Language Course Germany

All information from the immigration lawyer 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

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 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

Contact us

Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!

Book Appointment

Reputable VISAGUARD lawyer in a suit tying his jacket.jpg

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

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.

Contact us

Book Appointment

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. A visa to attend a language course does not require approval from the Federal Office for Foreigners (ABH) (Section 31, Paragraph 1, No. 1 of the Residence Ordinance). The ABH is only involved in cases of relevant prior stays (Section 31, Paragraph 1, No. 2c, Alt. cc, of the Residence Ordinance).

Can I work with the 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 attend 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 not permitted. 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.