A residence permit is required in order to complete a language course in Germany. Since the stay is to be used for language acquisition, the language course must be a so-called intensive language course. The duration of an intensive language course must be limited from the outset. It usually includes daily lessons (at least 18 hours per week) and is aimed at acquiring comprehensive German language skills. Evening and weekend courses do not meet these requirements. You can find further information on residence for the purpose of language acquisition on this page.

If you would like to take up a course of study following your language course, you will need a residence permit for the purpose of preparing for your studies. You can find further information here.

Please bring the following with you…

If you would like to apply for or extend a residence permit for the purpose of language acquisition, please bring the following documents with you (if we do not already have them):

• Your valid passport
• A current passport photo
• A completed application form
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof that you are able to cover your living expenses: Blocked account with credit balance in the amount of € 1,027.40 per month or letter of intent according to Section 68 AufenthG (German Residence Act)
• Language course certificate
• Fee: up to € 100.00

Further documents may be required in individual cases. If this applies to you, we will inform you accordingly.

Please note: An appointment is required for the granting and extension of the residence permit. Please send us an appointment request.

Period of validity of the residence permit

A residence permit for the purpose of language acquisition is usually granted for the duration of the training period. Should you wish to attend a further language course, the residence permit can be extended up to a total duration of twelve months.

Change in purpose of stay

Once you have successfully completed your language course, you can in principle also apply for a residence permit for another purpose. As a rule, this is the pursuit of paid employment or the commencement of vocational training.

During the language course, it is possible to change the purpose of stay as well.

Paid employment

A residence permit for language acquisition permits you to take up paid employment for 20 hours per week.