When switching German universities after already holding a student visa, should I de-enroll from the old university before or after registering in the new city?
Register your address in the new city first, then complete your de-enrollment from the old university afterward. This order avoids a gap where you technically hold a student visa without active enrollment. Notify the new immigration office of the switch within four weeks and keep both certificates handy.
You should register your new city address before officially de-enrolling from your old university, since this order keeps your student status continuous. Enroll at the new university first, then handle your Anmeldung, and only after that complete your exmatriculation from the old one. Getting this sequence right avoids any gap that immigration could flag.
The Correct Order Of Steps
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Enroll at the new university, get your certificate |
| 2 | Register your new address within 14 days of moving |
| 3 | De-enroll from the old university, keep the certificate |
| 4 | Notify the new immigration office within four weeks |
Why This Order Matters
- De-enrolling too early risks a gap where your visa purpose is unclear.
- You can switch once without prior approval within your first eighteen months.
- New address registration helps immigration confirm your local ties quickly.
My Advice
Keep a folder with your old de-enrollment certificate, new enrollment certificate, landlord confirmation, and insurance proof ready together, since immigration officers will want to see this seamless paper trail in one place.
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