In general, all third country nationals require a valid entry visa for Germany. A national visa (Type D) for study purposes, intended for stays exceeding 90 days, must be obtained from the German Embassy or Consulate responsible for your current place of registered residence. It is advised and if possible, to submit the visa application minimum 4 months in advance of your planned start date of studies at ESCP Berlin.
Nationals of the European Union (EU) are exempt from the German student visa requirement. This includes citizens of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Citizens of Switzerland and the European Economic Area (EEA) - Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are exempt as well.
Certain nationals enjoy a preferential treatment and can enter Germany without obtaining an entry visa according to section 41 of the German Residence Ordinance. This includes citizens of Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, San Marino, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. The required residence permit for study purposes must be applied for at the local immigration office within 90 days of entry. Gainful employment in Germany is only possible and allowed if you hold a valid German visa or a residence permit.
You must possess your original and a valid passport at the time of entry into Germany.
For stays in Germany exceeding three months, all students are required to complete the city registration process (Anmeldung in German), regardless of their nationality. Detailed information can be found in the Housing – City Registration section.