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Glossary: Language course visa
Category: Visa & Residence Permits (Residence title as a temporary visa or temporary residence permit according to § 4 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 1, no. 2 AufenthG )
Author: Mirko Vorreuter , LL.B. , Attorney at Law and Specialist Attorney for Immigration Law (License examination via the Federal Official Directory of Lawyers possible)
Image description: The image shows a standard sample language course visa issued by a German mission abroad (embassies and consulates general) according to the model of Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format . Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format has been transposed into German law by Section 59 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV ). The visa stamp is printed in Annex D13a of the Residence Ordinance.
If the language course visa is not issued abroad by a German embassy or consulate, but rather domestically by the immigration authorities as an " electronic residence permit (eAT) " pursuant to Section 78 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) (language course visa as a residence permit ), the format of the language course visa is governed by Council Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 on the uniform design of residence permits for third-country nationals , which is regularly updated. In exceptional cases, the language course visa can then also be affixed to the passport by the immigration authorities as an adhesive label ("visa sticker") pursuant to Section 78a of the German Residence Act. The corresponding pattern of the adhesive label is not regulated under European law in Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002, unlike the electronic residence permit, but nationally in Annex D14 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) ( residence permit pursuant to Section 4 Paragraph 1 Nos. 2 to 4 of the Residence Act ).
In the "Remarks" field (or on the supplementary sheet ), the purpose of the residence permit (e.g., "Residence to complete a language course") must be entered for a language course visa. According to Section 4a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) , the scope of permitted employment or self-employment must also be entered (e.g., "Employment permitted up to 20 hours per week. Self-employment not permitted"). The "Remarks" field must also include the substantive validity period of the language course visa if it differs from the formal validity period (e.g., due to an expiring passport ("Visitor's substantive validity until..."). At the discretion of the case worker, further provisions regarding the expiration of the visa may be imposed in the event of discontinuation of the language course or receipt of social benefits.
Table of contents
1. What does a language course visa look like (image)?
2. Definition of a language course visa
3. Who needs a visa for a language course?
4. Example: Language course visa
5. Important information about the language course visa
5.1 Duration of language course visa
5.2 Extension of language course visa
5.3 Costs of a language course visa
5.4 Processing time for language course visa
5.5 Authority responsible for language course visa
6. Rights and opportunities regarding language course visas
6.1 Work permit with the language course visa
6.2 Study, school, language course with the language course visa
6.3 Family reunification with the language course visa
6.4 Travel and stays abroad with the language course visa
6.5 Eligible group of persons for a language course visa
7. Requirements for a language course visa
8. Required documents: Language course visa
9. Apply for a language course visa online
10. Advantages of a language course visa
11. Permanent residence permit with a language course visa
11.1 Path from language course visa to permanent residence permit
11.2 Path from language course visa to naturalization
11.3 Next steps Language course visa
12. Legal basis for language course visa
13. Important laws regarding language course visas
14. Important rulings on language course visas
15. Frequently Asked Questions about the Language Course Visa
16. Further information
16.1 Language course visa in other glossaries
16.2 Related Topics
16.3 Blog posts about the language course visa
16.4 Glossary entries for the language course visa
16.5 Sources and references for the language course visa
Definition of a language course visa
The language course visa pursuant to Section 16f Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act (also: language visa/language school visa; legally correct: residence permit for completing an intensive language course; English: Language Visa/Language School Visa/Language Course Visa) is a temporary residence permit for the purpose of participating in an intensive language course (Section 3 of the German Residence Act (educational migration)) in Germany. In a narrower sense, the term "language course visa" only covers the visa for participation in a language course ( application from abroad , Section 4 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 No. 1 of the German Residence Act), but not the residence permit for participation in a language course ( application from within Germany , Section 4 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 No. 2 of the German Residence Act). In a broader sense, the term language course visa encompasses all residence permits for participation in a language course, i.e. both language course visa (application from abroad, Section 6 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act ) and residence permit for a language course (application from within Germany, Section 7 of the Residence Act ).
Terminologically, a strict distinction must be made between the different types of language course visas . The term "language course visa" usually refers to the residence permit for participation in an intensive language course ( § 16f AufenthG ), but not to the preparatory language course for university studies, which is part of a student visa according to § 16b AufenthG (§ 16b para. 1 sentence 3 no. 1 AufenthG). In rare cases, student visas (§ 16f para. 2 AufenthG) or au pair visas (§ 12 BeschV) are also referred to as language course visas if the student's or au pair's stay is primarily for learning German.
Who needs a language course visa?
