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Who can join an integration course (Integrationskurs), and how do I apply?

If you got your residence permit after 2005 and live in Germany long-term, you usually have a right to it; the immigration office issues the certificate. Others can apply to BAMF, but places have been limited since 2026. 2.29 euros per lesson.

The integration course (Integrationskurs) consists of a German language course and an orientation course about Germany. The general course has 600 hours of language and 100 hours of orientation. One lesson is 45 minutes.

Who has a right to it: If you first received your residence permit after 1 January 2005 and live in Germany long-term for work, family reunification or humanitarian reasons, you have a right to take part (Anspruch). The immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) gives you the certificate of eligibility (Berechtigungsschein) when it issues your permit. If your German isn't good enough, you may also be obliged to attend.

EU citizens and German citizens: They have no legal right. If their German isn't good enough for work, they can apply to BAMF. Since 2026, places for voluntary participants have been limited; this group has priority together with people from Ukraine, but admission isn't guaranteed. You apply online (verwaltung.bund.de) or with the paper form (630.009u) at BAMF's regional office.

Asylum seekers and people with a Duldung: Since February 2026 they are generally not admitted; only in exceptional cases, if places and funds are available. Shorter initial orientation courses (Erstorientierungskurs) are available for them. Ask BAMF or the immigration office about your situation.

If BAMF admits you, your eligibility is valid for one year; you need to start a course within that time. You can find course providers on BAMF-NAvI.

Cost: 2.29 euros per lesson, 1,603 euros in total for the 700-hour general course. You pay in 100-hour sections. If you receive Bürgergeld, unemployment benefit or social assistance, or have a low income, you can be exempted from the fee. Ask for the exemption before the course. If you pass the exam within 2 years of your certificate of eligibility, you can apply to get half of what you paid back.

At the end of the course there is a language exam (aiming at level B1) and the "Leben in Deutschland" test. The exams are free.

Where you can get help

This information is based on community experience and is not legal advice. Rules can change; check important things with the responsible office.

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