Anyone who doesn't have a place to study or a job offer, but still for one If you want to come to Germany for a German course, you need a language visa. It allows you to stay for a language course for up to 12 months – but no working, no studying, no changing to another status without having to leave the country again and get a new visa.
Requirements
The language visa according to Section 16f Residence Act is intended for non-EU citizens, who want to attend a language course in Germany. Three things must be present: registration at a recognized school, Proof of financing and a plausible intention to leave again afterwards or to obtain another legal residence status.
What the embassy checks before the appointment
The school must be recognized by the responsible federal state. Well-known providers such as Goethe-Institut, Berlitz, DeutschAkademie, Sprachcaffe and many VHS facilities meet this requirement. The embassy requires confirmation of registration with course duration, Course start date and course fee. A course fee that has already been paid significantly strengthens the application.
Subsistence must be secured for the entire duration of the course. The embassy typically expects proof of at least €934 per month (based on the blocked account amount for the study visa). Accepted evidence: Recent bank statements 3 months, blocked account, declaration of commitment from one in Germany living person.
The passport must be valid for the entire duration of the course plus 6 months. The embassy checks whether there is a plausible intention to return: permanent homeland, family ties, career prospects. Anyone who has no understandable reason, after the course Leaving the country again risks rejection.
Travel or international health insurance is for the entire duration of your stay required. It must be valid in Germany and the EU and have coverage of at least €30,000. Many language schools offer Insurance packages – or recommend suitable providers.
12 mo.
§ 16f AufenthG · Extendable under conditions The language visa can be extended once in justified cases - if the course has not yet been completed and financing is still secured. No right to an extension.
934 €
Per month · Proof through bank statements or blocked account The guideline value is based on the blocked account for the study visa. Course fees are added on top - plan the total costs realistically.
No
No mini-job either · No internships either The language visa only allows you to attend the language course. Any gainful employment – even minor work – is not permitted and can lead to expulsion.
documents
The exact list varies depending on the embassy and country of origin. The following overview is considered standard for most cases – Always check the current list of the responsible German embassy.
Complete list of documents for the embassy appointment
| document | When requested |
|---|---|
| Educational qualifications/certificates | To prove your intention to return home and your level of education |
| Proof of current job or studies in your home country | Proves there is a reason to return |
| Current knowledge of German | Sometimes required if the course requires prior knowledge |
| Proof of accommodation in Germany | If accommodation has already been booked – confirmation of the language school or accommodation |
| Proof of marital status | Marriage certificate, children's birth certificates - shows ties in the home country |
What is allowed
The language visa has clear limits. Whoever exceeds them not only risks expulsion, but also entry bans for future visas.
Clear borders – which you should know before you enter the country
What is possible with the language visa
What is prohibited with the language visa
Many come with a language visa and then want to study or work. The visa itself does not allow a direct change. In practice, there are two ways: leaving the country and applying again at the German consulate in the home country (cleanest way), or in rare cases an extension and registration by the immigration authorities in Germany (highly dependent on the responsible authority and the situation).
If you plan from the start to study or work afterwards, This should communicate with the embassy and the appropriate way aim for directly – for example by providing evidence of a planned University admission or a job offer after the course.
School & course
Not every language school in Germany is suitable for the language visa. The embassy only accepts state-recognized schools with proven quality standards.
What the embassy expects from the school
| Provider | Special feature | Certificates |
|---|---|---|
| Goethe Institute | State-funded, known worldwide, highly accepted by embassies | A1–C2 Goethe certificate |
| German Academy | Large language schools in several German cities, cheap | Own certificates, telc exams |
| Berlitz | International, intensive, often for working people | Own certificates |
| Sprachcaffe | Cheap combination offers with accommodation | Own certificates, Goethe exams |
| VHS (Volkshochschule) | Cheapest option, nationwide throughout Germany | telc, Goethe, DTZ |
| Carl Duisberg Centren | Intensive courses, exam preparation, good for TestDaF/DSH | TestDaF, DSH, Goethe |
If you want to use the language visa as a preliminary step to studying, should choose a course that is based on DSH or TestDaF prepared. Anyone who wants to learn German for their job is welcome B2 or C1 well positioned at the Goethe-Institut or telc. The course objective and the target level should be in the motivation letter be clearly described – this strengthens the visa application process.
Embassy · Waiting times
Waiting times at the embassy for the language visa can also be several weeks. Book the appointment as soon as school registration is available - prepare documents in the meantime.
6-14 weeks
Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan – high demand, especially in the summer months
Book an appointment immediately when the decision has been made - not after you have registered for school
4-12 weeks
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia - varies greatly depending on the consulate location
Check several consulate locations - sometimes significantly shorter waiting times at branch offices
2-6 weeks
Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan – waiting times tend to be shorter than in Asia
The political situation can affect appointment availability at short notice - remain flexible
2-5 weeks
Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia – shorter waiting times in comparison
EU accession process simplifies visa procedures to some extent - ask the embassy for the current situation
1-4 weeks
Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador – tend to have shorter waiting times, seasonal fluctuations
Summer months (June–August) are high season – plan early
4-10 weeks
Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa – few embassy locations, sometimes long journeys
Check whether the visa can also be applied for at another embassy in the region
Typical mistakes
No convincing reason for the stay
The embassy checks whether the application is credible. “I want to learn German” is not enough – you need a specific goal: Preparation for studies, professional use of language skills, preparation for a relationship/family in Germany. The clearer and more comprehensible the goal, the better the chances.
No convincing ties in the home country
Those who are young, unmarried, without a job and without real estate in their home country are often viewed more critically by embassies. The question is: Why would this person return? Anyone who can prove that they have ties (university place, job, family, possessions) will significantly strengthen their application.
Only the course costs, not the living costs are proven
Many people only charge the course fee. The embassy wants to see that rent, food, insurance and everyday costs are also secured. Guideline: at least €934 per month in the account, plus the course fee. Anyone who cannot prove this will not get the visa.
Working on the side with the language visa
One of the most common misunderstandings: The language visa does not allow work – not even a mini-job. Anyone who still works risks immediate expulsion and an entry ban. Anyone who needs to earn money needs a different visa - or has to secure financing differently.
Language visa as a way to study or work without Plan B
Many people want to study or work after the language course and think that this will automatically work from home. In most cases you have to leave the country and apply for a new visa. Anyone who doesn't plan for this will find themselves in Germany without legal status after the course. Clarify the transition plan in good time.
What comes next
You know what the language visa requires.
Let us clarify whether your plan is realistic and complete.
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As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.