Moving to Berlin
... an exciting step in your international career
The links below answer common concerns for students coming to Germany. Every year, about half of ESMT's students relocate to Berlin from abroad - typically the students who study full-time. Some students plan to return home after graduation, and some come to ESMT with the goal of staying in Germany and hence participating actively in Europe’s largest economy. There are also many students who are considering changing location and moving to any given country post-graduation. No matter what the end goal is however, all full-time students spend time living and studying in beautiful Berlin.
Living in Germany during your studies is rewarding. The country is well connected to the whole of Europe, which means that you have a wide variety of vacation options during your study breaks. The visa processes are relatively easy and straightforward – you receive personal support for these steps from our Student Services team once you are accepted for a program.
Students with disabilities who are looking for more information about accessibility and accommodation in Germany can visit this website.
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Before you arrive
Your ESMT degree program application must be approved and accepted. Once they confirm attendance to ESMT, full-time students will receive a Student Handbook from our Student Services Team that contains detailed information and advice on immigration to Germany and relocation processes. The team will also give you advice and support for any necessary visa applications to enter Germany.
As a general rule, all foreigners staying in Germany for more than 90 days wanting to work or study in Germany need a visa before entering Germany, however there are several exceptions.
Nationals of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and the United States may apply for the necessary permit after arrival in Germany. The same applies for nationals of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino who do not intend to take up employment.
Admitted students from some countries will need to apply in person at the German embassy to receive a visa. Only once a visa is obtained can these students board a plane to Berlin. Visa processing from the local German embassy typically takes six to ten weeks.
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Arriving in Berlin
A wide variety of accommodation is available in Berlin for your needs. Typically, our students are able to find an apartment in Berlin before, or during the first weeks, of their respective program. ESMT partners with various private and public housing providers to arrange housing opportunities for our students. The Student Services office not only provides information and support on the housing search, but also for registering your new address with the Berlin authorities, getting the right health insurance, opening a German bank account and, where applicable, applying for a German residence permit. Full details of these procedures are provided in the Student Handbook, and at orientation sessions during the first week of class.
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Staying in Germany after graduation
Up to 90% of ESMT graduates of full-time study programs (such as the Master in Management and the Full-time MBA) stay in Germany after graduation. Most of these students are non-Germans hired by local German startups, small companies, and multinational firms who need valuable international business expertise in their industries.
After graduation, students can extend their residence permit and stay in Germany for up to 18 months while looking for a job. During the job search phase, graduates are allowed to work in any job without restriction. Once a suitable employment is secured, graduates are advised to apply for a work permit.
ESMT graduates also enjoy significant benefits in obtaining a work permit in Germany. German companies are incentivized to hire foreign talent with a degree from a German school through fewer HR constraints. This allows ESMT graduates to be competitive players when applying to jobs in Germany.
