Research and study
We are delighted that you have chosen Leipzig University, the universities of Leipzig or research institutions for teaching or research visits. We also welcome foreign students who have chosen Leipzig as a place of study.
Certain official procedures must be completed following your arrival in Leipzig and during your stay. We have put together important information and links for you about these official procedures on this webpage.
Please note that in accordance with legal requirements in the Federal Republic of Germany the official language is German (Article 23 of the Law on Administrative Procedures (Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetz). Documents and forms must be completed in the German language. If this is not possible you should be accompanied by an advisor/interpreter/translator when you visit the authorities.
We hope that you have a pleasant and successful stay in our city!
Registering your place of residence
First of all you must register your place of residence in Leipzig. Resident Services Offices are responsible for this.
Applying for a residence permit
You must obtain a residence permit for your stay in Leipzig. The foreigners' authority is responsible for this. You will need to arrange an appointment to come to the office to discuss your request.
- Register an appointment
Registering a vehicle
If you acquire a vehicle it must be registered. If it is already registered to another person you must have it transferred. The vehicle registration authority is responsible for this.
- Information about the registration, change of address and de-registration of your vehicle
- Documents to be submitted for official acts of the vehicle registration authority
Exchange/extension/transfer of a foreign driving licence
If you have a driving licence issued in the EU or EEA you can drive the vehicle classes named in the licence during the validity of the document.
If you do not have a driving licence from the EU or EEA, your driving licence will become invalid six months after taking up residence in the Federal Republic of Germany.
Anyone driving without a valid driving licence is committing an offence. Please apply for the transfer of your driving licence in good time (six to eight weeks before the six month time limit expires).
The driving licence authority is responsible for this.
Link Have you lost or found something or do you want to buy a bicycle by auction?
Giving official notification of a change of residence
When you leave Leipzig and move abroad you must give official notification of a change of residence.