Language Course Visa (Long-Term)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 4-8 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 75
- Validity
- Duration of the language course, typically 3-12 months
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Under Section 16f(1) of the Residence Act (AufenthG), third-country nationals can obtain a residence permit to attend an intensive German language course in Germany. Since March 1, 2024, there is a legal entitlement to this visa. The course must be intensive with at least 18 hours of instruction per week (daily classes). Evening or weekend courses do not qualify. The course must aim at teaching comprehensive knowledge of the German language with a clearly defined duration. Employment alongside the language course is permitted for up to 20 hours per week. A blocked account or equivalent financial proof is required to demonstrate sufficient funds (EUR 1,091.20 per month / EUR 13,094.40 per year as of 2025).
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
Must be enrolled in an intensive German language course at a recognized language school in Germany with at least 18 hours of instruction per week
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient financial means via a blocked account or equivalent, covering EUR 992 per month (2025) for the duration of stay
Minimum funds: EUR 992/month (2025)
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Criminal record
Must not pose a threat to public safety or order. Clean criminal record required.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Biometric, 35x45mm, white background, not older than 6 months
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National Visa Application Form for Language Course (Section 16f); Form url: https://digital.diplo.de
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://digital.diplo.de; Location: German embassy or consulate
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Blocked account
Accepted banks: Deutsche Bank, Fintiba, Expatrio, Coracle, or other accepted providers; Minimum amount: EUR 11,904 per year (EUR 992 per month, 2025 figure; subject to annual adjustment)
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Private health insurance
Coverage territory: Germany; Minimum coverage: Equivalent to German statutory health insurance for the entire duration of stay
How to apply
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Document gathering
Enroll in an intensive German language course (minimum 18 hours/week). Obtain the enrollment confirmation showing course dates, hours per week, and target proficiency level. Open a blocked account.
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Online application
Complete the national visa application via the German Consular Services Portal
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee of EUR 75
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Document submission
Submit all documents including passport, photos, course enrollment confirmation, blocked account proof, motivation letter, health insurance, and any prior German language certificates
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the embassy appointment
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Processing wait
Wait for the visa decision. Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks.
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Visa collection
Collect your visa from the embassy. After arrival in Germany, register at the local registration office and apply for the residence permit at the foreigners authority.