In Germany, German-language requirements vary depending on the type of residence permit a person applies for. While some permits are granted without requiring a specific language level, other permits—especially those that lead to permanent residence or citizenship—require certain language levels such as A1, B1, or C1.
Below is a detailed overview of the most important residence types in Germany and the language requirements linked to each one:

First: Residence permits that do not require German at the time of application

Residence type – Language requirements

• Asylum / Refugee protection (§25 Abs. 2): No language level is required to apply, but enrolling in an integration course is encouraged.

• Subsidiary protection (§25 Abs. 2 S.2): No language level is required when the permit is granted.

• Humanitarian protection (§25 Abs. 3, 4, 5): No official language certificate is required.

• Residence for medical reasons or due to obstacles to deportation (§25 Abs. 3 or 5): No language proof is required.

Note: Even without a formal language requirement, learning German later makes it easier to extend the permit, apply for permanent residence, and integrate into the labour market.

Second: Residence permits that require A1

Residence type – Requirements

• Spousal reunification (§30 AufenthG): A1 must be proven (with exceptions, such as people with protection status or spouses of German citizens).

• Au-pair visa: A1 is often required when applying at the embassy.

• Reunification for parents or adult children: A1 is recommended and is officially required in some cases.

Third: Residence permits that require B1

Residence type – Requirements

• Permanent settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis): B1 is mandatory, except in special cases (such as chronic illness or advanced age).

• German citizenship (naturalisation): B1 must be proven, plus passing the “Life in Germany” test.

• Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht (opportunity residence): Proving B1 during the period is encouraged to facilitate switching to permanent residence later.

• Duldung with employment: B1 is not mandatory, but it can help strengthen the application and improve prospects of continuation.

Fourth: Residence permits that require B2 or C1

Residence type – Required level

• EU Blue Card (Blue Card §18g): No language level is required, but B1–B2 is recommended to make later steps easier.

• Fast permanent residence after 21 months (for Blue Card holders): B1 is required (instead of waiting until 33 months).

• Work in certain fields (such as medicine, teaching): B2 or C1 is often required depending on the profession and recognition process.

• Early citizenship after 3 years: C1 is mandatory (with special integration achievements).

Important exceptions and notes

• Recognised refugees are often exempt from language proof at the beginning, but language integration is encouraged to gain later advantages.

• In some cases (such as disability or older age), the language requirement can be reduced or waived through an official request.

• Recognised certificates include those from: Goethe-Institut, telc, ÖSD.

Summary

Level – Main permits linked to it

• No requirement: asylum, protection, humanitarian residence

• A1: family reunification, au-pair

• B1: permanent residence, citizenship, job opportunities

• B2–C1: specific professions, faster naturalisation, highly skilled pathways

— The site’s writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through extensive research and by consulting multiple sources. However, some errors may occur or certain information may be unconfirmed. Please treat this as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.