The language course visa according to Section 16f Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) is required by all non-European foreigners who wish to complete an intensive language course in Germany. Foreigners who wish to complete a preparatory language course for university studies do not need a language course visa, but can participate in the preparatory language course as part of their study stay according to Section 16b of the German Residence Act (see Section 16b Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act). It is important to note that the language course visa is not required for attending the language school, but only for the stay itself. Educational programs without practical work (including language courses) do not require a work permit, and there is no "educational permit" for this purpose. A language course visa is therefore only necessary if the entry is specifically for the intensive language course. The language course visa is particularly frequently used by citizens of countries with which Germany has close ties to other countries in order to enter Germany visa-free and then trigger the legal fiction of continued residence. In this way, the stay can be extended legally even after the 90 days have expired, without the immigration authorities having to allow it.
Example: An Australian national comes to Germany on a language course visa to get to know German culture for more than 90 days and attend a language course at the same time.
Important information about the language course visa
Duration of language course visa
The validity period of a language course visa, both for initial issuance and renewal, generally corresponds to the duration of the language course (6-12 months). In practice, however, language course visas (especially in Berlin) are also issued for significantly longer periods. Furthermore, language course visas can be extended very easily under Section 16f of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) by way of a so-called "legitimate interest" (Fizuweiseffekt) , as no separate permit is required to participate in a language course.
Language course visa extension
The language course visa can be extended (as a residence permit ) as long as the language course continues. The immigration authorities may check whether the previous language course was successfully completed.
Cost of a language course visa
The fee for issuing a national visa to attend a language course (category "D") is €75, and for extending a national visa (category "D") it is €25 (§ 45 para. 2 of the German Residence Ordinance). If the language course visa is applied for in Germany at the immigration office (language course visa as a residence permit ), the fee is €100 (§ 45 no. 1 of the German Residence Ordinance). For minor language students, the fees are reduced by half (§ 50 of the German Residence Ordinance). Legal fees, potential court costs , and translation and authentication costs may also apply, depending on the specific case.
Processing time for language course visa
Language course visas are not processed with the same priority as work visas, but are still significantly faster than humanitarian and family reunification visas . The processing time for language course visas typically averages between two and six months, depending on the issuing authority and the quality of the submitted documents.
Competent authority for language course visas
For the issuance of a D visa for language course purposes, the German missions abroad authorized by the Federal Foreign Office are responsible, according to Section 71 Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ). If the language course visa is to be applied for within Germany (residence permit for participation in a language course), the immigration authorities are responsible (Section 71 Paragraph 1 AufenthG).
Rights and options regarding a language course visa
Work permit , language course visa
The language course visa generally entitles the holder to employment of up to 20 hours per week ( § 16f para. 3 sentence 4 of the German Residence Act ). Self-employment is not permitted with the language course visa, unless the supplementary provisions allow it (very rarely the case).
Family reunification language course visa
Family reunification with the holder of a language course visa is generally possible ( § 29 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act). The same applies to the reunification of minor children with the holder of a language course visa (see § 32 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act ). In practice, however, all forms of family reunification with language course visa holders face the problem that securing a livelihood is often difficult.
Travel and stays abroad Language course visa
Entry to and exit from Germany is straightforward with a language course visa, as long as the visa is valid . A temporary residence permit ( Fiktionsbescheinigung) is required for travel with an expired language course visa. Stays abroad of up to six months are permitted with a language course visa ( § 51 para. 1 no. 7 AufenthG ).
Eligible group of people for a language course visa
All non-European foreigners (third-country nationals) who wish to learn German are eligible to apply for a language course visa . Eligibility for a language course visa depends on whether it is a preparatory language course for university studies or an intensive language course. The preparatory language course is part of the student visa ( § 16b of the German Residence Act ). However, a foreigner can also be granted a residence permit to participate in language courses that are not preparatory for university studies, provided the language course comprises at least 18 teaching hours per week ( § 16f para. 1 of the German Residence Act ). Contrary to a widespread misconception, there is no age limit for the language course visa.
Requirements for a language course visa
The requirements for a language course visa are regulated in Section 16f Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) and are very low compared to other types of visas, which is why the language course visa is highly susceptible to abuse in practice. This is particularly true because, for a language course visa, no public institution (such as a university for a student visa under Section 16b AufenthG ) or employer (such as for a vocational training visa under Section 16a AufenthG ) needs to be involved, but only a language school, which is not subject to any special public-law audits. Therefore, a particular focus when checking the requirements for a language course visa is on plausibility verification in order to prevent abuse.
