German Language Study Visa

What this visa is

A visa for non-EU nationals who want to come to Germany specifically to attend an intensive German language course. Since the 2024 Skilled Immigration Act reform, international language course participants in Germany are entitled to take on a secondary job for a maximum of 20 hours per week, so that you can sustain yourself during this time.

Who it is for

• ✓Those admitted to an intensive German language course of at least 18 hours of instruction per week at a recognised language school in Germany
• ✓International talent often uses this option to gain admittance into a German-language university degree (which are less competitive than English-speaking ones) or to acquire the prerequisite German language levels to improve employment prospects
• ✓Applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency of at least €1,091 per month (2026), provable via a blocked account, declaration of commitment, or sometimes a part-time work contract
• ✓No prior German language level required to apply

Key facts

• →Valid for up to 12 months
• →Work is permitted for up to 20 hours per week
• →Can be converted to a Study Visa (§16b) once you have secured university admission, without needing to leave Germany
• →Can be converted to a Recognition Visa (§16d) for those pursuing professional qualification recognition, without needing to leave Germany
• →A popular first step for people who need to build their German language skills before pursuing an Ausbildung, university place or skilled worker visa

Source: Make it in Germany — Visa for Language Acquisition