Requirements for vocational training

Would you like to do vocational training in Germany? A great decision – because skilled workers are in high demand here! But before you get started, you should know what requirements you need to meet. Here you’ll find all the important information: from school qualifications and language skills to visa regulations.

Please beware: There is no age limit for starting vocational training. Even people who already have an academic degree or work experience can generally complete vocational training. Are you over the age of 45? You should then pay attention to the requirement of a minimum salary or retirement provision (in case you require a visa), since the salary during vocational training usually falls below these thresholds. 

School-leaving qualification

If you would like to complete vocational training in Germany, you generally require a school-leaving qualification of a school providing general education. In this context it is important to be aware of the German school system distinguishing between two different types of qualifications.

In regard to the requirements for vocational training, there are several differences, depending on the type of vocational training:

• Dual vocational training: according to German law, you do not require a specific school-leaving qualification – and therefore, no recognition – for dual vocational training in a company. In general, every company decides for itself what criteria applicants must meet. In practice, many companies ask for an intermediate school-leaving qualification. In professions which are either very popular or demanding, a higher school-leaving qualification may be required. If the training companies demand a specific school-leaving qualification, the recognition of the qualification may be required.
• School-based vocational training: for school-based vocational training, you must have completed general school education first and have this qualification recognised officially. The specific school-leaving qualification you require depends on the profession.
• Dual studies: for this special combination of academic studies at a university and vocational training, you require a university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung).

Aside from your school-leaving qualification, other qualifications are generally not required for vocational training. However, if you do have other qualifications, they might give you an advantage because you might stand out in a positve way.

Have you graduated from a German school abroad? Then you have a very good chance of finding an apprenticeship in Germany! Such a school-leaving qualification can be a bonus for your application - especially if you have completed the German ‘Abitur’ there.

This is how the recognition of school-leaving qualifications works

The certificate recognition bodies of the 16 federal states are responsible for the recognition of school-leaving qualifications. Therefore, you need to have a registered address in Germany or a concrete confirmation for a vocational training place prior to initiating the recognition process. Only then will your application be accepted by the authority. 

Step 1 Finding the responsible body: You will find the address of the body responsible for the recognition for your school-leaving qualification in the German anabin database  of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). (Tip: Use an AI tool to have the entire website translated.)

1. Visit the “Anerkennungs- und Beratungsstellen in Deutschland” subpage on anabin (recognition and advisory bodies in Germany)
2. Click on “Suchen nach anderen Stellen” (Look for other bodies)
3. Under “Bundesländer” (federal states), select the federal state in which you will complete your vocational training.
4. Under “Zuständigkeiten” (responsibilities), click on “Zeugnisanerkennung“ (recognition of certificates). (There are different categories: click through the different options, and see what fits your situation the most. Make sure to read the comments for guidance.)

Step 2 Informing yourself: once you have found your authority, find out about the procedure and the required documents.

Step 3  Submitting the application: submit the required documents to the responsible body.

Step 4  Receiving the written confirmation: if your school-leaving qualification is equivalent to a German qualification, you will receive a written confirmation.

Language skills

If you would like to apply for vocational training in Germany, German language skills are indispensable, because in companies, vocational schools and specialized schools where German is spoken, examinations will also take place in German. As a rule, you should be able to provide evidence of skills at a minimum level of B1. But the higher the German level, the easier it will be for you to understand the content of the vocational training well. Here you will find the locations of the Goethe-Institut, and under “Language classes”, you will find a range of online learning offers. A language course in preparation of the vocational training is also an option.

Visa

Nationals of the EU, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland

For entering Germany and for starting vocational training, you do not require a visa. If you wish to live in Germany, you must register your address at a resident’s registration office or a municipal office. Please click here to find out how to do this.

Nationals of other countries

If you are from a non-EU country, you generally require a visa or a residence permit. To learn more about this, please visit the “Visa for vocational training” subpage in our “Visa & residence” section. Under “Entry & visa process”, you can read more about how to apply for the visa.