Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zweck der Ausbildung Erteilung zur Teilnahme an Sprachkursen und zum Schüleraustausch

If you are a citizen of a non-EU or non-EEA country, you need the following for participation in

• a German language course (intensive language course), which serves to acquire comprehensive German language skills and not to prepare for studies, or
• a student exchange

a residence permit.

The residence permit can only be issued if you meet the requirements and there are no grounds for refusal.

The duration of an intensive language course must be limited in time. Attending and following up on the course should take up all of your working time (usually daily lessons of at least 18 hours per week). Evening, weekend or part-time language courses are not sufficient.

A student exchange is a temporary stay at a school, which generally does not exceed one year and is often organized by student exchange organizations. A privately or commercially organized exchange year is also possible. No direct exchange ("one-to-one") is required in order to obtain a residence permit (guest student).

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Visa, if required for entry
• Proof that you are able to support yourself without claiming public benefits (e.g. equity capital, scholarship certificate, declaration of commitment, blocked account at a bank, bank guarantee, proof of parental income or similar). For student exchanges, the current BAföG rate (Federal Training Assistance Act) applies as a guideline. For language courses, the BAföG rate plus a surcharge of 10 percent.
• Proof of health insurance cover (e.g. confirmation of health insurance cover or insurance policy).
• For minors: Consent of all persons with custody rights to the planned stay (declaration of consent); if the parents with custody rights cannot submit the application jointly for their child, a written power of attorney from the absent parent is required; if only one parent has custody rights, the signature of this parent is sufficient

Additionally for attending a language course:

• Proof of admission to the language course (e.g. confirmation of registration or contract)
• Curriculum vitae in tabular form (if available: Certificates, diplomas or proof of previously acquired knowledge of the German language.
• Letter of motivation stating why the language course should be attended and what plans are being pursued for the time after the language course)

Additionally for participation in a student exchange:

• Proof of school attendance (e.g. certificate from the school stating the duration and general conditions for the student exchange)
• Agreement or contract on the student exchange

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the foreigners authority may require less or further proof.

• Your livelihood is secured for the duration of the language course or student exchange.
• You would like to take part in an intensive language course, a student exchange or attend a German school as a guest student.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.

• The residence permit must be applied for before your visa or visa-free stay ends.
• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If you have not yet reached the age of 18, you are not allowed to submit the application yourself, but need a representative (as a rule, the application is submitted by the custodial parent).
• If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. If you apply online, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• If you have not yet reached the age of 18, you must be accompanied by at least one representative at the personal appointment. If the parent with custody is unable to attend in person, a written power of attorney must be provided for the application.
• Your identity and documents will be checked during the appointment (please bring your documents to the appointment, in the original if possible).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce the residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will commission the Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. After completion, you will receive information and can collect the eAT card from the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a notice of rejection.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification
• Legal action before the court named in the objection notice if the objection is not upheld

• Residence permit for the purpose of education Issued for the purpose of attending language courses and student exchanges
• A residence permit can be issued to attend a language course in Germany or to take part in a student exchange.
• The applicant's means of subsistence (including health insurance) must be secured, i.e. they must be able to support themselves without claiming public benefits (the current BAföG rate applies as a guideline for student exchanges and the BAföG rate plus 10 percent for language courses).
• If the applicant has not yet reached the age of 18, the legal guardians must agree to the stay in Germany.
• The language course must be an intensive language course that serves to acquire comprehensive German language skills, but not to prepare for studies (an intensive language course requires that its duration is limited in time from the outset, usually at least 18 lessons per week; weekend courses do not meet the requirements).
• A student exchange is a temporary stay at a school, which usually does not exceed one year and is often organized by student exchange organizations. Privately or commercially organized exchange years are also possible.
• The term "student exchange" also includes guest students who complete a guest school year in Germany without a direct exchange ("one-to-one").
• Responsible: the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.