The requirements for the language course visa are therefore as follows:
Enrollment in a language school that offers a so-called intensive language course (at least 18 lessons per week).
Plausibility check : the application must demonstrate that the language course generally fits into the applicant's life plan and is therefore plausible (ideally, the applicant has already started learning the language).
No circumvention of other visa regulations: a visa application must not have been previously rejected, otherwise it is obvious that the application for the language course visa is being made to circumvent the respective visa regulations.
The immigration authority approves the issuance of the visa (§ 31 para. 1 sentence 1 no. 2 c) cc) AufenthV)
Securing livelihood : Blocked account and health insurance for Germany ( § 5 para. no. 1 AufenthG )
Valid passport and verified identity (§ 5 para. 1 no. 1a, no. 3 Residence Act)
No ongoing investigations/no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (see Section 79 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act )
No grounds for deportation (no negative AZR/SIS/VIS entries ), no security risk, no criminal record (§ 5 para. 1 no. 2, no. 3 AufenthG) and no entry ban ( § 11 AufenthG )
No specific grounds for refusal (e.g., Section 10 of the Residence Act) and no grounds for expiry ( Section 51 of the Residence Act ) exist.
For initial applications for a residence permit within Germany: Legal first entry with a visa in accordance with Section 5 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act (unless a national of a "Best Friends" country , Section 41 of the Residence Ordinance )
As is typical for training visas, which do not require an employment contract , a blocked account is usually required for language course visas. While, in purely legal terms, proof of sufficient means of subsistence can be provided in other ways, the authorities almost always require a blocked account for language course visas.
Required documents: Language course visa
The necessary documents for a language course visa differ primarily depending on where the visa is applied for (domestic at the immigration office or abroad at a German embassy or consulate). Experience shows that applying for language course visas in Western countries is considerably less demanding than in North Africa or Central Asia. In some countries, the requirements for the plausibility of certain documents are even excessively stringent, to prevent the language course visa from being misused to circumvent visa regulations (especially for family reunification ) due to its relatively low requirements.
Generally, the following documents are required for a language course visa:
Application form ( VIDEX form or online form in the foreign portal when applying for a visa abroad; when applying for a residence permit at the immigration office, the specific form depends on the authority (e.g. contact form or appointment booking))
Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months after planned departure from Germany, the passport must have at least 2 blank pages and must have been issued within the previous 10 years)
Invitation from the language school with details about the course location, course duration and level at the beginning and end of the course, as well as the number of hours per week.
Confirmation of paid course fees for the entire stay
Proof of financing of living expenses ( part-time employment contract (20 hours per week), blocked account , declaration of commitment , scholarship commitment or declaration of support from parents)
A letter of motivation detailing the reasons for the intended language course and the period afterwards, explaining why the language course should take place in Germany, how, where and for how long you have been learning German ( plausibility check ).
A complete, tabular CV in German, including in particular a description of previous education and professional experience, as well as details of full address and contact information.
If you have already acquired German language skills: proof (e.g. language certificate)
For minors: Parental consent form
Proof of health and accident insurance in accordance with EU standards (valid for the entire EU area; minimum coverage: €30,000 including repatriation in case of illness or death; valid from the day of entry for the entire stay)
Other formalities:
When applying with an authorized representative (e.g., lawyer ): Power of attorney
When applying for a visa outside of your home country: valid residence permit
Fees for the residence permit
Photograph (passport photo) that complies with the standards of Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 ; see also sample photos of the Federal Foreign Office
Depending on the authority: Privacy policy
Apply for a language course visa online
The language course visa cannot currently (01/2026) be applied for online via the Federal Foreign Office 's international portal . To apply for the language course visa, the VIDEX form must be completed according to the instructions on the website of the relevant German mission abroad (embassy or consulate) and submitted at the appointment. The online application forms for language course visas can be found on the respective embassy's website as follows:
→ Apply for a language course visa online from Great Britain
→ Apply for a language course visa online from Canada
→ Apply for a language course visa online from Australia
If you are already in Germany, the language course visa can be applied for online as a residence permit at the immigration office as follows:
→ Apply online for a residence permit for a language course in Berlin
→ Apply online for a residence permit for a language course in Munich
→ Apply online for a residence permit for a language course in Hamburg
Advantages of a language course visa
Staying in Germany and multiple entries into Germany are possible.
A language course can be completed in Germany.
There are hardly any requirements for a language course visa if sufficient means of subsistence are available.
The path from language course visa to permanent residence permit
The conversion of a language course visa into a permanent residence permit has no practical relevance.
