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Language Acquisition Visa
GermanyGermany•Europe
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Language Acquisition Visa

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

4-12 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €75

Stay Duration

Up to 12 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
Germany flag

Living in Germany

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€36,000
Quality of Life
195/200
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.

Germany

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Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Studies (Studium)
Germany flagGermany

Studies (Studium)

ValidityDuration of studies
Processing4 weeks – 3 months
View Visa Details
Skilled Worker with Academic Degree (Fachkraft mit akademischer Ausbildung)
Germany flagGermany

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

1

Enroll in language course

Register with German language school

2

Get enrollment confirmation

From language school

3

Prepare documents

Enrollment letter, passport, proof of funds

4

Apply for visa

At German consulate

5

Pay visa fee

EUR 75

6

Receive visa

Entry visa for language course

Application Forms

Language Acquisition Visa Application—

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