Studium | Third-country Nationals

Language course

Here you will find information on the following question:

What requirements do I have to meet in order to receive a residence permit for the purpose of studying in Germany?

Please do not forget that you always have to meet the general requirements for your stay in Germany. Information can be found here.

Requirements for completing a language course in Germany (§ 16f AufenthG)

Table of contents:

Purpose of the stay
Requirements
Specifics
Legal background

1. Purpose of Stay

In Germany it is possible to obtain a residence permit for the purpose of participating in a specific language course. It is important to note that this regulation only applies to language courses that do not serve to prepare for your studies. The language course must also be an intensive language course, ie there must generally be daily instruction of at least 18 hours per week. Attending evening, weekend and part-time language courses is therefore not sufficient. Finally, the language course must be aimed at acquiring comprehensive German language skills and the duration must be limited from the outset.

2. Requirements

Proof of admission to the language course
e.g. Confirmation of registration or contract
Curriculum vitae in tabular form (if available: certificates, diplomas or proof of knowledge of the German language already acquired)
Letter of motivation that provides information about why you want to attend the language course and what plans you have for the time after the language course
Statement of income and financial circumstances of parents;
Deposit of a security deposit (at least EUR 6,165 for 6 months (applies to 2023)) to a blocked account in Germany;
Commitment declaration;
Deposit of a bank guarantee
Proof of health insurance
Certified copy of proof of identity (ID card or passport)

3. Specifics

Whether a residence permit or a visa is issued for the purpose of participating in a language course in accordance with § 16f AufenthG is at the discretion of the foreigners authority or the embassy. There is no legal entitlement to the issue. For the issuance of a residence permit for the purpose of participating in a language course that does not serve to prepare for studies, it may therefore be necessary for the purpose of the stay to be made credible. The competent authority can therefore already take into account career and life planning, qualifications already acquired, any previous stays and language courses already completed when submitting the application.

You must be able to support yourself during the language course from your own funds, from a grant or from a third party. In principle, subsistence is considered secure if you can earn your living including adequate health insurance cover without using public funds. At least EUR 903.00 per month must be available for this (current value for the year 2023). Financial proof can be provided by presenting your parents' income or assets, by paying a security deposit into a blocked account, by submitting a declaration of commitment or by depositing a bank guarantee.

The residence permit is issued for the duration of the course. An extension of up to one year is possible.

Your residence permit according to § 16f AufenthG to take part in a language course does not allow you to work alongside it.

4. Legal Background

According to § 16f Abs. 1 S. 1 AufenthG, the most important requirements for the granting of a residence permit for the purpose of participating in a specific language course are: Proof of admission to the language course and secure livelihood