Germany•Europe

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Language Acquisition Visa

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

4-12 weeks

Estimated Cost

€75 EUR

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Up to 12 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

Same as United States

Avg Salary€39,600

Quality of Life

196/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Visa for studying the German language at language schools or preparatory courses in Germany.

The German Language Acquisition Visa (§ 16f AufenthG) lets non-EU nationals reside in Germany for up to 12 months solely to attend an intensive language course of at least 18 hours per week. Applicants must be self-funded, with the 2026 requirement set at EUR 13,092 in a blocked account for a full year.

The visa fee is EUR 75. Holders may work up to 20 hours per week alongside their studies. The visa is not renewable and carries no PR pathway, but it can convert to a student or vocational training permit (§ 16b/§ 18b) once language goals are met. Processing typically takes 4–12 weeks.

This visa is ideal for non-EU applicants who need full-time language immersion in Germany before entering university or vocational training.

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Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Germany

Studies (Studium)

ValidityDuration of studies

Processing4 weeks – 3 months

View Visa Details

Skilled Worker with Academic Degree (Fachkraft mit akademischer Ausbildung)

Germany

Skilled Worker with Academic Degree (Fachkraft mit akademischer Ausbildung)

ValidityUp to 4 years

Processing1–3 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Admission to an intensive German language course (at least 18 hours of instruction per week).

Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses for the duration of the stay (e.g., blocked account, scholarship, or declaration of commitment).

Valid health insurance coverage for the duration of the stay.

Proof of accommodation in Germany.

Intention to acquire comprehensive German language skills.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

13,092 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed visa application form.

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages and 3-6 months validity beyond stay).

Recent biometric passport photos.

Letter of admission/registration from a German language school.

Proof of financial resources (e.g., blocked account confirmation, sponsor declaration).

Proof of health insurance.

Letter of motivation explaining the purpose of learning German.

Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Proof of accommodation.

Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable).

Application Process

Enroll in language course: Register with German language school

Get enrollment confirmation: From language school

Prepare documents: Enrollment letter, passport, proof of funds

Apply for visa: At German consulate

Pay visa fee: EUR 75

Receive visa: Entry visa for language course

Application Forms

Language Acquisition Visa Application

—

Verified Claims (18)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Enroll in language course: Register with German language school; Get enrollment confirmation: From l…

make-it-in-germany.com

Fee Breakdown

Application fee: 75 EUR

make-it-in-germany.com

Fees

EUR 75

make-it-in-germany.com

Forms

Language Acquisition Visa Application

make-it-in-germany.com

Included Nationalities

—

make-it-in-germany.com

Job Offer Required

false

make-it-in-germany.com

Legal Reference

§ 16f Abs. 1 AufenthG

bamf.de

Official Info

https://www.bamf.de/EN/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Bildung/Sprachkurs/sprachku…

bamf.de

Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

Same as United States

Avg Salary€39,600

Quality of Life

196/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

Visa for studying the German language at language schools or preparatory courses in Germany.

This visa is ideal for non-EU applicants who need full-time language immersion in Germany before entering university or vocational training.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Admission to an intensive German language course (at least 18 hours of instruction per week).

Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses for the duration of the stay (e.g., blocked account, scholarship, or declaration of commitment).

Valid health insurance coverage for the duration of the stay.

Proof of accommodation in Germany.

Intention to acquire comprehensive German language skills.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

13,092 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed visa application form.

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages and 3-6 months validity beyond stay).

Recent biometric passport photos.

Letter of admission/registration from a German language school.

Proof of financial resources (e.g., blocked account confirmation, sponsor declaration).

Proof of health insurance.

Letter of motivation explaining the purpose of learning German.

Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Proof of accommodation.

Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable).