The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has instructed local authorities to “suspend until further notice” the majority of new approvals for taxpayer-financed integration and German-language courses. A circular dated 9 February became public on 26 February, prompting immediate concern among NGOs and employers who rely on the courses to upskill newly arrived staff and family members.
Under the freeze, people with temporary protection under §24 Residence Act (including most Ukrainian refugees), asylum seekers with pending claims, holders of tolerated status (Duldung) and certain EU citizens must now self-fund language tuition—costing roughly €1 100 per standard course. Only recognised refugees and migrants who already hold written admission letters may continue or start classes.
![Germany Halts Most New Admissions to Tax-Funded Integration Courses]()
Navigating the new rules can be daunting, especially for companies managing multiple transferees. VisaHQ’s Germany team (https://www.visahq.com/germany/) offers clear guidance on current eligibility criteria, helps secure the correct residence permits and Blue Cards, and streamlines related paperwork—allowing HR managers and assignees to focus on relocation rather than red tape.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt defended the measure, citing a budget overrun that pushed programme spending above €1 billion in 2025. The ministry aims to cut expenditure to €650 million from 2027 by shifting early-stage learners into cheaper “orientation courses”. Critics, including the non-profit Socialbee, warn that the move could sideline up to 130 000 learners this year, slowing their path to employment and permanent residence.
For corporations the immediate impact is logistical and financial. HR departments may need to subsidise private lessons to keep relocation timelines on track, factor longer lead-times into Blue-Card compliance (which requires A1-level German for accompanying spouses) and adjust onboarding budgets accordingly. Mobility suppliers should also update welcome-packs to reflect the new eligibility rules at municipal foreigners’ offices.
Under the freeze, people with temporary protection under §24 Residence Act (including most Ukrainian refugees), asylum seekers with pending claims, holders of tolerated status (Duldung) and certain EU citizens must now self-fund language tuition—costing roughly €1 100 per standard course. Only recognised refugees and migrants who already hold written admission letters may continue or start classes.
Navigating the new rules can be daunting, especially for companies managing multiple transferees. VisaHQ’s Germany team (https://www.visahq.com/germany/) offers clear guidance on current eligibility criteria, helps secure the correct residence permits and Blue Cards, and streamlines related paperwork—allowing HR managers and assignees to focus on relocation rather than red tape.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt defended the measure, citing a budget overrun that pushed programme spending above €1 billion in 2025. The ministry aims to cut expenditure to €650 million from 2027 by shifting early-stage learners into cheaper “orientation courses”. Critics, including the non-profit Socialbee, warn that the move could sideline up to 130 000 learners this year, slowing their path to employment and permanent residence.
For corporations the immediate impact is logistical and financial. HR departments may need to subsidise private lessons to keep relocation timelines on track, factor longer lead-times into Blue-Card compliance (which requires A1-level German for accompanying spouses) and adjust onboarding budgets accordingly. Mobility suppliers should also update welcome-packs to reflect the new eligibility rules at municipal foreigners’ offices.