From language course visa to naturalization
Naturalization is not possible with a language course visa, as Section 16f of the Residence Act is excluded in Section 10 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 Number 3 of the Nationality Act . Contrary to a widespread misconception, this does not mean that the time spent with this type of visa does not count towards the naturalization period . The time spent does count; that is, a change to a different residence permit (e.g., a work visa ) is simply required before naturalization can take place.
Next steps: Language course visa
The first step in applying for a language course visa is usually finding a language school that offers a suitable course. It's particularly important to ensure that it's an intensive course (at least 18 lessons per week). Once you've found a suitable language school, you'll need to pay the fee and obtain a course confirmation, which is required for the visa application. Next, you'll need to open a blocked account and take out health insurance to prove that your living expenses are covered. If you meet all the requirements, you must submit the application online or in person at the immigration office. When applying for a language course visa, be prepared for potentially critical questions about your motivation during the appointment to assess its plausibility . Because the language course visa has few requirements, it's frequently misused. The authorities aim to prevent this misuse through a thorough plausibility check . Our lawyers will be happy to advise you on the specific requirements and assist you with your application. → Book an appointment
Legal basis for language course visa
The legal basis for a visa for an intensive language course is Section 16f Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ). At the European level, the legal basis for the language course visa is Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, study, traineeship, voluntary service, student exchange or educational schemes and au pair employment . The legal basis for a preparatory language course for university studies is Section 16b of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ).
Important laws Language course visa
Important rulings on language course visas
There is hardly any publicly relevant case law on language course visas.
Frequently asked questions about the language course visa
Is it possible to work with a language course visa?
Yes, since the legal changes in 2024, it is permitted to work with a visa for the purpose of an intensive language course. You are allowed to have a secondary job of up to 20 hours per week (§ 16f para. 3 AufenthG).
How do I apply for a language visa in Germany?
The application must generally be submitted to the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need a confirmation of enrollment from a language school for an intensive course (at least 18 lessons per week), proof of sufficient funds (e.g., a blocked account with approximately €1,091 per month), and adequate health insurance. In some cases, for visa-free entry (e.g., for citizens of the USA, Australia, or South Korea), the application can be submitted directly to the immigration office in Germany.
Can you extend a visa by taking a language course?
Yes, a language course visa can be used to extend an expiring visa. The language course visa thus triggers the legal fiction of continued residence according to Section 81 Paragraph 4 of the German Residence Act. In practice, it also frequently happens that citizens of countries with close ties to other EU member states (e.g., USA, UK, Australia, Canada) enter Germany visa-free and then apply for a language course visa at the immigration office (residence permit for attending a language course).
What German level of education is required for a visa?
For a language course visa, you often don't need to prove any prior knowledge, since the purpose of the stay is precisely to learn the language. However, embassies frequently require a plausible letter of motivation when you apply. Prior knowledge is often used as a criterion for this. A1 level language skills are therefore helpful when applying for a language course visa, but are not legally mandatory.
Language course visa in other glossaries
The language course visa can also be found in the following glossaries:
Sources and references for the language course visa
( Government resources and literature )
[1] Visa Handbook, Language Course, Version: 06/2024
[4] BeckOK AuslR/Fleuß, 46th ed. 1.10.2025, AufenthG § 16f Rn. 1-45
[5] BeckOK MigR/Ewald, 24th ed. 1.1.2026, AufenthG § 16f Rn. 1-37
[6] Bergmann/Dienelt/Samel, Commentary on Immigration Law, 15th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 16f
[7] Erbs/Kohlhaas/Hadamitzky/Senge, Strafrechtliche Nebengesetze (AufenthG), 259th ed. October 2025, § 16f para. 1-3
[8] NK-AuslR/Stahmann, 3rd ed. 2023, AufenthG § 16f
[9] Huber/Mantel/Hoffmeister, Residence Act/Asylum Act, 4th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 16f
[10] Eichenhofer in Huber/Eichenhofer/Endres de Oliveira, AufenthaltsR | Part 1. Residence Act, para. 273 | 2nd edition 2025, 8. Residence permit for language courses, student exchange and school attendance (§ 16f AufenthG)
[11] Hornung in Kluth/Hornung/Koch Immigration Law Handbook | § 4 Residence (Requirements, Purposes of Residence, Integration) Rn. 359-364 | 4th edition 2025, 8. Participation in a language course and school attendance
[12] Did you know? How many legal bases does the Residence Act contain for language course stays?, LSK 2024, 04802334, Note on the article by Prof. Dr. Carina Druschke in InfAuslR 2024, 11
Last updated: February 18, 2026
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