Language Course Germany
All information on applying for a language course visa in Germany
Here you learn ...
what types of language courses there are
which visa you need for a language course in Germany
how to apply for the language course visa
when the language course visa can be rejected
Author
Lawyer
Reading Time
9 Min.
Release Date
01.03.2025
Table of Content
1. Complete a language course in Germany
2. Who can apply for a language course visa?
3. Application for the language course visa
4. Preparatory language course
5. Reasons for rejection and misuse of language course visas
6. FAQ Language Course Germany
1. Complete a language course in Germany
A language course visa for Germany enables foreign nationals to travel to Germany for an intensive language course . But what requirements must be met? Which language courses are permitted? And how does the visa application process work? You can find all the important information here.
2. Who can apply for a language course visa?
In principle, third-country nationals can apply for a language course visa if they want to attend an intensive language course in Germany. A distinction must be made between language courses that prepare students for university (Section 16b Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 and Sentence 3 No. 1 Residence Act, Section 16b Paragraph 5 Sentence 1 No. 2 Residence Act) and other language courses or intensive language courses (Section 16f Paragraph 1 Residence Act). An intensive language course is designed to impart comprehensive knowledge of German in a short period of time.
In order for a visa for a language course to be issued, the following requirements must be met:
Approved intensive language course : The course must include at least 18 hours of instruction per week; evening and weekend courses are not sufficient. The course must be limited in time and have the goal of imparting comprehensive knowledge of German.
Proof of financing: The applicant must prove that he or she is financially secure during the stay. This can be done through a blocked account (currently at least €11,208 per year) or a declaration of commitment.
Health insurance and accommodation must be proven
3. Application for the language course visa
The visa application for a language visa must be submitted to the German diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in the home country. The processing time can be several weeks to months.
For the language course visa, at least the following documents must be submitted:
Completed visa form
Valid passport
proof of the language course (confirmation of registration)
proof of financing (e.g. blocked account)
proof of health insurance
proof of accommodation
motivation letter
CONTACT US
Are you looking for a lawyer in German immigration and foreigners law? We are happy to support you in residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities and administrative courts.
Contact us to book a video call consultation with a German immigration lawyer!
VISAGUARD.Berlin Legal Services
In individual cases, the embassies may request additional documents.
4. Preparatory language course
In addition to the intensive language courses (see above), there are also visas for language courses in preparation for university studies . A visa for a language course in preparation for university studies enables international applicants to improve their language skills in Germany before they begin studying at a German university . In principle, such a visa is issued if admission to full-time study has been granted and university admission is linked to prior attendance of a language course.
Even without direct admission to a university, a preparatory language course can be completed in Germany if the general requirements for a student visa are met. The language course must be an intensive language course that specifically prepares you for a recognized language test for university entrance . After completing the language course, international applicants have the option of extending their residence permit in order to attend a preparatory college or to start studying directly, provided the other requirements are met.
5. Reasons for rejection and misuse of language course visas
As part of the implementation of the REST Directive, specific reasons for rejecting visa applications for the purpose of attending a language course were standardized by law. According to the law, an application can be rejected if the language school was founded primarily to facilitate the entry and residence of foreigners, which constitutes abuse . This abuse is examined if there are concrete indications, for example if the institution does not carry out any original training activities or has only been in existence for a short time. However, the mere fact that a language school primarily accepts course participants who are required to have a visa does not constitute abuse.
In addition, the application can be rejected according to Section 19f Paragraph 4 Numbers 2 to 5 of the Residence Act if certain insolvency circumstances are met. These circumstances will only be examined if there is concrete evidence, such as media reports or notifications from the immigration authorities. In addition, the Residence Act allows the authorities to exercise discretion if evidence or concrete indications suggest that the entry is intended for a purpose other than that stated.
6. FAQ Language Course Germany
Does the immigration authority at the place of residence have to approve the language course visa?
No. No approval from the ABH is required to issue a visa to attend a language course (Section 31 Paragraph 1 No. 1 Residence Ordinance). The ABH is only involved in the case of relevant previous stays (Section 31 Paragraph 1 No. 2c) Alt cc) Residence Ordinance).
Can I work with the language course visa?
Yes, gainful employment alongside the language course is permitted for up to 20 hours per week (Section 16f Paragraph 3 Sentence 4 of the Residence Act).
What are the additional conditions for issuing a language course visa?
The visa must be subject to the following conditions: "Only entitles you to participate in a language course at ....[name of language school]. Employment of twenty hours per week is permitted. Self-employment is not permitted."
This may also interest you
Further Information
Apply for a residence permit for a language course in Berlin
Information about the language course visa at make-it-in-germany.com
Information on the language course visa from the Federal Foreign Office
Visa Handbook, Language Course, Status: 06/2024
