Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Teilnahme an Sprachkursen oder am Schüleraustausch beantragen

You can receive a temporary residence permit to participate 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 will need

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

a residence permit.

The granting of a residence permit requires that you meet the requirements for issuance and that there are no grounds for refusal.

The duration of an intensive language course must be limited in time. The attendance and follow-up of the course should take up all of your working time (usually daily lessons with a weekly duration of at least 18 lessons). Evening, weekend or part-time language courses are not sufficient.

A student exchange is a temporary school stay, which usually does not exceed one year and is often carried out through student exchange organisations. A privately or commercially organized exchange year is also possible. No direct exchange ("one-to-one") is required to obtain a residence permit (guest students).

• Recognised and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
• Recent biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Visa, if required for entry
• Proof of securing a livelihood without the use of public benefits (e.g. equity, scholarship certificate, declaration of commitment, blocked account with a bank, bank guarantee, proof of parents' income or similar). For student exchanges, the current BAföG rate (Federal Training Assistance Act) applies as a guideline. In the case of language courses, the BAföG rate plus a surcharge of 10 percent.
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g. confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy).
• In the case of minors: consent of all persons with custody to the planned stay (declaration of consent); if the custodial parents are unable to submit the application jointly on behalf of their child, a written power of attorney from the absent parent is required; if only one parent has custody, the signature of that parent is sufficient

In addition, 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 already 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)

In addition, 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)
• Student Exchange Agreement or Contract

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Foreigners' Registration Office may require less or more 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 expulsion against you.

The timing 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 residence period ends.
• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If you have not yet reached the age of 18, you may not submit the application yourself, but require a representative (usually the application is submitted by the custodial parent).
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office. In the case of online application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• If you are under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by at least one representative at the personal appointment. If the custodial parent cannot appear in person, a written power of attorney for the application must be provided.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be verified (please bring your documents, originals if possible, to the appointment).
• If your application is granted, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the residence permit in the form of an electronic residence title (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will order the production of the eAT card from the Bundesdruckerei. After completion, you will receive information and can pick up the eAT card at the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

Duration (with span): approx. 6 to 8

Note for further information on processing time:

The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the Foreigners' Registration Office.

It takes about 4 weeks to 6 weeks for the Bundesdruckerei to produce the electronic residence permit.

6 to 8

Note (for more information on the deadline):

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

Remark (for more information on the deadline):

The duration of your residence permit will be issued according to your purpose of stay (in case of a student exchange usually one year, in case of 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 competent foreigners authority. Applicants are therefore only entitled to a decision free of discretionary errors.
• As a rule, the residence permit does not entitle the holder to engage in gainful employment. An exception may exist for the time of vacations.
• During the stay for participation in a language course, i.e. until the successful completion of the educational measure and handing over of the corresponding graduation certificate, a residence permit for another purpose of stay should generally only be issued if there is a legal entitlement (for example, family reunification or study).
• After the completion of language courses, which are necessary for taking up employment or training, the residence permit for the appropriate purpose can be issued without prior departure.
• Following participation in a student exchange, a residence permit for another purpose of stay may only be issued if there is a legal entitlement.
• The procedure is usually conducted in German.
• All information given to the Aliens' Registration Office should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief, so that the request can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be disadvantageous for the person concerned. In a serious case, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time vis-à-vis the Aliens Department may result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years, or expulsion from the Federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of the right of residence, this description is for information purposes only and is not legally binding.

• Appeal against the decision of the foreigners authority within one month of notification
• Action before the court named in the notice of appeal if the appeal is not granted

• Residence permit for the purpose of education Issuance for participation in language courses and student exchange
• A residence permit can be issued in order to attend a language course in Germany or to participate in a student exchange.
• The applicant's livelihood (including health insurance) must be secured, i.e. he/she must be able to support him/herself 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, which serves the acquisition of comprehensive German language skills, but not the preparation 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 school stay, usually not exceeding one year, often organized through student exchange organizations. Privately or commercially organized exchange years are also possible.
• The term "pupil exchange" also covers guest pupils who spend a guest school year in Germany without a direct exchange ("one-to-one") taking place.
• Responsible: the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes