Visa for language teachers
All information about the stay of language teachers in Germany.
Here you learn ...
How language teachers get a work permit in Germany
which applies to employed language teachers who are professionals
which regulations apply to Turkish language teachers in Berlin
Special features of the settlement permit for language teachers
Table of Content
1. Work permit for language teachers in Germany
2. Employed language teachers
2.1 Language teachers as professionals
2.2 Language teachers according to BeschV
2.3 Administrative features of language teacher visas
3. Language teacher stay in Berlin (especially Turkish)
3.1 Language teachers in Berlin
3.2 Language teacher stay for Turks
4. Residence permit for language teachers
5. Conclusion Visa language teacher
1. Work permit for language teachers in Germany
Language teachers who wish to work in Germany often require a visa. This is subject to certain requirements , such as a valid employment contract, professional qualifications, or proof of sufficient language skills. Teachers from non-EU countries in particular are subject to special regulations that must be observed when applying. Those who keep track of everything and prepare all the necessary documents early on can significantly expedite the visa or residency process.
Obtaining a visa for language teachers is not just a formal requirement, but also an important step toward legally compliant employment in the education sector . In this article, we explain which documents are required, the visa application process, and some tips to help you get started in international language teaching.
2. Requirements for the stay of employed language teachers
One option for obtaining a visa for language teachers in Germany is under the Skilled Worker Immigration Act ( Sections 18 et seq. of the Residence Act ). With a recognized degree —for example, in German studies, foreign language didactics, or a language-related teacher training course—they meet the requirements for qualified permanent employment . Trained language teachers are urgently needed, particularly in the areas of integration and language support. Due to the high demand, they are officially classified as a shortage occupation, which also opens up attractive opportunities for international skilled workers to immigrate and practice their profession in Germany (e.g., via the EU Blue Card ). The residence options for recognized language teachers are therefore very good. You can find further information on issuing visas to language teachers (recognized skilled workers) in our corresponding VISAGUARD article on academic skilled worker immigration .
Another option for language teachers to immigrate is to provide native-language instruction in schools under the supervision of the relevant consular mission ( Section 11, Paragraph 1 of the Employment Ordinance ). This regulation applies not only to foreign teachers who provide language instruction, but also to teachers who teach other subjects in their native language. Foreign teachers may not be employed under less favorable working conditions than comparable domestic employees. The standard wage conditions for teachers at embassy schools are to be used as a benchmark. The residence permit pursuant to Section 11, Paragraph 1 of the Employment Ordinance can be issued for a maximum period of five years.
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3. Turkish language teachers in Berlin
The residence of Turkish language teachers in Berlin is particularly relevant due to the high number of Turks in Berlin. Under certain conditions, Turkish citizens can work as language teachers in Berlin schools - even if they are working on behalf of and under the supervision of the Turkish Consulate General. The decisive factor is that the employment relationship is localized in Germany - that is, you as a language teacher live in Berlin and teach children in public schools here. If these conditions are met, you as a Turkish citizen can rely on the so-called ARB 1/80 (see also Section 4 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act ). In contrast to the work of language teachers within the meaning of Section 11 Paragraph 1 of the Employment Ordinance, your work as a Turkish language teacher is not time-limited. You can find further information in our corresponding VISAGUARD article on ARB 1/80 .
4. Self-employed language teachers in Berlin
Independent of the residence regulations described for employed language teachers , self-employment as a language teacher in Germany is of course also possible ( Section 21 of the Residence Act ). For many foreign language teachers , large cities like Berlin in particular offer attractive opportunities to work on a freelance basis – whether through their own language courses, one-on-one instruction, or cooperation with language schools. Those who want to work independently as a language teacher in Berlin benefit from a particular regional demand.
Berlin's international outlook and the large number of expats, tourists, and migrants create a consistently high demand for language courses—particularly for German, English, Spanish, French, and Arabic. For this reason, freelance language teaching in Berlin is viewed positively, even from an immigration perspective. It is recognized that self-employment can provide positive economic stimulus for the region. It is important that applicants provide proof of appropriate qualifications, such as a university degree, diploma, or bachelor's degree in a relevant field. However, anyone wishing to work as a freelancer for a specific language school or institution also requires approval from the Federal Employment Agency—because this type of employment is classified as dependent employment.
A key criterion for granting or extending a residence permit is securing a livelihood . Language teachers must demonstrate that their freelance work generates sufficient income to cover their living expenses in Berlin. In addition to profit statements from a tax advisor, tax assessments or bank statements can also serve as proof. Those who have other sources of income, such as assets or regular support, can also submit these.
Summary of this Page
Germany offers qualified language teachers from abroad attractive opportunities for employment in the education sector – whether employed or self-employed. A key requirement in many cases is the timely application for a suitable visa or residence permit. Language teachers with recognized university degrees, for example, those under the Skilled Immigration Act or the EU Blue Card, are particularly in demand. Alternatively, Section 11 of the Employment Ordinance permits the employment of native-speaking teachers in schools under certain conditions. Special regulations based on ARB 1/80 also apply to Turkish language teachers in Berlin, allowing for permanent employment. Self-employment, for example in the form of language courses or one-on-one tutoring, is also legally supported, particularly in major cities like Berlin – provided that financial viability can be demonstrated. Overall, the path for language teachers to Germany is clearly structured – those who are well prepared and meet the relevant requirements can teach successfully in Germany in the long term.
