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Training visa Germany
All information from the immigration lawyer about the training visa in Germany (requirements, salary, visa process).
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About this Page
what training is and how it works
what requirements you must meet for the training
How to apply for a visa at the embassy for training
How to apply for a residence permit for training in Berlin
Table of Contents
1. What is an apprenticeship in Germany?
2. Requirements for a training visa
2.1 Contract with a suitable training company
2.2 Suitability of the training company
2.3 Approval of the Federal Employment Agency for training
2.4 German language skills
2.5 Livelihood for a training visa
3. Required documents Training visa
4. Residence permit for training in Berlin
5. Visa to search for a training position
6. FAQ Training Visa
7. Conclusion
1. What is an apprenticeship in Germany?
Vocational training in Germany is an attractive opportunity for international professionals to learn a profession in Germany . In a changing world of work, the training provides the necessary professional skills, knowledge, and abilities. It is provided in a structured course of study and also enables the acquisition of practical work experience (Section 1 of the Vocational Training Act).
Course of training in Germany
The dual training system in Germany comprises two essential components:
✔ Practical part – in the training company
✔ School part – in a vocational school
To successfully complete their training, trainees must pass an exam at both the vocational school and the training company. During their training, they receive a monthly salary of between €500 and €1,200, depending on the profession and the year of training.
International applicants can generally apply for a training visa under Section 16a of the Residence Act (AufenthG) for vocational training in Germany. This training visa allows them to begin vocational training in Germany and subsequently work there. In addition, they may work a part-time job of up to 20 hours per week in another profession while completing their training.
2. Requirements for a training visa
The training visa is issued under the following conditions:
2.1 Contract with a suitable training company
First, a training contract with a company in Germany is required. In this contract, the training company undertakes to pay the trainee a salary (usually between 600 and 900 euros per month). The trainee, in turn, undertakes to carry out the assigned tasks and to attend vocational school regularly. The Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) provide templates for training contracts (see training contract template PDF ). The same applies to the Chambers of Skilled Crafts (HWKs) for skilled trades (see training contract template craft PDF – for example, from the HWK Hamburg). Once the training contract has been concluded, it must be entered in the register of vocational training relationships (see, for example, the register of vocational training relationships in North Rhine-Westphalia ).
2.2 Suitability of the training company
Which companies are eligible to provide training is determined by Section 27 of the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) . This stipulates that the number of trainees must be proportionate to the number of available training places or the number of skilled workers employed. A skilled worker, as defined by the BBiG, is someone who possesses the necessary professional, vocational, and work-related skills, knowledge, and abilities required to impart the training content ( Section 30 BBiG ). Whether a company is qualified as a training facility can or must be examined and certified by the relevant Chamber of Industry and Commerce or Chamber of Crafts.
2.3 Approval of the Federal Employment Agency for training
In order for the training visa to be granted, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) must give its approval . Before the visa is issued, the BA checks the training contract that the training company has concluded with the foreign applicant. In most cases, the so-called " Declaration of Employment Relationship " is required for this. The German diplomatic mission abroad or the responsible immigration authority sends the signed training contract to the Federal Employment Agency, which then decides on approval. Alternatively, the training company can submit the contract directly to the BA before the visa application is submitted (so-called pre-approval procedure). In addition, the Federal Employment Agency checks whether the company has the legally required authorization to provide training (see above).
2.4 German language skills
For qualified training in Germany , B1 language skills are generally required (Section 16a, Paragraph 3, Sentence 2 of the Residence Act). However, this does not apply to unskilled assistant training, for which A2 skills are sufficient according to the instructions of the Federal Employment Agency (see Instructions of the Federal Employment Agency on the Residence Act, BA Zentrale, 5731, INT 24, as of June 2024, p. 23 ). Whether a training visa is granted therefore depends on whether the proven language skills are sufficient and can be demonstrated by a certificate.
