Which documents should I keep in my hand luggage when I move to Germany as an Indian student?
02 Nov 2026 · Answered by Arati Rai · 1 min read
Quick Answer
verified
Keep your passport and Germany student visa, admission letter and accommodation proof, academic certificates, financial and insurance papers, and identity documents ready first. Some offices also ask for certified translations, usually in German or English. Scan every paper and save a copy online as a backup.
Your documents should go into the bag before your clothes and gadgets. Sorting them into five groups makes the packing list for Germany much easier to follow.
Five Groups of Documents
| Type of documents | What to include |
|---|---|
| Travel and visa | Passport, Germany student visa |
| University | Admission letter, accommodation confirmation or rental contract |
| Academic | Marksheets, degree certificates, academic transcripts, language test reports, APS certificate |
| Money and insurance | Blocked account confirmation, scholarship letter or loan papers, health insurance proof |
| Identity and extras | Aadhaar card, PAN card, 4 to 6 passport size photos, vaccination records |
Translations and Backups
- Some universities and offices in Germany also ask for certified translations of your certificates, usually in German or English.
- Scan every paper and save it in your email or a cloud drive so you can still reach it if the originals get lost.
My Advice
Put the originals in one folder that stays with you on the flight, and keep digital copies in two places. Check your university and the official German authorities for any extra document they ask for.
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