German course with a visa

What is a language course visa – and when do I need one?

If you are staying in Germany for longer than 90 days and wish to take part in an intensive language course, you will usually need a language course visa.

This applies to courses with at least 18 teaching hours per week – for example, our intensive morning course with 25 teaching hours per week and the intensive afternoon course with 20 teaching hours per week.

Where and how do I apply for my language course visa?

You must submit your application in person at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. Please allow plenty of time – processing can take up to four months.

We recommend: getting in touch well in advance and preparing your documents as fully as possible. We’ll help you with this!

Checklist: You’ll need these documents for your application

To ensure you are well prepared, here is our tried-and-tested checklist for applying for a language visa:

• Completed and signed application for a residence permit (language visa)
• Valid passport
• Biometric passport photo (recent)
• Confirmation of enrolment from Colón for an intensive course (at least 18 hours per week)
• Proof of payment of the deposit for the course fees
• Health insurance (valid for the entire duration of the course)
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses, e.g. via a blocked account
• Optional: Declaration of financial support from a third party or documents from parents (including proof of income)
• Proof of accommodation or residence in Hamburg (e.g. through accommodation arranged by Colón)
• Letter of motivation explaining why you wish to attend the course
• Proof of payment of the visa fee

Requirements may vary depending on your country. Please also check the website of the Federal Foreign Office or the German Embassy.

What health insurance do I need for my visa?

You will need travel health insurance that complies with EU directives and covers services such as doctor’s appointments, hospital costs and, if necessary, repatriation to your home country.

Our recommendation: HANSE MERKUR Insurance, based in Hamburg – reliable, experienced and compliant with visa requirements.

What is a blocked account – and why do I need it?

The blocked account serves as financial proof that you can fund your stay in Germany yourself. You can set one up at a bank of your choice.

The current guideline is approximately €10,500 for a one-year stay. You can then withdraw a fixed amount each month (approximately €934).

How much does a language visa for Germany cost?

• For stays of up to 1 year: approx. €100

Please bring proof of payment of the visa fee with you to your appointment.

Can I extend my visa?

The language course visa is usually issued initially for 3 months.
An extension to a maximum of 12 months is possible under certain conditions at the relevant immigration office.

Switching to a student visa or taking up employment is therefore not permitted.

What am I not allowed to do with a language visa?

Please note that a language visa does not permit any other purposes of stay. Specifically, this means:

• You may not commence a degree programme or submit an application to study.
• You cannot switch to another type of residence permit (e.g. a student visa).
• You are not permitted to work.

We’ll support you every step of the way

Here at Colón, we have decades of experience working with language course participants from all over the world.

We support you with:

• a reliable confirmation of enrolment,
• advice on visas, accommodation and course selection,
• and friendly, dedicated communication – on an equal footing.

Any questions? We’re happy to help.

If you’re unsure or need help with your preparations, please email us at:

info@colon.de

We look forward to welcoming you to Hamburg soon!

This information is provided without guarantee and is based on our many years of experience. Legally binding information can be obtained from the German Embassy or the relevant consulate in your place of residence. Colón cannot be held liable should you NOT be granted a visa to enter Germany. Please note our Terms and Conditions!