Vocational Training in Germany

Vocational training is a professional qualification in which you acquire practical and theoretical knowledge in a specific professional field. There are various forms: dual vocational training, school-based vocational training and the special case of dual study programmes. 

• Dual vocational training (e.g., in skilled crafts and trades or industry) combines attendance at a vocational school with practical training in a company. Apprentices receive a monthly training allowance.
• In school-based training, apprentices attend a vocational school full-time and do not receive any remuneration. Vocational training at state schools is free of charge, but apprentices often have to pay school fees at private providers. The healthcare sector is an exception: here, there are longer practical phases and apprentices receive remuneration throughout their vocational training.
• The third option is a dual study programme. This combines vocational training in a company with studies at a university: at the end, dual students receive both an academic and a vocational qualification.

In order to complete vocational training in Germany, persons from a third country require a visa or residence permit to complete vocational training. To obtain a visa, you need confirmation of a vocational training place and German language skills (usually at level B1). You must also prove that you have sufficient funds to live in Germany. For school-based training, you must also have your school-leaving certificate recognised; for a dual study programme, you need a university entrance qualification. 

As a citizen of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, you do not need a residence permit to undertake vocational training in Germany. However, it is important that you have German language skills at least at level B1, as lessons and exams at vocational schools are held in German. 

You can find more information in the “Requirements for vocational training” section.

The first step towards finding a vocational training place in Germany is to choose a profession. You can then search for vocational training places online, for example in the “Make it in Germany” job listings. Here you can filter your search for vocational training places. When applying, please note that vocational training usually starts in August or September. It is best to apply one year in advance. Take plenty of time to prepare your documents (e.g., CV and cover letter). You can also reach out for support: the Federal Employment Agency helps interested people find a vocational training place. If you would like to work with a private placement agency, check their offer thoroughly beforehand: for example, you should not be required to pay any fees for the placement itself. 

You can find detailed information on this topic in the “How do I find vocational training?” section.

Yes, in principle you can work in Germany after completing your vocational training. Germany offers good career options for international vocational training graduates. Companies often take on their apprentices and offer them a permanent employment contract. Alternatively, you can look for a job in another company. 

• Have you already found a suitable job? If you come from a third country, you will need a new residence permit to work before you can start working.
• You don't have a job offer yet, and you want to stay in Germany to look for work? If you come from a third country, you can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of looking for work for up to 18 months. 

In both cases, you must make an appointment at your local foreigners authority well in advance and before the end of your vocational training in order to apply for the new residence permit. It is important that the job you take after completing your vocational training is qualified employment.

Further information on your career options after completing your vocational training in Germany can be found in the “Prospects after vocational training”.