Integration Course (Integrationskurs): Registration and Exemptions

What Is the Integration Course?

The integration course consists of two main parts:

Total: 700 hours. In some cases, the course can be extended up to 1000 hours.

Who Can Register?

• Recognized refugees

• Holders of subsidiary protection (§25 Abs. 2 S.1 Alt.2)

• Persons admitted for humanitarian reasons (§25 Abs. 5)

• Non-EU nationals with long-term residence

• EU citizens living in Germany (based on BAMF evaluation)

Who Is Obliged?

• If required by the immigration office when issuing residence permit

• If receiving ALG II (Jobcenter) and language deficiencies are identified

• For naturalization, proof of B1 + political knowledge is often required

Who Is Exempt?

• Holders of B1 or higher language certificate

• Those who completed school or university in Germany

• Those unable to attend for health or family reasons

• Those who prove higher level via placement test

Registration

• Obtain authorization (Berechtigungsschein) from BAMF, immigration office, or Jobcenter

• Choose an accredited school (list on bamf.de)

• Placement test to determine course scope

Costs

Certificates

• DTZ (German Test for Immigrants) – B1 or A2

• Orientation course certificate (Leben in Deutschland)

• BAMF certificate of completion – required for permanent residence or citizenship

If Failed

• Retake the failed part (language or orientation)

• Jobcenter may require further courses

• Residence or aid rights remain, but naturalization or family reunification may be delayed

Conclusion: The integration course is an essential educational and legal opportunity for anyone planning to stay in Germany long-term. It facilitates daily life and work and opens the path to permanent residence or citizenship.