Moving to Germany from India - A Guide for Settling and Studying

All Indian students require a visa to study in Germany. They categorize these into:

• The Student Application Visa: You need this if you're still in the process of applying or are waiting for confirmation of admission from a German University.
• The Student Visa: Once you've secured admission, you can apply for this. It's valid for three months, after which you need to obtain a residence permit for study purposes.

For more details, check the visa information provided by the German Embassy in India. [1]

If you still don´t know how university you should apply for, consider our International University of Appllied Science. IU, Germany's largest private state-accredited university, stands out with its commitment to providing flexibility in the learning journey.

Students have the option to study on campus, allowing them to benefit from a combination of online self-study and classroom learning alongside their peers for 2-3 days per week. Whether in Berlin or Bad Honnef, students can enjoy the complete international student experience. Furthermore, IU offers an 18-month post-study visa, enabling graduates to remain in Germany after completing their degree and seek employment to kickstart their global careers!

Naturally, we will be at your side at every stage of the process of moving from Germany to India: for example, we will send you the official letter of acceptance, needed in order to apply for the student visa. Check our FAQ page to get more information about our on campus studies!

Your Indian university degree needs to be recognized in Germany. The Anabin database or the ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education) hold the key to verifying whether your Indian university degree matches an equivalent German degree.

 Here's how you can access this information: 

1. The Anabin Database: This comprehensive database allows you to check whether your degree is recognized in Germany. [2]
2. Statement of Comparability from ZAB: The Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) can provide a Statement of Comparability for your foreign higher education qualifications. [3]
   

All those wishing to study in Germany need to have health insurance coverage. This could be through a public German health insurance provider (like the trusted TK Health Insurance) or a private health insurance provider (like Feather).

More information can be found on the insurance requirements for the German student visa.[4]

This is to ensure you can support yourself financially during your stay in Germany. One standard method is through blocking an amount in a German Bank, known as a Blocked Account. Before moving to Germany, you must deposit €11,208 in a German-registered bank account. This money will be frozen, and after you arrive, you can only withdraw €934 monthly for your day-to-day expenses [5].

For more detailed information, you can visit the German Embassy in India's website [6].

• Visas are your initial ticket to becoming a German citizen. They allow you to enter and temporarily stay in the country.
• Residence permits, on the other hand, provide more extended stays and options to work or study.
  

Go to your local German embassy or consulate to apply. This includes scheduling a visa appointment, preparing your visa application, and patiently awaiting the results.

After arriving in Germany, switch from your study visa to a Temporary Residence Permit. This facilitates study, part-time work, and the post-study pursuit of employment.

If settling permanently in Germany is your goal, the long term residence permit is a crucial step after a temporary residency period.

There are several job portals tailored for international students to find employment opportunities, such as Englishjobs.de and Monster.de, offering job listings in different sectors. LinkedIn is another valuable platform with comprehensive, location-oriented job listings in Germany.

A German CV usually extends to two pages and includes a professional picture, detailed career history, education, and language proficiency. However, as an Indian candidate, ensuring that your CV adheres to the "Europass" standard could boost the acceptance rate.

Prepare concisely for interviews by familiarizing yourself with common interview questions and honing your self-presentation skills. Make sure to inquire about all the documents required from you.

A German Job Seeker Visa allows international professionals to stay in Germany for up to 6 months in pursuit of a job.

Germans value order and structure, which reflects in their daily routines, public services, and firm adherence to rules and laws. Be it traffic regulations, recycling rules, or work ethics. You can have a look at the official German site of the Federal Foreign Office for more detailed information about German rules and regulations. [17]

Punctuality is considered a sign of respect in Germany. Being on time is expected in all circumstances, whether it's work, a meeting, or even a casual social gathering. Expect people to be on time, and ensure you do the same.

Germans tend to be more formal than casual in most settings. At the workplace, use Mr or Ms followed by the surname unless instructed otherwise.

Germans might come across as reserved initially, but they are friendly and helpful once you get acquainted. Participate in social occasions, get-togethers, and join clubs (known as 'Vereine') to meet new people and build a strong network.

Germans are environmentally conscious and take recycling very seriously. Learn about the recycling system and try to follow it earnestly.

Keep noise levels low, especially on public transport and residential areas, during the night and on Sundays when quiet hours (Ruhezeit) are often observed. Also, don't forget to acknowledge and greet people in places like shared workspaces, elevators, or local stores.

Familiarize yourself with the healthcare system. Regular check-ups and preventive care are encouraged in Germany, and having a good understanding of your health insurance plan will keep you prepared for medical consultations or treatments.

Public transportation in Germany is efficient and punctual. Explore public transport options in your city and consider getting a monthly or annual pass for daily commuting.