Intensive Language Course Visa in Germany (§ 16f Residence Act): Work Restrictions

The § 16f visa is for foreigners attending intensive German language courses, usually valid for 3–12 months.

Requirements:

• Course must have at least 18 hours per week

• Cannot be part-time or evening-only

Work Restrictions:

• No work allowed at all (§ 16f Abs. 3 Residence Act).

• Applies to: freelance, part-time, full-time, mini-jobs, paid or unpaid internships.

• Rare exceptions: limited teaching assistance at the same school, with written approval from immigration office.

After the course:

• Switch to study visa (§ 16b) with university admission

• Switch to Ausbildung/Study search visa (§ 17)

• Leave Germany and reapply with another visa

Risks of violation:

• Loss of residence permit

• Ban from Germany/Schengen

• Future visa difficulties

Conclusion: The § 16f visa is strictly for language learning and prohibits any employment.