This FAQ is for general guidance. The answers do not replace legal advice, no individual examination and no decision by an authority, embassy, university or other responsible body. Requirements, amounts, deadlines and procedures are subject to change. Please always check important points additionally with official authorities.
That's exactly what we're here for. In the free initial consultation, we will generally classify your current situation (school qualifications, professional experience, language skills, personal wishes). Then we will show you possible paths: study, training, work or language course. You don't have to have a fixed plan - we'll help you sort out the next steps better.
The initial consultation (30-45 minutes) is free and non-binding. You will receive an initial classification of your situation and a possible sequence of the next organizational steps. Paid services only arise if they are separately agreed upon in advance or expressly booked.
No. Lalmano works independently and does not sell language courses, visa applications or insurance. If we point out a German course or an official office, this is to provide orientation for the next step. You should also compare and check providers, courses and requirements yourself.
This depends heavily on the destination country, qualifications, chosen path and responsible authorities. A study visa can require roughly 6-12 months of preparation (language course, APS, application, visa). Depending on the process, a work visa can also be faster or significantly slower. Training can often take 6-9 months of preparation. The information provided by the responsible authorities and the specific situation are decisive.
Yes, by appointment. Our office is in Essen. On site we can chat in a calm atmosphere, go through your documents and plan the next steps. Simply contact us in advance by email or telephone.
Yes, the initial consultation can be carried out in German, English and - depending on availability - in Turkish, Arabic or Spanish. Just talk to us. The written documents and checklists are available in German and English.
Many providers sell specific services such as visa applications, courses or insurance. Lalmano focuses on orientation, structure and organizational classification. We work commission-free and independently. Our goal is to help you better understand which next step should be considered.
Ideally: CV, certificates (school, studies, vocational training), current language certificates (if available), if applicable, existing approvals or job offers. You can also simply describe your situation - we will help you identify the relevant documents later.
This is possible for an initial orientation; You don't have to reveal any sensitive data. Real contact details may be required for further organizational classification. Please do not send any identification documents, notifications, passport numbers, residence permit numbers or other sensitive documents via open forms, email or WhatsApp. Information on processing can be found in the Privacy Policy.
“Lalmano” is a made-up word creation for Llightness, Alround, Management and No (“No pressure to sell”) stands - above all for clarity and the first step. The most important thing is: the name is short, easy to remember and stands for reliable orientation.
For many German-language degree programs C1 demanded, often over TestDaF 4×4 or DSH-2. Some universities accept B2 with conditions, English-language programs often require other evidence such as IELTS or TOEFL. The specific admission regulations of the university are always decisive.
TestDaF is available worldwide, standardized and easy to plan. DSH is offered at German universities and is often tailored to the respective university. Which exam is accepted can vary depending on the university and course of study. Please check the specific requirements of your desired university.
The Academic Testing Center (APS) checks the authenticity and plausibility of educational certificates for certain countries of origin. Whether and when an APS certificate is required should currently be checked with the APS, the university and the visa office. Processing times of 6-12 weeks are only a guide and are subject to change.
This depends on the country of origin, degree, grades and university. In the database anabine and at the university you can check how your school qualification is classified. A preparatory college may be required, especially in certain school systems. The final assessment is made by the responsible university or recognition body.
In many cases, proof of financing must be provided for the visa. As of now, May 2026 will be common €934 per month or €11,208 per year mentioned as a reference value; Amounts are subject to change. The provider, embassy or immigration authority should be checked currently. Alternatively, depending on the case, a declaration of commitment or other evidence may be relevant.
Special employment limits often apply to students from non-EU countries 120 full days or 240 half days per year or the current statutory regulation. Details may depend on the residence permit. Self-employed activities regularly require a separate permit. Please check the conditions on your residence permit and ask the relevant immigration authority.
university assistant is a central service point that pre-checks documents from many universities. The fee for the first university is often around €75, but can change. The preliminary examination often takes several weeks. If you apply directly, you apply via the university's portal. Which method applies and which deadlines are relevant can be found on the university's website.
This can be possible if the bachelor's degree, grades, language skills and technical requirements match the desired master's degree. Many masters are consecutive, some programs also allow other profiles. The university makes a binding decision about admission and recognition of previous education.
This Semester ticket is included in the semester fee at many universities, but is not regulated the same everywhere. The scope, area of validity and costs may vary depending on the university and federal state. Semester contributions are often between €250 and €400 per semester, but can change.
