The German Language Visa Requirements
Want to improve your German language skills while actually living and studying in Germany? It’s totally possible with a specialist language school visa that’s separate from other more intensive German study visas.
So what are the German language visa requirements, how long does it last, and who can apply for it? Let’s dive in and find out more.
What is the German Language Visa?
The German language visa is an offshoot of a regular study abroad visa that allows people to come to Germany with the sole purpose of learning the German language or improving it. By using language school acceptance letters, applicants can stay in Germany between three and twelve months, depending on the length of their course.
German language visa courses have to be billed as an intensive course, meaning that you spend at least 18 hours a week studying and learning at the school, college, or institution. It’s a great way to improve your language skills and live in another country for up to a year without having to get a sponsored work visa!
How long does the German Language Visa last?
A German language visa can last anywhere between three and twelve months and depends on the length of the course you’re enrolled in. If you’re staying for longer than three months, you’ll also have to apply for a resident’s permit to live and study in Germany long-term, but again, that’ll last as long as your studies.
What are the requirements of the German Language Visa?
As with so many different forms of German bureaucracy, the German Language Visa requirements are pretty steep. Here are all of the documentation that you’re going to need and you’ll want at least two copies of each of these just to be on the safe side!
- Two completed and signed application forms from the Federal Office website
- A valid passport with an extra three months validity after the end of your visa length
- Proof of enrollment in a language course that’s a minimum of 18 hours per week
- Proof that you can financially support yourself while you’re in Germany through one of the following ways:
- Bank statements for the last three months
- Proof of scholarship
- A deposit proof from a blocked account set up and accessible from Germany. There are plenty of options for this with different banking providers.
- A letter of commitment from someone who is going to host you, who currently lives in Germany
- If your parents are supporting you financially, you need a letter of declaration from your parents, complete with payslips or bank statements from the past six months
- Health insurance that covers the whole duration of your course
- Two passport photos
- Three copies of your passport ID pages
- If you have them, copies of previous Schengen visas
- A written motivation letter showing why you want to study German in Germany
- Proof of accommodation that covers the entire duration of your course
- A receipt showing that you’ve paid the 75 Euro visa fee
Who can apply for the German Language Visa?
Anyone who is not from a country within the European Union, who can prove they can support themselves, and have been accepted onto a German language course can apply for this visa.
That’s because, due to the freedom of movement, citizens from EU countries can freely live, work, and study in Germany, and therefore don’t need a formal visa to study the German language.
Can I transfer from a German Language Visa to a Study Visa?
Unfortunately, you cannot transfer from a German language visa to another kind of study visa and you also can’t extend your visa. The German Language Visa is designed to be a short-term visa to improve your language skills and cultural appreciation for Germany.
While you can’t switch over to a longer study visa that would also allow you to work part-time, you can look for sponsored work opportunities while you’re living in Germany and try to apply for a work visa before you have to leave the country.
Can you work on a German Language Visa?
You cannot work while you’re on a German language visa. So, if you’re heading over on a course that lasts a full year, you’re going to need a lot of savings to support yourself. Germany isn’t exactly the cheapest place to live!
When you apply for your visa, you’ll have to prove that you can support yourself financially and show your bank statements and any savings you have that you’re going to use while you’re living in Germany.
Do I need a resident’s permit with a German Language Visa?
If you are staying for longer than three months, you’re also going to need a resident’s permit. If this is you, you’ll have to go to the Bürgerbüro within your first 90 days of being in Germany.
Here you’ll show your visa, proof of health insurance, proof of funds, and proof that you’re attending a minimum of 18 hours of classes.
What documents do I need for a resident’s permit?
In addition to the huge list of documentation you need for the initial German Language Visa, you also need a whole host of documents for the resident’s permit as well. A lot of the documentation is the same as the visa requirements, so you might want to make multiple copies before you leave your home country to save you some hassle in the long run.
Here are all the documents you need to apply for your resident’s permit:
- A valid passport complete with your valid visa stamp
- A recent passport photograph
- A completed and signed residence permit application form
- Proof that you’ve actually attended your German language course
- A registration certificate from the language school that shows you’re enrolled in a German language course
- Health insurance that covers the whole duration of your course
- Proof of accommodation for the entire duration of your course, which can be any of the following:
- An address registration certificate, otherwise known as a Meldebestätigung
- A rental contract, complete with a residence confirmation letter from the landlord
- Proof that you can financially support yourself, which equates to 11,208 Euros per year. This can be shown through any of the following:
- Bank statements for the last three months
- Proof of scholarship
- A deposit statement from a blocked account
- A letter of commitment from someone who is going to host you, who currently lives in Germany
- If your parents are supporting you financially, you need a letter of declaration from your parents, complete with payslips or bank statements from the past six months.
How much do you need to support yourself in Germany for a German Language Visa?
When you’re applying for your German Language Visa, you have to prove that you have the financial means to support yourself while you’re living in Germany. This is super important as you cannot work while you’re on this visa.
While different cities in Germany are more expensive or affordable than others, the number that is used by the German government is 11,208 Euros per year. You need to show that you have this amount either through bank statements, deposits in blocked accounts, a scholarship certificate, or a letter from your parents saying that they’ll support you with proof of funds.
Between rent, utilities, food costs, and travel expenses, a year in Germany can soon add up. When you think that this minimum amount equates to 934 per month, it’s not a lot to go off after rent and bills. You might want to save up more than this to enjoy yourself while you’re in Germany and have a financial buffer.
