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Short answer: Register in person at any Bürgeramt in Frankfurt, with an online appointment. Then: apply online through the Ausländerbehörde's application page; permits are usually issued for two years. Budget for rent of €630 a month.
| Register your address | Register in person at any Bürgeramt in Frankfurt, with an online appointment. City of Frankfurt: registration of residence |
|---|---|
| Residence permit office | Ausländerbehörde Frankfurt am Main (online application) |
| Typical rent | €630 a month (average room in a shared flat, utilities included, winter semester 2026/27 (Moses Mendelssohn Institut / WG-Gesucht)) |
| Fixed monthly costs | ≈ €145 health insurance + your share of the €18.36 broadcasting fee + your university's semester fee (usually includes the Deutschlandticket) |
Step 1: register your address (Anmeldung) in Frankfurt am Main
- Deadline: German law requires registration within two weeks of moving in.
- Where: any Bürgeramt in Frankfurt, regardless of your district.
- Appointment: book online through the city's appointment service.
- Bring: original documents only (passport, landlord confirmation). The city's forms are in German only.
After registering you receive the registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung); your tax ID and a broadcasting fee letter follow by post.
Step 2: residence permit in Frankfurt am Main
Office: Ausländerbehörde Frankfurt am Main (online application).
- Documents: passport, biometric photo (under 6 months old), study visa with entry stamp, enrolment certificate showing your subject and semester, health insurance, proof of money.
- Fees: €100 for the first permit, €93 for an extension; free for holders of German public or EU-funded scholarships.
- Duration: usually two years at a time, up to 10 years for a full degree including preparation.
Apply before your visa expires and keep proof that you did. Under § 81 (4) of the Residence Act, a timely application generally keeps your stay lawful until the office decides; ask for a provisional certificate (Fiktionsbescheinigung) if you need proof.
Step 3: monthly budget in Frankfurt am Main
The calculator starts with Frankfurt am Main's rent figure. Change every field to your own situation; food, phone and other costs are example values. See also costs in other cities and health insurance.
- Rent:
- Semester fee:
Semester fee per month: … · Your share of the broadcasting fee: …
Total per month:
…
Sources
- City of Frankfurt: registration of residence (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Ausländerbehörde Frankfurt: start and extension of studies (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Rent figures and their sources
General information, not legal advice. Rules and office procedures change; confirm with the office before you go.