Residence Permit for Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) Students: Complete Guide for International Students

Written by Isma Khalid

If you are an international student starting your journey at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), securing your German residence permit is the most critical administrative task you will face after arrival.

Halle (Saale) is a vibrant, historic student hub in Saxony-Anhalt, offering a lower cost of living than major metropolises like Berlin. Navigating the German administrative landscape still demands attention to detail. Incomplete applications or missed deadlines can lead to unnecessary stress and legal complications.

This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the residence permit process specifically for MLU students, from the initial registration in Halle to using tools like VisaFlow to simplify your application.

Who Needs a Residence Permit in Halle?

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

• Non-EU / non-EEA citizen.
• Enrolled as a student at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg.
• Planning to stay in Germany for more than 90 days.

Note: Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland do not need a residence permit. However, they are still legally required to register their address at the Halle Citizens’ Service Office (Bürgerservice).

Student Visa vs. Residence Permit: The Key Difference

It is common for students to confuse these two documents. Here is what MLU students must understand:

• Entry Visa (D-Visa): A student visa is issued by a German embassy in your home country. It typically lasts 90 to 180 days and acts as your "entry ticket." The length of your visa determines how soon you need to apply for the residence permit.
• Residence Permit (eAT): This is the biometric card issued by the local immigration office in Halle. It replaces your visa and covers the full duration of your studies.

Visa-Free Entry:  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, travelers 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.

Mandatory Steps Before Applying in Halle

Before you can approach the Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde), you must complete two preliminary steps.

1. Register Your Address (Anmeldung)

Every person moving to Halle must do city registration within 14 days of moving into their accommodation.

• Where: At one of the Halle Bürgerservice locations or online with a Bund ID or service account  (e.g., Marktplatz or Am Stadion).
• What you need: Your passport and the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (a specific form signed by your landlord or the Studentenwerk).
• Result: You will receive a Meldebescheinigung. Do not lose this; it is required for your residence permit application.

2. Enroll at MLU (Immatrikulation)

You cannot get a student residence permit without proof that you are actually a student. Complete your enrollment at the MLU International Office to receive your Certificate of Enrollment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung).

The Application Process: Ausländerbehörde Halle

In Halle (Saale), the immigration authority is the Landesamt für Einwanderung / Ausländerbehörde.

• Location: Am Stadion 5, 06122 Halle (Saale).
• Submission: Halle has moved toward digital processing. You should generally submit your initial application online via the city’s official portal or by email as directed by the MLU International Office.
• The Appointment: Once your documents are reviewed, you will be invited for an in-person appointment to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a signature).

Documents Required for MLU Students

To ensure a smooth approval, you should have the following documents ready (both originals and copies):

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the application date.
• Biometric Photo: A recent 35mm x 45mm photo that meets German passport standards.
• Proof of Enrollment: Your current Immatrikulationsbescheinigung from MLU.
• Financial Proof: Usually a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) with the required monthly amount, a scholarship award, or a formal letter of obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung).
• Health Insurance: Proof of German statutory insurance (e.g., TK, AOK) or a recognized private alternative.
• Registration Certificate: Your Meldebescheinigung from the Halle Bürgerservice.
• Application Fee: Be prepared to pay approximately €100 for the initial issue.

Simplify the Process with VisaFlow

Bureaucracy can be intimidating, especially in a second language. Martin Luther University partners with VisaFlow to provide international students with professional, step-by-step guidance.

Why use VisaFlow?

• Tailored Checklists: Get a list of documents specific to your nationality and MLU status.
• Document Verification: Ensure your scans meet the strict requirements of the Halle authorities.
• Deadlines: Receive automated reminders so you never risk overstaying your visa.

🎓 Exclusive for MLU Students: You can use VisaFlow free of charge by using the official university access code provided in your admission letter or by the International Office.

Working and Living in Halle

With your student residence permit, you are generally allowed to work:

• 140 full days or 280 half days per year.
• Alternatively, up to 20 hours per week during the semester.
• Jobs as a Student Assistant at MLU usually do not count toward these limits.

Halle offers a high quality of life with green spaces like the Peißnitzinsel and a lower "bureaucratic load" than Berlin, but the same rules of punctuality and organization apply.

Final Thoughts

Your time at Martin Luther University should be defined by your research, friendships, and the culture of Saxony-Anhalt—not by paperwork. By starting early and utilizing the resources provided by MLU and VisaFlow, you can navigate the immigration process with confidence.

Would you like me to help you draft an email to the Halle Ausländerbehörde to inquire about your current application status?

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I apply for an extension?

You should submit your extension application at least 8 to 12 weeks before your current permit expires.

What if I can't get a registration appointment within 14 days?

Halle authorities are aware of high demand. As long as you have booked the earliest available appointment online, you are generally considered to be in compliance. Keep a screenshot of your appointment confirmation as proof.

Can I stay in Germany while my application is pending?

Yes. If you submitted your application before your visa/permit expired, your stay remains legal under a "provisional effect" until the authority makes a decision.