Newsletter Nr. 5 / 2026: Recruiting international trainees from abroad
Dear Readers,
in many companies, vocational training programmes start in August or September. International trainees are becoming more and more important for German businesses. In some training occupations, their share is particularly high, for example in hospitality, among (dental) medical assistants and in food-related skilled trades.

Recruiting trainees from abroad takes good preparation and reliable information. A new brochure on “Make it in Germany” guides employers through the key steps, from recruitment and visas to integration in the workplace. On the portal, you will also find practical examples from companies and trainees.

Your “Make it in Germany” team
Focus: vocational training
New brochure: Recruiting international trainees
How can employers connect with young people from abroad who would like to start vocational training in Germany? How can they apply for a visa and learn German? The new brochure “Recruiting international trainees: legal aspects, integration and practical tips for employers” guides employers step by step through the recruitment process. It also includes a dedicated section for nursing care facilities and information on relevant advisory services.
Download brochure
German version
Visa for trainees: what you need to know
Citizens of an EU or EFTA country can start vocational training in Germany without a visa. Nationals of other countries generally need a visa. The requirements include a confirmed trainee position, German language skills of at least B1 level and proof that living costs are covered, for example through a training allowance, a blocked account or a declaration of commitment. Depending on the type of vocational training, the current minimum amounts are €1,048 gross or €959 net per month.
Learn more
Publish your training positions on the job listings now!
Does your company have trainee positions to fill? With the “Make it in Germany” job listings, you can reach applicants from around the world. Instructions on how to publish your vacancies are available on “Make it in Germany” (link below).
Would you like to see what published vacancies look like? Just follow the second link.
Instructions
Job listings
Videos on vocational training
What does recruiting trainees from abroad look like in practice? What helps trainees settle in? The “Make it in Germany” videos offer practical insights from different sectors. Recorded webinars also provide background information on the legal framework and language courses.
All videos are available in a YouTube playlist. The videos are in German, with English subtitles available.
Go to Playlist
Information for future trainees worldwide
People looking for vocational training in Germany can find multilingual information on “Make it in Germany”, from job profiles and the requirements to tips on how to find a trainee position.
The “Visa & residence” section also explains how to apply for the relevant visa.
Guide: vocational training
Visa: vocational training
Did you know…?
19,910
Visas for vocational training (Section 16a of the Residence Act [AufenthG]) were issued for the first time in 2024.
(Source: The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees | Educational and Labour Migration Monitoring: Report 2024)
Updates on "Make it in Germany"
New webinar dates: vocational training and more
Register now for the new “Make it in Germany” webinars! On 12 August 2026, employers can join a live session on recruiting international trainees. In october there will be a webinar about the fast-track procedure in practice – all employer webinars are held in German.
At the end of July, webinars for skilled workers will cover job searching and recognition (in English). In August, there will be a webinar on vocational training in Germany, followed by a session on family reunification in September.
Register here (employers)
Register here (skilled workers)
On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE)

Issued by

German Economic Institute
Make it in Germany
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 21
50668 Cologne
Germany

Editors: Vanessa Pohlmann and Marlene Schimpf
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