Apply for a Residence Permit for a Language Course
You want to learn German? With an intensive language course, you may be granted a residence permit for up to one year.
At a glance
How do you get a residence permit for a language course?
Would you like to attend an intensive language course to learn German? Then you may be granted a residence permit for a maximum of one year. The authority decides on a case-by-case basis.
The language course must be an intensive course. This means: it generally includes daily lessons with at least 18 teaching hours per week. Evening, weekend, and distance learning courses do not meet these requirements. The course must not serve as preparation for a university degree programme.
With the residence permit, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. Self-employed activity is prohibited.
You must secure your own livelihood. For this, you need at least €1,091.20 per month, that is €13,094.40 per year (figure for 2026).
Requirements
Who qualifies?
- You want to attend an intensive language course to learn German that is not for university preparation and covers at least 18 lessons per week.
Additional requirements
- Evening, weekend, and distance learning courses do not meet the requirements.
- You must have at least €1,091.20 available per month (€13,094.40 per year, 2026 figure).
- You need health insurance in Germany. For the duration of the language course, travel health insurance is also sufficient.
- You must be registered in Berlin and have a current email address.
How to apply
Submit the online application for a residence permit for language and study purposes (at the earliest 4 months before your current residence title expires).
Pay the processing fee by credit card or PayPal before submitting.
Save the application confirmation as a PDF — it certifies that your current residence title continues to remain valid.
Wait for the review by the Landesamt für Einwanderung (State Office for Immigration) and submit any additional documents if required.
Attend your assigned in-person appointment with all original documents.
Well done! You may be granted your residence permit. The authority will make a discretionary decision on your application.
Issuance as a label
- Issuance as an electronic residence title100.00 EUR
- Turkish nationals up to 24 years of age22.80 EUR
- Turkish nationals aged 24 and over37.00 EUR
- Digital passport photo at the self-service terminal6.00 EUR
Good to know
With your residence permit for a language course, you may work up to 20 hours per week. This is secondary employment. Self-employment is prohibited, however.
Die Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Besuch eines Sprachkurses berechtigt zur Ausübung einer Nebenbeschäftigung von bis zu zwanzig Stunden je Woche.
VAB A.16f, S. 168-171
Since March 2024, you may change your purpose of stay during the language course. The previous restrictions have been lifted. For example, you can switch to a work permit.
Die während eines Aufenthalts zum Besuch eines Sprachkurses bestehenden Beschränkungen für den Wechsel des Aufenthaltszwecks wurden mit dem am 01.03.2024 in Kraft getretenen FEWG aufgehoben.
VAB A.16f, S. 168-171
After a successful language course, you can stay in Germany. You do not have to leave the country first. The authority can grant you a new residence permit for work or training directly.
kann nach erfolgreicher Beendigung von Sprachkursen, die für die Aufnahme einer Beschäftigung oder einer Ausbildung erforderlich sind, die zweckentsprechende Aufenthaltserlaubnis auch weiterhin ohne vorherige Ausreise erteilt werden.
VAB A.16f, S. 168-171
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Apply for a Residence Permit for a Language Course
If your application is approved, you will receive an appointment. A residence permit as a sticker can be issued on site at the appointment. If issued as an electronic residence title (eAT), it takes 4 to 6 weeks until it can be collected.