For many degree programs, typical deadlines are roughly mid-July for the winter semester and mid-January for the summer semester. However, other deadlines may apply for international applicants, subjects with restricted admission, uni-assist or individual universities. The information provided by the responsible university or application office and the specific situation are decisive.
Recognition can be achieved, above all, with: regulated professions such as doctor, nursing, teacher, pharmacist or certain engineering activities may be required. Whether a profession is regulated depends on the profession and partly on the federal state. For non-regulated professions, recognition can be voluntary. The responsible recognition body makes a binding decision.
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for certain qualified jobs. University degrees, employment contracts and a statutory minimum salary are often relevant. The salary limits often mentioned here change; please check the current status with official bodies. The final decision is made by the responsible immigration authority or visa office.
The duration varies greatly. 2-6 months are often mentioned, but for healthcare professionals such as doctors or pharmacists it can take significantly longer. Complete documents help, but do not replace a decision by the recognition authority. The decisive factors are profession, federal state, documentation and responsible body.
This may be possible depending on your job. For regulated professions, recognition or professional approval is often particularly important. For non-regulated professions, an employer can evaluate the qualification differently. The responsible authority decides whether a visa or residence permit is possible.
The Western Balkans regulation is a special regulation for citizens of certain Western Balkan states. It can facilitate access to a work visa if the legal requirements are met. Regulations, quotas and terms can change. Please check the current status with the Federal Employment Agency, the embassy or official information websites.
In the case of partial recognition, the decision often states significant differences and possible compensatory measures. Depending on the profession, this can include adaptation courses, exams or other evidence. Notifications and deadlines should be checked in individual cases by an authorized person or body.
The requirements vary depending on the profession, employer and responsible body. A2/B1 is often expected for simple tasks, B1/B2 for training, crafts or service and B2/C1 for nursing, medicine or academic professions. Special evidence may be required for recognition, visa or professional approval.
Use the portal recognition-in-deutschland.de. Enter your profession and your target federal state - the portal will show you the responsible authority (e.g. medical association, chamber of crafts, IHK, regional council). The contact details and required documents are listed. You can also arrange an individual consultation appointment there.
This may be possible after approval or another suitable professional permit. The procedure varies depending on the federal state and the documentation available and can include an equivalence test, a knowledge test, a specialist language test and language certificates. The responsible licensing authority makes a binding decision.
Depending on your qualifications, a stay to look for a job or the opportunity card may be relevant. Requirements, duration, work opportunities and proof of financing depend on the respective residence permit. The responsible embassy or immigration authority makes a binding decision.
For language courses or study preparation over 90 days, a national visa may be relevant for non-EU citizens. Which proof is required depends on the purpose, scope of the course, country of origin and the responsible embassy. The final decision is made by the visa office.
As of May 2026, fees in the range of around €75-90 are quoted for many Schengen visas and national visas. Amounts, discounts, local currency and refund rules may vary depending on the visa type and location. Please check the current fee at the responsible embassy or the official visa portal.
Processing times are guidelines and can vary greatly depending on the country, embassy, type of visa, documentation and season. Several weeks to several months are often required. Appointments can cause additional waiting times. The information provided by the responsible diplomatic mission abroad is decisive.
A blocked account can serve as proof of financing. As of now, May 2026 will be common 934 €/month or €11,208 per year called; this amount is subject to change. The responsible authority decides whether a blocked account, a declaration of commitment or other proof is sufficient.
With a national visa, depending on the purpose, a residence permit from the responsible immigration authority may be considered. This should be clarified in good time before it expires. A Schengen visa can only be extended in narrow exceptional cases. The responsible immigration authority makes a binding decision.
This is a sensitive case. Please have such cases checked promptly by an authorized person or office and contact the responsible immigration authority. Deadlines and consequences depend on the individual case; General online information does not replace legal examination.
A change may be possible depending on your visa, residence permit, registration and proof of financing. It should be clarified with the immigration authorities before the current title expires. The decision depends on the individual case and is made by the responsible authority.
A declaration of commitment is a declaration by a person living in Germany that they will be responsible for certain costs. Whether it is sufficient as proof of financing depends on the procedure and the credit check. Income values are only guide values and should be checked at the relevant immigration authority.
