Visas for Germany
— Complete Overview
Language course, university, Opportunity Card or direct employment? All four main routes to Germany at a glance — with costs, timelines and next steps.
Germany attracts hundreds of thousands of new arrivals each year — as language students, university students or skilled professionals. The right residence permit determines what you're allowed to do during your stay, how long you can remain, and what financial proof you need to provide.
The four key visa types differ significantly: the Language Course Visa (§16f) covers intensive courses but prohibits work. The Student Visa (§16b) applies to enrolled university students and allows limited work. The Opportunity Card (§20a) gives qualified professionals 12 months to find work. The Skilled Worker Visa (§18b) or EU Blue Card (§18g) requires a concrete job offer but enables full-time employment.
Regardless of which path you choose, a good German language course before or during your move significantly improves your chances — at the visa interview, in job applications and in everyday life. Use our school search to find the right language school.
The 4 Main Routes to Germany Compared
Language Course Visa
§16f AufenthGFor intensive German courses (≥18 hrs/week). Requirements: course confirmation from a recognised school, blocked bank account, travel health insurance. If the course prepares you for university study, the lower blocked-account rate applies.
- Duration:
- Up to 12 months
- Blocked account:
- €13,092 for 12 months (2026 figure) — study-preparatory course: €11,904 (2026 figure)
- Work:
- No work permitted
Student Visa
§16b AufenthGFor enrolled students at German universities. Requires university admission letter, blocked account, and health insurance.
- Duration:
- For duration of studies
- Blocked account:
- €11,904 (annual 2026)
- Work:
- 140 days / 280 half-days per year
Opportunity Card
§20a AufenthGFor qualified professionals without a concrete job offer. Points awarded for German language skills, work experience, age, qualifications and ties to Germany.
- Duration:
- 12 months job search
- Blocked account:
- Self-sufficiency proof €13,092 (2026 annual figure)
- Work:
- Up to 20 hrs/week trial work
- Points:
- Min. 6 points required
Skilled Worker Visa / Blue Card
§18b / §18g AufenthGFor those with a concrete job offer and recognised qualification. EU Blue Card (§18g): min. €50,700 gross annual salary as the standard threshold, reduced to €45,934.20 for shortage occupations, new graduates and IT specialists without a formal degree (both 2026 figures).
- Duration:
- Up to 4 years (extendable)
- Blocked account:
- Not required
- Work:
- Full-time permitted
Related Guides
Blocked Account Germany — Complete Guide
Which providers, how much, how to open.
Motivation Letter for the Language Course Visa
Structure, examples and common mistakes.
Language Course Visa Documents Checklist
Every document required by the embassy.
Accommodation for Language Students in Germany
Shared flats, student halls, costs.
Health Insurance for Language Students
Legal obligations and available tariffs.
Working During a Language Course
Legal situation and exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions about German Visas
Which visa is right for me if I want to learn German first?
If your primary goal is to learn German and you don't yet have a university offer or job contract, the Language Course Visa (§16f AufenthG) is the right choice. It covers intensive courses (≥18 hrs/week) for up to 12 months. You'll need a course confirmation, travel health insurance and a blocked account. How much it must hold depends on the type of course: €13,092 for a language course that does not prepare you for university study, but only €11,904 for a study-preparatory language course (both annual 2026 figures).
How much money do I need in a blocked account?
The Language Course Visa (§16f AufenthG) does not have one amount but two (2026 figures): for a language course that does not prepare you for university study, embassies require a blocked account with €13,092 (€1,091 × 12 months, § 2 Abs. 3 S. 6 AufenthG). For a study-preparatory language course, €11,904 is enough (€992 × 12 months, § 2 Abs. 3 S. 5 AufenthG) — the same amount as the Student Visa (§16b AufenthG) with €11,904 (€992 × 12 months). The amount is released in monthly instalments. Providers such as Coracle, Fintiba or Deutsche Bank Student offer specialised blocked account products.
What is the Opportunity Card and who can apply?
The Opportunity Card (§20a AufenthG) is a residence permit for job-seeking in Germany. It targets qualified professionals without a concrete job offer. Requirements: recognised vocational or university qualification, minimum 6 points in the points system (German skills, work experience, age, ties to Germany) and proof of self-sufficiency for 12 months (€13,092, 2026 figure).
What salary do I need for the EU Blue Card?
There are two thresholds (2026 figures): the standard threshold under §18g(1) sentence 1 AufenthG is €50,700 gross per year (50% of the statutory pension contribution ceiling) — the Blue Card is then issued without approval from the Federal Employment Agency. The reduced threshold is €45,934.20 (45.3% of the ceiling) and applies in three cases: shortage occupations (including IT, STEM, medicine, nursing, teaching), new graduates whose degree is no more than three years old (in all occupational groups), and IT specialists without a formal degree who have at least three years of relevant professional experience (§18g(2)). In those cases the Federal Employment Agency must approve the application. Both amounts are tied to the pension contribution ceiling and change every year on 1 January. You also need an employment contract of at least six months.
Can I work in Germany with a Language Course Visa?
No. The Language Course Visa under §16f AufenthG does not permit gainful employment. If you want to work, you need to switch to the Student Visa (140 working days per year permitted) or the Opportunity Card (up to 20 hrs/week trial work permitted).
How long does visa processing take?
Processing times depend on the German embassy in your home country. In high-demand countries (India, China, Brazil) expect 4–12 weeks. Applying early and submitting a complete set of documents significantly shortens the wait. Processing the Opportunity Card may take longer in some countries.
Can I switch from a Language Course Visa to a Student Visa?
Yes, provided you receive a university admission letter during your language course stay and meet all requirements for the Student Visa, you can apply to the local immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde) for an extension or change of status. Important: the application must be submitted before your current visa expires.
Ready for the next step?
Check your Opportunity Card points or find the right language school in Germany right now.