Living and Studying in Halle (Saale), Germany 🇩🇪

(Updated Information for 2025)

Overview of Halle (Saale)

Halle is located in the southern part of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, along the Saale River — the third longest river flowing entirely within Germany after the Weser.
It is the fourth-largest city in the Thuringian-Upper Saxony region, after Leipzig, Dresden, and Chemnitz.

Halle is home to the Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, the largest university in Saxony-Anhalt and one of the oldest universities in Germany.
The city also houses the University Hospital Halle (Universitätsklinikum Halle), offering world-class medical education and services.

Cost of Living in Halle

Halle is considered one of the most affordable cities in Germany.
In comparison to Berlin, the cost of living here is almost half.
This makes Halle an excellent choice for international students seeking affordable education.

The city has a large population of international students and refugees.
Due to the vibrant Arab communities, halal food is easily available through various Arab shops — making life easier for Muslim students.

Nearby Universities

Because Halle is located between Köthen and Leipzig, students from several nearby universities live here comfortably, including:

  • Anhalt University of Applied Sciences

  • Leipzig University

  • Martin Luther University (MLU) students

There is also an active Bangladeshi community ready to welcome and support newcomers.

City Registration (Anmeldung)

Important:
You must book an appointment (Termin) for city registration (Anmeldung) before arriving in Halle.
Appointments can be very limited; if you wait until you arrive, you may have to wait 1–2 months for a slot.

Pro Tip for Students Starting in a New Semester:
Martin Luther University (MLU) reserves special slots for city registration specifically for new students during the first month of the semester.
Students can easily book a registration appointment using the following links:

Students from any university staying in Halle can book using these special slots at semester start.

Residence Permit and Visa Extension

There are two ways to extend your visa in Halle:

  1. By Appointment (Termin):

    • Book a Termin through the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Office) portal.

    • Submit all required documents via an envelope drop-off system.

  2. Walk-In Option:

    • At least one month before your visa expires, you can walk in every Tuesday with all documents.

    • They will extend your visa the same day and give you an appointment date to collect your new residence permit card.

First Visa Extension:

  • Most students receive a 2-year residence permit during their first extension.

  • You don’t need to show a full blocked account — six months’ proof is usually sufficient.

Overall, the visa extension process in Halle is straightforward compared to many other cities.

Job Opportunities in Halle

Christmas Season:

  • Plenty of jobs become available during Christmas, allowing students to earn significantly, even working full-time (legally permissible during semester breaks).

  • Many students can earn half of their blocked account requirement in just three months with Christmas bonuses.

Regular Job Availability:

  • Halle’s proximity to Leipzig (good transportation connections) also opens up more job opportunities.

  • Male students generally find jobs throughout the year without much difficulty.

  • For female students, job availability can be a bit more challenging, depending on the type of work.

Regardless, with effort and the strong Bangladeshi and international communities, students find plenty of support and help.

Final Words

If you plan to move to Halle, Germany, this guide should make your transition smoother.
If you need any assistance, feel free to reach out. I’ll try my best to help within my capacity.
Thank you for patiently reading!