Many visa procedures require travel health insurance with sufficient coverage; become frequent at least €30,000 called. Requirements may vary depending on the visa type and embassy. After entry, statutory or private health insurance may also be required.
Family reunification may be possible depending on your residence permit, living space, secure livelihood and language skills. Different rules apply for spouses, children and certain residence permits. The responsible embassy or immigration authority makes a binding decision.
That depends on the goal and the specific location. Different forms of evidence can be accepted for studies, employment, recognition, spouse reunification or naturalization. Goethe, telc, TestDaF, DSH or ÖSD are often used, but are not equally accepted everywhere. Please check the requirements of the university, authority, embassy or recognition office.
Online courses can be useful. However, whether a certificate is recognized depends on the exam provider, exam format and the body that requires proof. Often it is not the course itself that counts, but an official exam. Before booking, please check whether the specific proof will be accepted for your purpose.
The integration course consists of German lessons and an orientation course. Participation may be mandatory depending on your residence permit or official decision; otherwise voluntary participation may be possible. Costs and conditions of participation change. Please check the current status with the BAMF or course provider.
The duration depends heavily on previous knowledge, learning time, course quality and regularity. As a rough guide, intensive courses can last several months, while part-time learning can take longer. Information about teaching units is only a guideline and should be checked with the specific course provider.
Examination fees vary depending on the level, examination center and country. As a rough guide, A1 exams can cost around €80-180, B1 exams around €120-220 and C1/TestDaF exams around €180-250. As of: May 2026; Please check the current fees directly with the examination center.
Goethe: Modular (reading, listening, writing, speaking separately). Each module must be passed with at least 60%. Failed modules can be repeated individually.
telc: Complete written part (reading, listening, writing) + oral exam. If you fail, the entire written part must be repeated. The oral part can be repeated separately.
A B1 certificate is often required for naturalization. There may be exceptions and special cases, such as illness, age or other special circumstances. The responsible naturalization authority decides which proof is accepted.
Repetitions are generally possible; Specific rules, fees and waiting times should be checked at the TestDaF institute or examination center. Depending on the regulations, results from several tests cannot be combined arbitrarily.
Yes, there are job-specific exams, for example for nursing, medicine or general professional language. Whether an examination is accepted by employers, chambers or recognition bodies can vary depending on the purpose and position. Please check the specific requirements before registering.
You can have one free placement test at Goethe, telc, the adult education center or online (e.g. Deutsche Welle – placement test). You will receive a professional assessment in the free initial consultation with Lalmano (we analyze your language skills using examples and documented experiences).
Many training companies expect a secondary school leaving certificate, middle school leaving certificate or comparable evidence. Requirements depend heavily on the profession, company and federal state. Classification or recognition may be relevant for foreign qualifications. The decisive factors are the job advertisement, company, chamber and, if applicable, the visa office.
At least B1 is often expected, and for jobs with a lot of contact or care, often B2. Individual companies may vary or offer additional language support. Separate requirements may apply for visas, vocational schools or recognition. Please check the specific position and the requirements of the responsible authority.
Online portals such as Studium.de, the Federal Employment Agency's job search and Make it in Germany can be good starting points. Applications directly to companies, IHK/HWK offers or ZAV programs can also be relevant. The search can take several months; An acceptance depends on the company and the application profile.
Dual training is often not associated with tuition fees; Companies pay a training allowance. The amount varies depending on the industry, tariff, company and year of training. As a rough guide, €600-1,200 gross is often given in the first year. Additional proof of financing may be required for a visa.
After successful completion, depending on the situation, another stay to look for work or employment may be possible. Duration, requirements and later settlement options depend on the specific residence permit and the legal regulations. The immigration authority makes a binding decision.
Many regions are looking for trainees in nursing, crafts, IT, gastronomy, hotels, technology and commercial professions. Demand can vary greatly from region to region and does not replace a commitment from a company or a visa decision.
The dual training connects the company and the vocational school and is often paid. School training mainly take place at vocational schools; Remuneration, school fees and internship components differ depending on the profession and federal state. For international applicants, additional evidence may be required depending on training.
This may be possible depending on the federal state, university, training and professional experience. Some paths enable subject-specific studies, others require additional evidence. The university decides on admission.
Depending on the goal, preparatory courses, exams, additional school qualifications or advice from chambers and schools may be relevant. Notifications and deadlines should be checked in individual cases by an authorized person or body.
