Visa for vocational training

Vocational training in Germany opens many doors and is the best way to prepare yourself for the world of work in Germany. There are two options: you can either complete school-based or in-company vocational training. In either case, you may need a residence title under Section 16a of the Residence Act (AufenthG).

To find out if you need a visa to enter Germany, please refer to the “Do I need a visa?” section.

What are the requirements for a visa for vocational training?

• A specific training place in Germany: You can provide evidence that you have an in-company or school-based vocational training place in Germany.
• Proof of language proficiency: You have the language skills required for qualified vocational training. You will normally require German language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This is the case if the training institution has not yet tested your language skills or if you have not yet completed a preparatory German course.
• Ability to cover the cost of living: You must be able to cover your living costs for the entire duration of your stay. In general, this means that you must provide evidence of having at least €959 per month (as of 2025) at your disposal. If you plan on taking part in a school-based vocational training programme, you can provide evidence of being able to cover your living costs by opening a blocked bank account or submitting a declaration of commitment. If you plan on taking part in a company-based vocational training programme, you will receive a training salary, which is also considered as evidence. If your training allowance is at least 990 euros gross per month (amount valid for the year 2025), your livelihood is considered secure. Should your training salary be insufficient, you are allowed to compensate the difference by showing that you are in possession of either a blocked bank account or a declaration of commitment.

Do you fulfil these requirements? Find out about the entry visa process.

What opportunities does a visa for vocational training offer?

To complete school-based or company-based vocational training, a corresponding residence permit will be issued for the duration of the vocational training programme in question. 

With a residence permit for vocational training, you are able to take on a second job for up to 20 hours per week if it is independent of your vocational training.

Once you have successfully completed your vocational training, you can stay in Germany for up to 18 months to find qualified employment. To do this, you need a residence permit to for job-seeking under Section 20 (1) no. 3 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). You can apply for this residence permit at the competent foreigners authority.

To cover your living costs while you are looking for a job in Germany, you are entitled to take up any form of employment. Once you have found a qualified job, you can apply for a residence permit for qualified employment without having to leave Germany. If you are employed as a nursing assistant following your vocational training in a health or care profession, you will receive a residence permit for other employment under Section 19c (1) of the Residence Act (AufenthG) in conjunction with Section 22a of the Ordinance on the Employment of Foreigners (BeschV).

To find out what other options are available to you after completing your vocational training in Germany, see the “Prospects after your vocational training” section.

Visa for the purpose of seeking a vocational training place

Are you interested in completing qualified vocational training in Germany but have not yet found a vocational training place? With a visa for the purpose of seeking a vocational training place under Section 17 (1) of the Residence Act (AufenthG) you can come to Germany to apply for a job and find a suitable vocational training place.

To find out if you need a visa to enter Germany, please refer to the “Do I need a visa?” section.

What are the requirements for a visa for seeking a vocational training place?

• Proof of school-leaving certificate: You have a school-leaving certificate that gives you access to higher education or a qualification from a German school abroad.
• Proof of language proficiency: You are able to demonstrate German language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• Age limit: You are under the age of 35.
• Ability to cover the cost of living: You are able to cover your living costs for the entire duration of your stay. You can prove this by opening a blocked bank account with a minimum of €1,091 per month (in 2025) or by submitting a declaration of commitment.

Do you meet the mentioned requirements? Learn about the procedure for the entry and visa process.

What opportunities does a visa for seeking a vocational training place offer?

With a visa or residence permit for the purpose of seeking a vocational training place, you can enter Germany and stay for up to nine months to apply for vocational training. During this time, you are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week. You also have the opportunity to complete up to two weeks of trial work.