Residence permit for study preparation

A residence permit for the purpose of study preparation can be granted for maximum two years.

The purpose of study preparation includes:
  • Intensive German language course (a minimum of 18 lesson-hours per week),
  • study college,
  • preparatory courses
A residence permit can not be issued for an intensive language course to learn a foreign language (e.g. English). This applies even if the desired course of studies is offered only in a foreign language.

Prerequisites

  • University entrance certificate
    This can either be a German Abitur certificate or an international maturity certificate.
  • Main residence in Berlin
  • A personal interview is required
    An appointment is required.

Documents required

  • Valid passport
  • 1 current biometric photo
    35mm x 45mm, frontal shot with neutral facial expression and closed mouth, looking straight into the camera, light background
  • Form "Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels" (Application for Issuance of a Residence Permit)
    available in German, English, French, Italian, Greek, Turkish, Vietnamese, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian and Bosnian
  • Proof of secure livelihood
    The following are accepted as proof:
    • blocked account (Sperrkonto) at a German Bank with 11,208.00 euros (current amount in the year 2024) or
    • submission of a declaration of commitment by a third party on an official form or
    • scholarship or
    • notarized declaration from parents securing the livelihood for the duration of the studies with proof of the income of the parents in the last six months.
  • Health insurance
    Proof of a secure livelihood must also include sufficient health insurance. Those with statutory health insurance are sufficiently insured. Those with private health insurance must consider the type and extent of their health insurance. For more information, please read the leaflet "Information for students on adequate health insurance".
  • Contract with a language school or approval for study college
    • Additionally with an intensive language course: Certification of the language school over a booked language course of at least 3 months
  • Proof of main residence in Berlin
    • Certificate of registration at the main residence or
    • lease and written confirmation of occupancy from the landlord
    More on the topic in the section "More information".

Fees

  • 100.00 euros
Turkish citizens:
  • From the age of 24 years: 37.00 euros
  • Until the age of 24 years: 22.80 euros

Average time to process request

Around 5–6 weeks
A personal visit four to six weeks before the existing temporary residence title expires is best. If possible you should book an appointment for this.

Hinweise zur Zuständigkeit

This service can only be taken advantage of in the Berlin Immigration Office (Landesamt für Einwanderung – LEA) at Keplerstrasse.

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