Family reunification during training can be difficult because livelihoods, living space and residence permits have to be compatible. There are no blanket euro limits; the authority examines the individual case. Please clarify this with the responsible embassy or immigration authority at an early stage.
Cost of living depends heavily on the city, type of living, insurance and lifestyle. As a rough guide, around €900-1,200 per month is often given; in expensive cities it can be significantly more. As of: May 2026. Please only use amounts as a planning aid and check current costs.
Sufficient health insurance coverage is usually required for studies, work and longer stays. Whether legal or private depends on the purpose of your stay and status. For visas and residence permits, the responsible authority decides which evidence is accepted. Posts change; Please check the current tariffs with your health insurance company.
As of now, May 2026 will be common 11.208 € per year or €934 per month called. These amounts are subject to change and depend on the purpose and the responsible body. Please check the current amount at the embassy, immigration office or official portal before submitting your application.
Depending on the case, other proof of financing such as a letter of commitment, scholarship or bank proof may be considered. The responsible body decides whether proof is sufficient. Income values for declarations of commitment are only guideline values and must currently be checked by the immigration authorities.
Depending on their income and personal situation, employees pay wage tax as well as social security contributions for pension, unemployment, health and nursing care insurance. Percentages and allowances change. This answer is general guidance only and not tax advice. For specific cases, please ask your tax advisor, tax office, employer or health insurance company.
No, not usually. BAföG is only available to Germans and certain EU citizens as well as long-term residents. Exceptions: recognized refugees, those entitled to permanent residence. Find out more from your student union.
Halls of residence, shared apartment portals, student unions and reputable real estate portals can be good starting points. Start as early as possible; The market is tense in many cities. Rental prices such as €250-450 for dormitory spaces are only a rough guide and can vary greatly from region to region. Be careful about paying in advance without a contract or inspection.
Private liability insurance is not legally required for many people, but is often recommended. Contributions can vary depending on the provider and scope of services. Check rates and conditions carefully.
The broadcasting fee is generally charged per apartment. The amount is subject to change; please check the current status at the contribution service. An exemption or reduction may be possible for certain people if the requirements are met.
Self-employment may require a permit when staying to study or may be restricted by requirements. Please check the additional provisions of your residence permit and ask the immigration authorities before you work independently. Violations can have consequences regarding residence law.
When a spouse joins the family, an A1 certificate is often required. However, there are exceptions and special cases, for example depending on the residence permit, country of origin or personal situation. The responsible embassy or immigration authority decides which proof is required.
This may be possible if the marriage was validly concluded according to the law of the place where the marriage took place and the necessary evidence is available. Translation, apostille or legalization may be required. In unclear cases, the registry office or an authorized body should be involved.
The duration varies greatly depending on the embassy, country of origin, documentation and residence permit. Guidance values often range from several weeks to several months; in complex cases it may take longer. The information provided by the responsible diplomatic mission abroad is decisive.
Whether and to what extent employment is permitted depends on the specific residence permit and the additional provisions. Gainful employment is often possible with family reunification, but the specific permission should be checked on the title or at the immigration office.
Studying alone does not automatically lead to an exception. Whether an A1 certificate is required or an exception applies depends on the residence permit, country of origin and individual case. Please check this with the responsible embassy or immigration office.
Parental reunification is particularly legally sensitive and depends heavily on the individual case. Special requirements or hardship cases are often relevant. Please have such cases checked at an early stage by an authorized person or body.
A national visa may be required for minor children from non-EU countries. Requirements such as custody, living space, livelihood and age are examined on a case-by-case basis. The responsible embassy or immigration authority makes a binding decision.
The reunification of unmarried partners is a sensitive individual case and is often more difficult than the reunification of spouses. The responsible authority decides which proof is required and whether a residence permit is possible. If you have individual legal questions, an authorized person or body should be consulted.
There is no blanket, secure euro border. The authority examines livelihoods, living space, family size, health insurance and other factors on a case-by-case basis. Figures such as €2,200-2,500 net for a family can only be rough guidelines and do not replace an examination by the responsible authority.
A short-term visit visa can be considered for family visits or weddings. Evidence of the purpose of the visit, financing and willingness to return is usually required. The responsible embassy makes a binding decision.
As of: May 2026. Lalmano maintains content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The contents serve for general guidance and do not replace individual legal advice, binding individual case assessments or decisions by the responsible authorities.