Integrationskurs in Germany: Documents for BAMF and What to Translate

You’re at the Jobcenter and they tell you: “You need to complete an Integrationskurs.” You nod, not entirely sure what that means or what they want from you. Then you find out there are documents to gather, things to translate, applications to submit - all to BAMF, which is in a completely different city. And as of 2026, there are new restrictions on enrollment. Let’s break it down step by step so you don’t waste time and energy on unnecessary trips.

What’s an Integrationskurs and what does it include¶

An Integrationskurs (integration course) is a program organized by BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge - the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees). The goal is straightforward: teach you German and explain how life in Germany works - from laws to everyday habits.

The course has two parts:

That’s 700 hours total. Roughly 7-8 months if you attend daily (usually 4-5 hours per day, 4-5 days per week). There are also specialized courses for women, parents, young people, and those with limited literacy - these can run up to 900-1000 hours.

At the end you take two exams: the DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) - a language test where you can score A2 or B1 level, and the “Leben in Deutschland” test - 33 questions about Germany. Pass the DTZ at B1 and the knowledge test, and you get the integration course certificate.

What changed in 2026: enrollment restrictions¶

This is the most important thing to know right now. Since the start of 2026, BAMF has suspended issuing permits for integration course participation for those who only have the right (but not the obligation) to attend - the so-called Zulassungen nach § 44 Abs. 4 AufenthG.

Who’s affected:

• Ukrainian refugees with temporary protection (§24)
• EU citizens
• People with Duldung (tolerated stay)
• Asylum seekers

The reason is budget constraints. BAMF officially explained it as a need to “avoid financial risks and ensure sustainable funding for integration courses.”

But there’s an important catch. If the Jobcenter issued you a Verpflichtung (obligation to attend the course) - you still have access. This applies to Ukrainians receiving Bürgergeld with an Aufenthaltserlaubnis under §24. The Jobcenter can require you to complete the course as part of your integration plan - and then the budget freeze doesn’t apply to you.

What to do: if you’re receiving Bürgergeld and haven’t taken an integration course yet - talk to your Sachbearbeiter at the Jobcenter and ask about a Verpflichtung. That’s your ticket to the course in 2026.

Who can and who must attend¶

There’s a difference between “having the right” and “being obligated”:

Obligated (Verpflichtung): - Foreigners who received a residence permit and don’t speak German well enough (below B1) - Those obligated by the Jobcenter or Ausländerbehörde - Bürgergeld recipients directed by the Jobcenter

Had the right to attend voluntarily (before 2026): - Ukrainian refugees under §24 - EU citizens - Ethnic German repatriates (Spätaussiedler)

If you’re obligated - the course is free. If you apply voluntarily and qualify for Bürgergeld or SGB XII - also free (but remember the 2026 restrictions on voluntary participation).

What documents you need for registration¶

Here’s the full list of what you need to submit for an Integrationskurs application:

Required documents¶

1. Completed application form - BAMF form 630.007w (current version 01/2026). You can download it from the official BAMF website or get it from a Kursträger (course provider)
2. Copy of your Aufenthaltserlaubnis - residence permit. For Ukrainians under §24, this is the card or sticker in your passport
3. Or a copy of your Fiktionsbescheinigung - temporary certificate from the Ausländerbehörde if your Aufenthaltserlaubnis isn’t ready yet
4. Copy of your passport or Ukrainian ID card
5. Meldebestätigung - proof of address registration (the certificate you got when you registered at the Einwohnermeldeamt)

Additional documents¶

• Confirmation from Jobcenter (Verpflichtung) - if you’ve been obligated to attend the course
• Or referral from Ausländerbehörde - if the obligation came from there
• Application for fee exemption (form 630.027q) - if you receive Bürgergeld, SGB XII, or have low income
• Proof of Bürgergeld or SGB XII receipt - for the fee exemption

What needs to be translated¶

Good news: for the integration course itself, document translation requirements are minimal. Most of the required documents are already German documents (Aufenthaltserlaubnis, Meldebestätigung, Bürgergeld-Bescheid). But there are a few things to watch for.

