Can your child also get a visa when you apply for a language course visa?

Family reunification for spouses and children is usually not possible with a language course visa (§16f). §16f is a "temporary purpose" visa type.

#Why a Family Visa is Difficult

• A language course visa is for a maximum of 12 months.
• A family reunification visa requires a permanent purpose (study, work, settled residence).
• The §16f holder also needs to show "financial resources to support their family" — a Sperrkonto requires separate amounts for spouse + child.

#Exception: Independent Visa Alongside

Spouses and children can come on their own with a Schengen or short-term visitor visa. But this period is subject to the 90 days/180 days rule — they cannot reside permanently in Germany.

#Family with an Academic Visa

If you have a university visa (§16b), the situation is different:

• A family visa for spouses and children of Bachelor's/Master's students is possible.
• Additional documents for a family visa application: marriage certificate (apostilled + translated), birth certificate, joint financial resources.

#Practical Solution

If you plan to immigrate with your family:

1. Come with an academic visa (§16b) — not a language course visa.
2. Indicate your spouse and child at the same time in your visa application (parallel family reunification application).
3. For the Sperrkonto, add ~900 €/month × duration for your spouse, and ~300 €/month × duration per child.

Related: Language Course Visa Application