§ 16f Residence Act
The language course visa allows you to stay in Germany exclusively for the purpose of the language course – for up to 12 months. It does not allow employment and no extension beyond 12 months. If you want to study or work afterwards, you need a different visa.
Allowed
Not allowed
Requirements
The language course visa has comparatively few requirements – but two things are non-negotiable: course confirmation from a recognized provider and proof of living expenses.
What the embassy requires – and what needs to be clarified beforehand
All visa types at a glanceThe course confirmation must come from a language course provider recognized in Germany. It must show the start of the course, the end of the course, the course intensity (weekly hours) and the price. An online course that you can book yourself is not enough - the course must take place in Germany.
Unlike the study visa, there is no legally required blocked account. However, the embassy checks whether the financial resources are sufficient for the stay. Guideline: approx. €700-1,000 per month for accommodation, living expenses and other costs. Means of proof: bank statements, bank certificate, guarantee, proof of maintenance.
| document | Note |
|---|---|
| Valid passport + 2 copies | Min. Valid for 6 months beyond planned departure |
| 2 biometric photographs | 35×45 mm, white background, current |
| Completed visa form | Online, printed, signed |
| Course confirmation | With course location, duration, weekly hours and fee |
| Proof of living expenses | Bank statements (last 3 months), bank certificate or guarantee |
| Proof of health insurance | Must cover entire stay - no travel health insurance |
| Proof of accommodation | Booking confirmation, dormitory confirmation or apartment offer |
| Letter of motivation | Why German, why Germany – short and specific |
| Visa fee | 75 € (cash or card, depending on the embassy) |
Does the visa fit?
The language course visa is the right visa for a minority of people, who want to come to Germany. If you want to live, study or work in Germany long-term, You should first check whether another visa is the better option.
When it's right - and what alternatives are available
Study visa § 16b Training visa § 16a All visa typesCourse provider
The embassy requires course confirmation from a recognized provider in Germany. Online courses and courses in the country of origin are not enough.
Goethe Institute
State recognized, internationally known. Courses A1–C2. More expensive than private providers.
Adult education center (VHS)
Cheapest option. Numerous locations. Not always intensive courses available.
DID German Institute
Intensive weekly courses, several cities. Accommodation can usually be booked.
Carl Duisberg Centren
Intensive courses, German tests, exam preparation. Multiple locations.
Tandem language schools
Several cities. Flexible course formats. Visa confirmations can be issued.
Berlitz Germany
Intensive courses and individual lessons. Focus on work and business German.
Integration course (BAMF)
Only for certain residence permits. Not suitable for language course visa.
Telc / ÖSD / TestDaF
Exam centers, not course providers. Course confirmation comes from the course provider, not the examination center.
The language course visa cannot be extended in order to stay afterwards. If you want to live in Germany long-term, you need the right visa right from the start.
The application process
Select provider in Germany, determine course duration, Course confirmation with all relevant information request. Ensure that the provider issues visa-relevant confirmations.
Course provider's dormitory, host family or private room. Proof of accommodation is required for the embassy appointment. Temporary booking is sufficient as proof.
Book an appointment as early as possible. Prepare all documents completely. Health insurance must cover the entire duration of your stay.
For short stays of less than 3 months: No visa required for non-EU citizens from visa-free countries - but check the embassy to see if this applies.Short conversation: purpose of the stay, course details, financing. Processing time: 2-6 weeks. Passport remains with the embassy.
Accommodation registration is not required for short language course stays - but recommended from 3 months. Attendance at the course is mandatory: absences can be problematic when applying for extensions.
You want to learn German - but not sure whether the language course visa is the right way.
Let us clarify which visa applies to your destination.
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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.