Before You Fly

Germany Pre-Departure Checklist

Go through this list before you leave for Germany. It covers papers, money and the first steps after you land. Amounts are in euro (EUR).

Example: Papers

Complete

Example: Packing

In Progress

Example: Money

Pending

Example: Travel

Pending

Pro Tips:

Keep your passport, visa, admission letter and insurance papers in the small bag you take on the plane.

Final Pre-Departure Preparation

A checklist for students from India and Pakistan in the last weeks before Germany.

Before you book your flight: Check the dates on your visa match your insurance and travel plan.
Before you fly: Keep your key papers in the small bag you take on the plane.
First 14 days: Register your address at the Citizens' Office (Bürgeramt, the city office).

Papers Checklist

Passport with visa

Issued in the last 10 years, with your national visa (a long-stay visa, called a D visa) inside.

Admission letter

From your German university.

APS certificate (India only)

The Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) checks Indian school and university papers. Take the certificate if you needed it for your visa.

Health insurance papers

Cover from the day you plan to arrive.

School and degree certificates

Originals and mark sheets, for enrolment.

Blocked account confirmation

Shows your money for the residence permit for study (the card that lets you live in Germany while you study).

Housing papers

Your rental contract. Later, the landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).

Carry-On Essentials

Financial Safety Tips

Keep your blocked account confirmation safe. You need it for the visa and the residence permit.
Pay visa fees only to the German Missions (the German embassy and consulates). India: or to VFS Global (the company that takes visa appointments for them).

Documents for Financial Setup

Blocked account confirmation, a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung, a letter from a sponsor in Germany who promises to pay your costs) or a scholarship letter
Education loan papers, if you have a loan
Private university fee invoice. India: proof that you paid the first year, or a large deposit (a big part paid in advance). Pakistan: proof that you paid tuition fees, if your course has them.