals accompanies every step of the visa process, from orientation on documentation to preparation for an interview at the Department of Foreigners, ensuring that all requirements are met. We facilitate your international journey with personalized services that maximize your chances of approval, saving time and resources. Get in touch today and discover how we can make your exchange project a reality!
