Language Acquisition Visa

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.