Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Teilnahme an Sprachkursen oder am Schüleraustausch beantragen

You can obtain a temporary residence permit to take part in a German language course or a student exchange in Germany.

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. A direct exchange ("one-to-one") is not 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 this was 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 supplement of 10 percent applies as a guideline.
• 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 explaining why you want to attend the language course and your plans 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 framework 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 is no interest in deporting you.

Cost amount (fixed):

• EUR 100.00
• EUR 50.00 for underage applicants

Remark:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

The time and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

Lower fees may apply for Turkish nationals.

• 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 submitted in person, make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. If you apply online, the immigration 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.

Duration (for span): approx. 6 to 8 weeks

Note for further information on the processing time:

The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the immigration office.

The production of the electronic residence permit by the Bundesdruckerei takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

6 to 8 weeks

Note (for more information on the deadline):

The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry of your valid visa or visa-free period.

Note (for more information on the deadline):

The duration of your residence permit will be issued according to the purpose of your stay (usually one year for a student exchange, for language courses the duration of the language course determines the period of validity of the residence permit).

• The granting of a residence permit is at the discretion of the responsible immigration authority. Applicants are therefore only entitled to a discretionary decision.
• As a rule, the residence permit does not entitle the applicant to pursue gainful employment. An exception may be made for vacation periods.
• During the stay for the purpose of attending a language course, i.e. until the successful completion of the educational measure and the issue of the corresponding certificate of completion, a residence permit for another purpose of residence should generally only be issued if there is a legal entitlement (e.g. family reunification or studies).
• After completion of language courses that are required for taking up employment or training, the appropriate residence permit can be issued without prior departure.
• Following participation in a student exchange, a residence permit for a different purpose of residence may only be issued if there is a legal entitlement.
• The procedure is usually carried out in German.
• All information provided to the Immigration Office should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that your application can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be detrimental to the person concerned. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in good time vis-à-vis the immigration authority can result in the revocation of residence rights that have already been granted, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years or expulsion from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for information purposes only and is not legally binding.

• 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 and training; issued for participation in 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 consent 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, usually lasting no longer than 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.

Forms available: No
Written form required: No
Informal application possible: Yes
Personal appearance necessary: Yes