Offices that handle residence permits in German cities

Check how your city starts an application

Residence permits are decided by the foreigners’ office for the place where you live, and in some regions that is a district or regional authority rather than the city itself. That authority sets the first step and the list of papers you are asked for.

2 offices in Bochum
  • Bochum

    For international students

    Ausländerbüro der Stadt Bochum

    Willy-Brandt-Platz 2–6, Rathaus Bochum, 44787 Bochum

    From the fifth semester the city also asks your university to say whether and when you are expected to finish.

    Prepare passport/travel document, current digital biometric photo, phone/email and enrolment certificate or evidence of language-course/Studienkolleg participation. Supply health-insurance and funding evidence: for example a blocked account, scholarship or formal undertaking, with regular incoming-payment statements where requested. From semester five obtain the institution’s completion assessment. Ask about additional evidence and your fee; no approval or processing time is guaranteed.

  • Bochum

    Ausländerbüro der Stadt Bochum

    Willy-Brandt-Platz 2–6, Rathaus Bochum, 44787 Bochum

    Start with the city’s online application and pick the reason for your stay, such as work, study or family.

    Prepare passport/travel document, a current digital biometric photo, income evidence and your phone/email. The city gives three wage slips or a tax adviser’s income certificate as examples. Include a Jobcenter decision, school certificate for school-age children and integration-course participation evidence where relevant. Additional evidence depends on the residence purpose; confirm the fee and personal-appointment requirements.

Guides

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Residence permit applications in Germany

For students, workers and family members from outside the EU. See which office handles your stay and how applications start.

Residence permits in Germany