Route: language course (§ 16f)

A visa just to learn German: what it needs, what it allows, and why it is rarely the best first step.

Under § 16f (1) AufenthG you can come to Germany for an intensive German course that does not prepare for a specific degree programme.

What the mission usually asks for

Enrolment in a course of at least 18 teaching units a week, and proof that the fees are paid.
€1,091 a month for the planned stay, by blocked account or a declaration of commitment. Set by law: § 2 (3) sentences 5 and 6 AufenthG exclude non-preparatory language courses from the student amount (€992) and add 10 %.
Private health insurance valid from entry.
Documents with German translations. Fee €75, minors €37.50 (§§ 46, 50 AufenthV).

Work: up to 20 hours a week. § 16f (3) sentence 4 AufenthG allows employment of up to 20 hours a week on this permit. Whether LEA Berlin lets you switch to another permit from inside Germany depends on the case; do not plan on it.

If you want to study afterwards

With an admission (or conditional admission), the preparatory German course is part of a study visa (§ 16b), see Study. That is usually the safer way.

A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.