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Language course Germany
All information from an immigration lawyer on applying for a language course visa in Germany.
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About this Page
what types of language courses there are
which visa you need for a language course in Germany
how to apply for a language course visa
when the language course visa can be rejected
Table of Contents
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
7. Conclusion
1. Complete a language course in Germany
A language course visa for Germany allows foreign nationals to travel to Germany for an intensive language course . But what requirements must be met? Which language courses are accepted? And how does the visa application process work? Here you'll find all the important information.
2. Who can apply for a language course visa?
In principle, third-country nationals can apply for a language course visa if they wish to attend an intensive language course in Germany. A distinction must be made between preparatory language courses for university studies (Section 16b (1) Sentence 2 and Sentence 3 No. 1 of the Residence Act, Section 16b (5) Sentence 1 No. 2 of the Residence Act) and other language courses or intensive language courses (Section 16f (1) of the Residence Act). An intensive language course is designed to impart comprehensive German language skills in a short period of time.
In order to be granted a visa for a language course, the following requirements must be met:
Approved intensive language course : The course must consist of at least 18 teaching hours per week; evening and weekend courses are not sufficient. The course must be limited in time and aim to impart comprehensive German language skills.
Proof of financial security: Applicants must provide evidence of financial security during their stay. This can be done through a blocked account (currently at least €11,208 per year) or a declaration of financial commitment.
Proof of health insurance and accommodation must be provided
3. Application for the language course visa
The application for a language visa must be submitted to the German diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in the applicant's home country. Processing time can take several weeks to months.
For the language course visa, at least the following documents must be submitted:
Completed visa form
Valid passport
Proof of language course (registration confirmation)
Proof of financing (e.g. blocked account)
Proof of health insurance
Proof of accommodation
Letter of motivation
In individual cases, the embassies may request additional documents.
4. Preparatory language course
In addition to intensive language courses (see above), there are also visas for preparatory language courses . A visa for a preparatory language course allows international applicants to improve their language skills in Germany before beginning their studies at a German university . Generally, such a visa is issued if admission to full-time study has been granted and university admission is contingent upon prior attendance of a language course.
Even without direct admission to a university, it is possible to complete a preparatory language course in Germany if the general requirements for a student visa are met. The language course must be an intensive language course specifically preparing for a recognized language exam for university entrance . After completing the language course, international applicants have the option of extending their residence permit to attend a preparatory college (Studienkolleg) or to begin their studies 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 grounds for refusal of visa applications for the purpose of attending a language course were legally standardized. According to the law, an application can be rejected if the language school was primarily founded 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 pursue any original educational activity or has only been established for a short time. However, the mere fact that a language school primarily accepts course participants who are required to obtain a visa does not constitute abuse.
Furthermore, the application may be rejected pursuant to Section 19f Paragraph 4 Nos. 2 to 5 of the Residence Act if certain insolvency criteria are met. These criteria will only be examined if there is concrete evidence, such as media reports or notifications from the immigration authorities. Furthermore, the Residence Act provides administrative discretion if evidence or concrete indications indicate that entry is intended for a purpose other than the stated purpose.
6. FAQ Language Course Germany
How much time do I need to invest per week in the intensive language course?
For an intensive language course visa, you must attend at least 18 hours of 45-minute classes per week. Classes should take place daily.
Does the immigration authority at the place of residence have to approve the language course visa?
No. A visa to attend a language course does not require approval from the Federal Office for Foreigners (ABH) (Section 31 (1) No. 1 of the Residence Ordinance). The ABH is only involved in cases of relevant prior stays (Section 31 (1) No. 2c) Alt. cc) of the Residence Ordinance).
Can I work with a language course visa?
Yes, 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 authorizes participation in a language course at ....[Name of language school]. Employment of twenty hours per week is permitted. Self-employment is not permitted."
7. Conclusion
A language course visa pursuant to Section 16f of the Residence Act allows third-country nationals to enter Germany to participate in an intensive language course of at least 18 hours per week. It is not intended for evening or weekend courses. To apply for a language course visa, you must provide proof of a place on the course, a blocked account or a letter of commitment, as well as health insurance and accommodation . Employment is permitted for up to 20 hours per week; self-employment is prohibited. The immigration authorities are not required to approve it unless there is relevant prior residence (i.e., previous residence in Germany with a temporary suspension of deportation (Duldung) or permission (asylum) or deportation from Germany). If misuse is suspected (e.g., bogus language schools), the visa may be refused. Foreign missions (embassies and consulates) generally examine language school visas very thoroughly due to the risk of misuse.
Further Information
List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Kluth/Heusch, BeckOK, Aliens Law, 3rd edition 2025, § 16f
[2] Regarding the purpose of an intensive language course, see BVerwG judgment of 4 September 2012 – 10 C-