
At a glance: Visa for vocational training
From the preparations to the application forms: This step-by-step guide shows you how to obtain a visa to complete vocational training.
Would you like to complete a vocational training in Germany? There is a special visa application procedure for this. You can find it here.
Vocational training in Germany opens many doors and is the best way to prepare yourself for the German world of work: You have the opportunity to complete school-based or company-based vocational training. In both cases, a residence title in accordance with Section 16a on the Residence Act - AufenthG may be required.
To find out whether you require a visa to enter Germany, see Who Needs a Visa?
For company-based training programmes, you will be required to obtain the approval of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) as part of the visa procedure. The Federal Employment Agency (BA) will assess whether you can be employed under the same conditions as German apprentices. This is an internal agency procedure. You do not need to do anything. Moreover, the German Federal Employment Agency (BA) will assess whether any applicants from Germany or the EU are to be given priority with respect to obtaining a training position (priority check).
Do you fulfil these requirements? Find out about the entry visa process.
To complete school-based or company-based training, a corresponding residence permit will be issued for the duration of the training program in question. Qualified training programs in Germany generally have a duration of least two years.
With a residence permit to complete a qualified vocational training program, you are able to take on secondary employment outside your training program for up to ten hours per week.
If you are completing a company-based training program, your residence permit in accordance with Section 16a (1), pg. 3 on the Residence Act - AufenthG enables you to attend a work-related preparatory German language class. This gives you the opportunity to improve your German skills in a targeted manner.
If you have successfully completed your vocational training, you can stay in Germany for up to 12 additional months in order to obtain employment that corresponds to your vocational training. For this purpose, a residence permit in accordance with Section 20 (3) no. 3 on the Residence Act - AufenthG is required. You can apply for this visa at your local Foreigners' Authority.
To be able to cover your costs of living while searching for a job in Germany, you are entitled to obtain any form of employment. As soon as you have found a job for which you are qualified, you can apply for a residence permit for qualified employment (Section 18a on the Residence Act - AufenthG) without having to leave Germany. To learn about the other options available to you after completing vocational training in Germany, see Prospects After Your Vocational Training.
If you have completed vocational training in Germany and have worked for two years in Germany, you can obtain a settlement permit (Section 18c (1) para.2 AufenthG (German Residence Act)) if you meet the additional requirements for the settlement permit.
From the preparations to the application forms: This step-by-step guide shows you how to obtain a visa to complete vocational training.
Are you looking to complete a qualified training program in Germany but have yet to find a training position? With a visa for the purpose of finding a training position in accordance with Section 17 (1) on the Residence Act - AufenthG, you can come to Germany to apply for, and find suitable training positions.
See Who Needs a Visa? to find out if you require a visa to enter Germany.
Do you fulfil these requirements? Learn about the procedure for the entry and visa process.
With the visa or residence permit for the purpose of finding a training position, you can enter Germany for up to six months in order to apply for training positions. During this time, you cannot obtain employment.
From the preparations to the application forms: This step-by-step guide shows you how to obtain a visa for training or study purposes.
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