GermanyStudy and training

Germany language course visa

National visa for a language course (§ 16f AufenthG)

In short

A German course lasting more than 90 days that does not prepare you for university admission is covered by § 16f of the Residence Act. You must show EUR 1,091 a month in 2026 and may work up to 20 hours a week during the course.

Apply on Consular Services Portal (Auslandsportal) checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Validity: For the length of the course.
Fee: €75National (D) visa fee under § 46 AufenthV. In Germany the residence permit then costs EUR 100 (reduced for Turkish nationals with association rights).
Funds required: €1,091 per monthMinimum own funds for 2026, shown by a blocked account or formal obligation letter.
Work: Up to 20 hours a week.
Where to apply: German mission responsible for your place of residence, or online via the Consular Services Portal for categories handled there; courses under 90 days need a Schengen visa instead.

Which courses qualify

The visa is for language courses that are not preparation for studies. If the course is a condition of your university admission, apply for the student visa instead, which offers more rights. Courses lasting up to 90 days are attended on a Schengen visa.

You must be enrolled with the course provider and have paid or be able to pay the course fees for the planned duration.

Funds for 2026

The Federal Government's 2026 overview sets EUR 1,091 net a month for language learners, shown through a blocked account or a formal obligation letter from a person in Germany.

After arrival

Register your address within two weeks and apply for the residence permit at the foreigners authority, bringing the course confirmation and proof of funds.

Work and change of purpose

The permit allows employment of up to 20 hours a week. Switching to another residence purpose from inside Germany is possible only within the limits of the law; if you later want to study or work, check with the foreigners authority before the permit expires.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

Passport valid for the planned stay, with copies of the data page
National visa application form (online via the Consular Services Portal or VIDEX national form) and the Section 54 declaration
Biometric photo, 35 × 45 mm

Travel

Proof of accommodation in Germany

Money

Proof of payment of course fees
Blocked account or formal obligation letter covering EUR 1,091 a month

Study

Confirmation of enrolment in the language course with hours per week and duration

Insurance

Health insurance for the whole stay

How to apply, step by step

Check the right category in the Federal Foreign Office Visa Navigator and follow the instructions of the German mission responsible for your place of residence (category: language course): it either gives you an appointment or directs you to the Consular Services Portal.
If redirected, create an account on the Consular Services Portal, fill in the application and upload the documents as PDFs; registering on the portal alone is not yet a valid application.
Attend the appointment at the mission or its service provider for fingerprints and identity checks, bringing originals of all uploaded documents; pay the EUR 75 visa fee.
The mission forwards the file to the foreigners authority in your future German town and, where required, to the Federal Employment Agency; wait for the decision.
After entry, register your address at the local registration office (Anmeldung) within two weeks.
Before the visa expires, apply for the residence permit at the foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde).

Frequently asked questions

Is a course of 8 weeks enough for this visa?

No. Courses up to 90 days are attended with a Schengen visa; the national visa is for longer courses.

Can I work during the course?

Yes, up to 20 hours a week.

How much money do I need in 2026?

EUR 1,091 a month, normally in a blocked account.

Official sources

Residence Act (AufenthG) § 16f – language courses and school attendance · checked 23 October 2026
Make it in Germany (Federal Government) – minimum amounts to secure a livelihood by purpose, as of January 2026 · checked 23 October 2026
German missions in Türkiye – national visas for Turkish citizens (iDATA, Consular Services Portal, fees) · checked 23 October 2026
Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) § 46 – visa fees · checked 23 October 2026

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Germany

Visits and short stays

Tourist visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Family and friends visit visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Culture, sports and events visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Business and self-employment

Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Self-employed and freelancer visa Validity: Up to three years.

Study and training

Student visa Validity: The visa is usually issued for several months; the residence permit in Germany is normally granted for two years at a time, at least one year, and renewed while studies progress.
Researcher visa Validity: At least one year, or the length of the research project if shorter.
Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: Up to six months for the EU internship permit
Au pair visa Maximum stay: Six to twelve months

Work

Work visa Processing time: Appointment waiting times depend on the mission; after submission the Federal Employment Agency approval adds a few weeks. The accelerated skilled-worker procedure shortens this.
Skilled worker visa Validity: Up to four years, or the length of the employment contract plus three months if shorter.
EU Blue Card Validity: Up to four years, or the length of the contract plus three months.
Job seeker visa Maximum stay: Up to one year; a follow-up Opportunity Card of up to two years is possible for a qualified job that does not yet meet another permit.
Intra-company transfer visa Validity: Length of the transfer, at most three years (one year for trainees).
Working holiday visa Maximum stay: Up to 12 months, once

Family

Family reunification visa Validity: Visa for entry; the residence permit is then issued in line with the sponsor's permit.
Spouse and partner visa Processing time: Same appointment system and waiting times as other family reunification visas at the mission responsible for you.

Residence

Permanent residence Validity: Unlimited.

Faster processing

Fast-track and priority visa services Processing time: Recognition authority: decision within two months; Federal Employment Agency: one week; mission: appointment within three weeks and decision usually within three weeks of a complete application.

Protection

Asylum and international protection Processing time: Regular procedure: six months from the application; accelerated procedure: at most three months; border procedure: at most twelve weeks.

Germany visa guide