Language courses in Germany: a possible route without prior German knowledge
Find and enrol in a German course with our support. If you meet the requirements, you may later switch residence titles without leaving Germany.
Consultation
Language courses in Germany: visas, residence and relocation
Enrolling in a language course
Foreign nationals who meet the requirements can obtain a national visa and a residence title for a language course in Germany. Admission to a suitable intensive language course and proof of sufficient financial means are key requirements.
We select a language school, arrange enrolment, help open a blocked account, prepare the application documents and support your visa application.
For the visa, evidence of course payment and funds to cover living costs is important. We help prepare the documents in line with the requirements of the German mission.
We support the full process, from choosing a programme and applying for a visa to travelling to Germany.
A language course can prepare you for a subsequent switch to university, employment or vocational training in Germany. The relevant requirements must be met. Over time, this may also provide a route towards permanent residence.
A language course can prepare you for a subsequent switch to university, employment or vocational training in Germany. The relevant requirements must be met. Over time, this may also provide a route towards permanent residence.
Costs
A language course as a starting point for life in Germany.
As a guide, German courses at the language schools we work with often cost around €300–500 per person per month. The actual price depends on the school and course. A blocked account may be needed as proof of financial means; we can help you open one.
For a language course visa in 2026, proof of at least €1,091 per month is generally required for living costs. For six months, this is €6,546. Course fees, insurance and account charges must be budgeted for separately. We check the amount required for your application against the current guidance of the responsible German mission.
The money in a blocked account remains yours. After arrival and activation, however, it is released only up to the agreed monthly limit. The full balance is not immediately available for withdrawal.
Costs
A language course as a starting point for life in Germany
As a guide, German courses at the language schools we work with often cost around €300–500 per person per month. The actual price depends on the school and course. A blocked account may be needed as proof of financial means; we can help you open one.
For a language course visa in 2026, proof of at least €1,091 per month is generally required for living costs. For six months, this is €6,546. Course fees, insurance and account charges must be budgeted for separately. We check the amount required for your application against the current guidance of the responsible German mission.
The money in a blocked account remains yours. After arrival and activation, however, it is released only up to the agreed monthly limit. The full balance is not immediately available for withdrawal.
Language and residence: a structured route to
moving to Germany
With the appropriate residence title, you can attend a language course legally in Germany and prepare for possible further residence options.
You settle into life in Germany, improve your language skills and prepare for university or employment.
Possible next steps after the course include university, vocational training, job hunting or changing your residence title, subject to the relevant requirements.
We support you at every stage, from choosing a school and applying for a visa to a possible change of residence purpose in Germany.
If the requirements are met, this can allow you to continue living legally in Germany and develop a long-term plan for life in Europe.
A language course as a relocation strategy: learn more in the video
How to move through a
language course
• University studies
• Vocational training
• Other options
FAQ
Yes, it may be possible to move without prior knowledge of German. An intensive language course can provide a basis for a visa and legal residence if the requirements are met. You enter on a language course visa, study German and prepare for your possible next step: employment, vocational training or university.
A residence title for a language course allows you to:
- Live legally in Germany
- Study German intensively in a German-speaking environment
- Prepare for further steps: employment, university or vocational training
- Explore the job market and settle into life in the country
A language course can provide a structured starting point, especially when planning your career in Germany.
Costs depend on the city and school. As a guide:
- Courses cost from a few hundred euros per month
- Accommodation, insurance and everyday living costs must also be included
- Proof of financial means is required, for example a blocked account or formal declaration of commitment
Planning your budget in advance helps avoid insufficient financial evidence in your visa application.
The process involves several stages:
- Choosing a language school and programme
- Preparing documents and enrolling
- Providing proof of financial means
- Visa application
- Moving to Germany and starting your course
- Planning the next step: employment or study
The right strategy helps you prepare for relocation and a longer-term stay.
Yes, after the course you may be able to change your purpose of residence if you meet the relevant requirements:
- Start university or vocational training
- Find a job and apply for an appropriate employment residence title
- Switch to another residence title if you meet its requirements
Language courses can be a first step towards further opportunities to live and work in Germany.
