As 'Russkaya Germaniya' notes, if language courses last more than three months and, accordingly, a Schengen visa is not suitable in such a case, it is necessary to obtain a national visa of category D. What needs to be done to get a visa to enter the country for the purpose of attending German language courses? Let us note in passing that the same category D visa is requested by those who wish to study at a German university.
List of documents for a visa
It is necessary to take into account the difference between ordinary, so-called isolated courses, that is, not tied to the program of any university where the visa candidate then intends to study – and such courses that are part of preparation for studying at a university (preparatory courses at a specific higher education institution). Depending on the type of courses, different documents must be submitted, so if the purpose of stay is indicated as studying in 'isolated' language courses, then further study at a university is excluded, as the purpose of stay changes.
Documents should be submitted in the original with two simple copies attached. Let us list them:
1. International passport (only non-empty pages need to be copied).
2. Internal passport (similarly).
3. Two applications for a national visa, filled out in German and personally signed (the form posted on the website of the German embassy/consulate is filled out; such a form can be obtained at the visa department of the embassy or consulate) – with photographs attached and one additional photograph for the visa.
4. Invitation from the language school indicating the location, duration and cost of the course, as well as confirmation of payment for the language courses.
5. For 'isolated' courses:
– document on school or higher education as confirmation of the applicant's qualification;
– resume containing information about the applicant's professional career;
– employment record book.
6. For preparatory language courses:
– confirmation from the university or a pre-university preparation college;
– confirmation of the right to receive the relevant education (e.g., secondary school certificate, last academic degree).
7. A detailed motivation letter convincingly justifying the need to attend language courses in Germany (do not forget to sign).
8. Confirmation of already acquired knowledge of German (e.g., certificates).
9. Confirmation of sufficient financial means to cover the stay in Germany for the entire course period, based on a minimum amount of 720 euros per month.
Financing is confirmed by one of the following options:
– blocked account in Germany;
– bank guarantee from any financial institution in Germany;
– financial guarantee for the entire course period according to §66-68 of the Residence Act.
10. Visa fee of 60 euros.
Some explanations and remarks
It should be borne in mind that the language course must be intensive. This means that it involves daily classes of at least 18 hours per week. For example, studying on weekend courses is not a basis for issuing an entry visa.
The maximum stay in Germany for attending language courses is 1 year.
Employment is prohibited in this case (while a student visa holder is allowed, as a student, to work 120 full working days or 240 days of 4 hours each).
If a visa is requested for studying in 'isolated' language courses, it must be convincingly demonstrated that this corresponds to the applicant's specific life plans, taking into account their professional and family situation.
Having any knowledge of German at a beginner level is not a mandatory prerequisite for obtaining a visa, but it plays an important role when checking whether the purpose of the trip actually corresponds to the stated one.