Short answer: For a national study visa, the German mission charges 75 euros under section 46 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV), and an extension of a national visa costs 25 euros. Additional costs can arise at the mission, for example for external service providers. Last updated: November 2026, source: the Residence Ordinance.
If you want to study in Germany from a country outside the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, you usually need a visa before you travel. The fee is a fixed item in your budget, and many applicants underestimate the other costs around it. This guide shows which amounts the law names, which additional costs can arise and where you can find the current information.
The most important points at a glance
- Under section 46 paragraph 2 AufenthV, issuing a national visa costs 75 euros, even where several entries are planned.
- Under the same provision, extending a national visa costs 25 euros.
- For extending a Schengen visa beyond 90 days as a national visa, the provision names 60 euros.
- Besides the fee, additional costs can arise at the mission. They differ by country and are published on the mission’s own pages.
- Admission to a full-time degree programme is a requirement for a residence permit under section 16b of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
Which fees does the Residence Ordinance name?
The visa fees are set out in the Residence Ordinance. For the national visa of category D, which covers stays longer than 90 days, section 46 is the relevant provision. It distinguishes between issuing and extending a visa. The table summarises the amounts that the legal text names for these cases.
| Procedure | Amount under section 46 AufenthV | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing a national visa (category D) | 75 euros | Also applies to multiple entries |
| Extending a national visa | 25 euros | Concerns the stay in Germany |
| Extending a Schengen visa beyond 90 days as a national visa | 60 euros | Under section 6 paragraph 2 AufenthG |
Amounts change when the regulation changes, so check the version date of the page you rely on before you budget. The legal text also names certain groups for which no fees are charged. These include, for example, spouses and unmarried minor children of German nationals. If your situation looks like this, read the rule in full and ask the mission.
What does the study visa cost in total?
The visa fee is only one part of the spending. Besides it, costs can arise for booking an appointment, translations, passport photos, insurance proof and service providers. The amount for these items depends on the country, the mission and the provider. No statutory amount covers all of them.
Assumption: the issuing fee is 75 euros. An external service provider charges an additional 30 euros. The costs at the visa office then add up to 105 euros. This calculation is only an orientation, because the service provider fee in the example is chosen freely.
| Item | Where you find the information |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | Section 46 AufenthV, fee as stated in the legal text |
| Appointment booking and service provider | Website of the responsible German mission |
| Translations and certifications | Requirements of the mission and of the university |
| Fees in Germany after entry | Immigration office at the place of study |
How do a visa and a residence permit differ?
The visa allows you to enter Germany and is applied for abroad at the German mission. The residence permit follows in Germany once you have entered. Both documents carry different fees and are issued by different offices. Confusing them leads to wrong cost planning.
Under section 16b AufenthG, students receive a residence permit when they have been admitted to a full-time degree programme at a state or recognised university. The purpose of stay also covers preparatory measures such as a language course or attendance at a Studienkolleg. More on the application at the consulate can be found in Studierendenvisum beantragen: Ablauf beim Konsulat.
How do you plan the costs for your start?
- Enter the visa fee under section 46 AufenthV as a fixed item before you estimate other spending.
- Ask the mission about the additional costs for the appointment and any service provider.
- Include translations and certifications. The mission and the university set the requirements.
- Calculate the fees for the residence permit after entry separately.
- Add all items to one list and update it before you book the appointment.
Common cost traps
- An external provider often charges its own fee on top of the visa fee.
- Translations frequently have to be certified. An uncertified version can lead to a second appointment.
- Passport photos, insurance proof and copies each cost something. Add up these items before the appointment.
- Keep receipts for every payment, because you may need them for the application or later.
- A later application to extend the visa is a separate procedure with its own fee. Do not include it in the first calculation.
Frequently asked questions
Is the study visa cheaper for students?
The legal text names a single issuing fee of 75 euros for the national visa. A separate fee for students does not follow from the provision. If you have a special situation, check the exemptions in the law.
Do I have to pay the visa fee before the appointment?
The mission determines how and when payment must be made. Read the information on its website before you book an appointment. Keep the proof of payment, because you need it for the application.
What does extending a study visa cost?
Under section 46 paragraph 2 AufenthV, extending a national visa is set at 25 euros. The guide Studierendenvisum verlängern: Regeln und Fristen explains which documents apply.
Can I get the fee back if the visa is refused?
The Residence Ordinance does not contain a statement on this point that could be cited here. Ask the mission about its rules for refused applications. The guide Visum abgelehnt: Was Studierende jetzt tun können (in German) describes the next steps.
Are the fees the same in every country?
The legal fee under section 46 AufenthV applies in Germany regardless of where you apply. The additional costs for appointments, providers and certifications do differ by country and by mission, so check the page of the mission that handles your application.
What to do next
- Check the current fees in the wording of the Residence Ordinance and on the website of the mission.
- Set a budget that includes the visa fee, service provider charges and translations.
- Read the requirements for the appointment before you book it, to avoid additional payments.
Related articles
- Studieren in Deutschland als internationaler Studierender: Der Überblick
- Studierendenvisum beantragen: Ablauf beim Konsulat
- Studierendenvisum verlängern: Regeln und Fristen
- Visa appointment at the German mission: finding and preparing it (in German)
- Application from abroad: process, fees and deadlines
Sources: Section 46 AufenthV: visa fees, text without version date, Section 16b AufenthG: study, gesetze-im-internet.de
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