Documents that DON’T need translation¶

• Aufenthaltserlaubnis / Fiktionsbescheinigung - issued by German authorities, already in German
• Meldebestätigung - also a German document
• Bürgergeld-Bescheid - Jobcenter decision, in German
• Application form 630.007w - filled out in German or Latin script

Documents that might require translation¶

• Passport / ID card - usually a copy without translation is fine, since BAMF is familiar with Ukrainian passport formats. But in some cases, a regional office might ask for a certified translation
• Language certificates - if you’ve already studied German and have a certificate from a Ukrainian institution, they might ask for a translation to determine your level (though the Einstufungstest usually handles this)
• Education documents - if BAMF needs to confirm you can read and write (to determine whether you need a regular course or a literacy course)

Practical tip: before submitting your application, call the regional BAMF office or the Kursträger and ask whether they need a passport translation in your specific case. Requirements can vary slightly between federal states.

Keep in mind: while the course itself needs minimal translations, during the integration process you’ll definitely need translations of other documents - your birth certificate, diploma, criminal record certificate, and others. Better to take care of those early.

How much does an Integrationskurs cost¶

Course fees¶

Even if you pay the full price - there’s a bonus. If you pass the DTZ exam at B1 level within two years of receiving your admission - you can apply to get 50% of your payment back.

Translation costs for course documents¶

If you do need a certified translation of your passport or another document:

For those on Bürgergeld: the Jobcenter can cover translation costs through Kostenübernahme. Ask your Sachbearbeiter - it’s your right.

How to find a course and sign up¶

1. Go to the Jobcenter - if you’re receiving Bürgergeld, ask for a Verpflichtung (obligation). This gives you access to the course even with the 2026 restrictions
2. Fill out the application - form 630.007w, downloadable from the BAMF website or available from a Kursträger
3. Attach document copies - Aufenthaltserlaubnis, passport, Meldebestätigung
4. Submit the application - by mail to your regional BAMF office or online via the BAMF portal
5. Receive your Berechtigungsschein - course admission, valid for 1 year
6. Find a Kursträger - using BAMF-NAvI (search tool on the BAMF website), enter your city
7. Take the Einstufungstest - placement test to put you in the right module
8. Start learning

Timeline: from application to course start usually takes 2-6 weeks, depending on availability in your city.

What happens after the course¶

After 700 hours of study, you take two exams:

DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) - written part (100 minutes: reading, listening, writing a letter) and oral part (15 minutes: dialogue with an examiner and another participant). Based on results, you get A2 or B1 level.

“Leben in Deutschland” - 33 questions about Germany’s legal system, history, and culture. You need to answer at least 15 correctly.

Pass the DTZ at B1 and the “Leben in Deutschland” test, and you get the “Zertifikat Integrationskurs.” This certificate matters for many procedures: Einbürgerung (citizenship), Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence), and for employers as proof of your language level.

If you don’t pass at B1 - you can apply to repeat 300 hours of the language course. But since 2025, repeat hours are only funded for certain course types (literacy courses, specialized courses).

FAQ¶

Is the integration course free for Ukrainians?¶

If you’re receiving Bürgergeld or SGB XII and have a Verpflichtung from the Jobcenter - yes, the course is completely free. You just need to submit the fee exemption application (form 630.027q) along with proof of your Bürgergeld.

Can I sign up for an Integrationskurs in 2026 without a Verpflichtung from the Jobcenter?¶

Unfortunately, since 2026 BAMF has suspended voluntary admissions under §44 Abs. 4 AufenthG. This means without an obligation from the Jobcenter or Ausländerbehörde, you can’t enroll right now. Contact your Jobcenter - they can issue a Verpflichtung if you’re receiving Bürgergeld and don’t have sufficient German skills.

What Ukrainian documents need to be translated for the integration course?¶

For the course itself, translation needs are minimal. The main documents (Aufenthaltserlaubnis, Meldebestätigung) are already in German. Passports are usually accepted without translation. In some cases, a regional BAMF office might request a certified passport translation - check with your Kursträger in advance.

What happens if I don’t pass the DTZ at B1 level?¶

If you only scored A2 - you can apply to repeat 300 hours of the language course. But funding for repeat hours has been limited since 2025. If you didn’t pass at all - you’ll receive a course attendance certificate, but no completion certificate. For Einbürgerung and Niederlassungserlaubnis, you specifically need B1.

How long is the Berechtigungsschein (admission) for the integration course valid?¶

The Berechtigungsschein (admission) is valid for one year from the date of issue. You need to register with a Kursträger and start the course within that time. If you miss the deadline, you’ll have to apply again.