Residence Permit for Hochschule Bochum Students: Complete Guide for International Students

Written by Isma Khalid

If you are an international student at Hochschule Bochum (BO) – University of Applied Sciences, securing your residence permit is a critical step in your journey. Whether you are studying at Hochschule Bochum (BO), navigating German bureaucracy requires timing and precision.

This guide details the residence permit process specifically for students in Bochum, including how to use VisaFlow to simplify your application.

Who Needs a Residence Permit in Bochum?

You must apply for a residence permit for study purposes (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Studium) if you meet the following criteria:

• You are a non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss citizen.
• You are enrolled at Hochschule Bochum.
• You intend to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days.

Student Visa vs. Residence Permit: The Key Difference

Most international students enter Germany with a National Visa (Category D). This visa is usually valid for 6 to 12 months.

Important: Your entry visa is only a "ticket" to enter. Once you arrive, you must convert it into a residence permit issued by the local Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde). The duration of your initial visa can vary: some are issued for six months, while others may be valid for up to a year. The length of your visa determines how soon you need to apply for the residence permit.

Citizens of Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, San Marino, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America do not require a visa to enter Germany. However, in order to study, citizens of these countries are required to apply for a Student Residence Permit within the period of 90 days upon their arrival in Germany.

Disclaimer: Starting from April 2027, travellers who are currently exempt from visas will have to get an online travel authorization (ETIAS) before entering Germany. ETIAS can be obtained in a matter of minutes online, costs about €7, and will be valid for three years.

Step 1: Register Your Address (Anmeldung)

Before you can even look at a residence permit application, you must complete the Anmeldung (address registration). In Bochum, this is handled by the Bürgerbüro (Citizens' Office).

1. When: Within 14 days of moving into your room or apartment.
2. Where: You can visit any Bürgerbüro in Bochum (e.g., Bürgerbüro Mitte or Querenburg).
3. Requirements:
   
   • Passport (and visa, if applicable).
   • Wohnungsgeberbestätigung: A specific confirmation form signed by your landlord (your rental contract alone is usually not enough).

Once registered, you will receive your Meldebescheinigung. Keep this safe! You need it for your bank account, health insurance, and the residence permit.

Step 2: Applying for Your Residence Permit in Bochum

In Bochum, the application process is increasingly digital. The City of Bochum offers an online portal for initial residence permit applications and extensions.

When to Apply?

We recommend starting the process 8–12 weeks before your current visa expires. Do not wait until the last month!

Documents Required for Hochschule Bochum Students

While the Foreigners' Office may request specific items based on your case, you generally need:

• Valid Passport
• Current Biometric Photo
• Certificate of Enrollment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung) from HS Bochum.
• Proof of Financial Resources: Usually a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) with at least €11,904 (for 2026) or a scholarship.
• Proof of Health Insurance: Must be a German statutory or recognized private insurance (e.g., TK, AOK, or Barmer).
• Proof of Address (Anmeldung)

Get Free Step-by-Step Guidance with VisaFlow

Hochschule Bochum partners with VisaFlow to take the stress out of your paperwork. VisaFlow is a digital platform that provides personalized checklists and guides you through every step of the Bochum immigration process.

🎓 Good News: VisaFlow is free of charge for HS Bochum students!

You can access the platform using the official university access code: HSBOCHUM25.

Why use VisaFlow?

• Tailored Checklists: It knows exactly what the Bochum authorities need.
• Document Verification: Ensures your papers meet German standards before you submit.
• Direct Support: Answers questions about blocked accounts, insurance, and appointments.

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Contact & Locations: Ausländerbehörde Bochum

The responsible office depends on your registered address. If you live within the city limits of Bochum, your main contact is:

Ausländerbehörde Bochum

Willy-Brandt-Platz 2-6, 44787 Bochum

• Online Portal: Bochum Serviceportal
• Appointment: Usually booked online or requested via the portal after submitting documents.

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Working While Studying in Bochum

As the holder of a student residence permit, you are permitted to work in an employment relationship for up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year.

Important definitions:

• Employment of up to four hours per day is counted as a half working day
  
• Employment exceeding four hours per day is counted as a full working day
  
  

The 140 full days or 280 half days limit does not include:

• Part-time employment at universities or academic institutions, such as tutoring in student residences or working with university-related organizations
  
• Mandatory internships that are a required part of the degree program
  
• Internships that are demonstrably necessary to achieve the educational objective of the course of study
  
  

Specific rules may still apply depending on your individual residence permit conditions. Understanding your permitted working hours is essential to avoid violations that could negatively affect future residence permit or visa applications.

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After Graduation: Staying in Germany

Once you finish your degree at Hochschule Bochum, you don't have to leave immediately. You can apply for a Job Seeker Residence Permit, which allows you to stay for up to 18 months to find a position related to your studies. During this time, you are allowed to work any job to support yourself.

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Final Tips for Success

• Check Your Email: The Bochum authorities often communicate via the portal or email. Check your spam folder regularly.
• The "Fiktionsbescheinigung": If your visa is about to expire but the office hasn't finished your permit, they will issue this "fictional certificate." It keeps your stay legal while the process continues.
• Keep Originals: Never send your original passport by mail; only upload scans or bring it to in-person appointments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply for my residence permit appointment in Bochum? 

You should begin the process as early as possible to account for the high demand at the Ausländerbüro. The official city portal and the Bochum Foreigners' Office typically allow you to submit your online application or request an extension once there are less than 3 months (90 days) remaining on your current visa or residence permit.

How much does the residence permit cost? 

The initial issuance usually costs around €100, while extensions cost €93. Fees can sometimes be waived for scholarship holders (e.g., DAAD).

Can I travel within the Schengen Area with my Bochum residence permit? 

Yes! Your residence permit (eAT) along with your passport allows you to travel as a tourist to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.