If language skills are insufficient, there is the option of attending a job-related German course . This is particularly possible for those completing qualified vocational training. According to Section 16a, Paragraph 1, Sentence 3 of the Residence Act, the residence permit may also include attendance at a preparatory language course, e.g., a German language course pursuant to the German Language Promotion Ordinance (DeuFöV).
2.5 Livelihood for a training visa
Even with a training visa, livelihood must be secured (so-called general prerequisite for granting a visa, Section 5 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 of the Residence Act). Livelihood is considered secure if monthly funds equal to the currently applicable BAföG rate are available. If the salary during the training is not sufficient to secure livelihood, the trainee must prove to the responsible foreign diplomatic mission that they have sufficient financial means for the duration of the training. This can be done, among other things, through their own assets, financial support from the training institution, proof of participation in a public funding program, a declaration of commitment, or a blocked account ( Visa Handbook, Training and Further Education, as of June 2024, page 5/9 ). Securing a livelihood also requires that the trainee's employer takes out health insurance .
Finally, as a general prerequisite for issuing a permit, the passport requirement must be met. Therefore, the trainee must have a valid passport.
3. Required documents Training visa
To successfully apply for a training visa at a German embassy, the following documents must usually be submitted:
Application form
Passport and copies of the passport data page
B1 language certificate (with qualified training)
Training contract
Training plan
Registration of the training company with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
School leaving certificate from the home country
Full CV
Letter of motivation
Proof of acquired training/university degrees/professional experience
Health insurance certificate
Visa fee EUR 75
If these documents are not yet available, it is advisable to obtain alternative documents or contact a lawyer specializing in immigration law.
4. Residence permit for training in Berlin
In Berlin, a residence permit for training purposes can be applied for online at the Berlin State Office for Immigration (LEA) in accordance with Section 16a of the Residence Act. Simply submit the online application for a “residence permit for training and further education purposes” on the LEA’s website and it will be processed automatically. You then need to upload the required documents and enter the relevant information on the LEA’s online form. After you have submitted the online application for a “residence permit for training and further education purposes,” the LEA will review your application and contact you promptly. Additional documents will be requested if necessary. Following a positive review, you will receive an invitation for a personal interview. Please bring the documents listed in the invitation letter with you to this appointment.
In Berlin, the following documents are generally required to successfully apply for a residence permit for training purposes in accordance with Section 16a of the Residence Act at the State Office for Immigration (LEA):
Application for a residence permit for training and further education purposes
Passport copies (in color)
Copy of your residence permit or visa
Proof of health insurance in Germany
Proof of primary residence in Berlin (registration certificate)
Employment contract or proof of the desired qualification
Declaration of employment relationship
Fee usually 100 euros
5. Visa to search for a training position
A visa can be issued not only to complete training, but also to look for a training position . A foreigner can be granted a residence permit for the purpose of looking for a training position to undertake qualified vocational training if they are under 35 years of age, their livelihood is secure, they have a recognized (German or foreign) school leaving certificate and they have B1 German language skills (Section 17 of the Residence Act). The residence permit is issued for up to nine months. In practice, it is particularly problematic that a livelihood must be secure when looking for a training position. Since no salary is drawn while looking for a training position, their livelihood must be secured through assets of the foreigner or their parents (e.g. blocked account) or similar measures.
If you are interested in a training visa, one of the VISAGUARD lawyers will be happy to advise you on this matter.
6. FAQ Training Visa
What does “training” mean in English?
The English translation of Ausbildung is “vocational training”.
Can foreigners receive training in Germany?
Yes, foreigners can also complete an apprenticeship in Germany if they find a training company in Germany.
What is the highest-paying apprenticeship in Germany?
The salary for apprenticeships varies from company to company. The best-paid apprenticeships are usually in technical professions such as mechatronics technicians, ship mechanics, and laboratory technicians. However, nursing professionals, insurance brokers, and bank clerks can also earn more than €1,000 during their apprenticeship.
Can training contracts be terminated?
Yes, training contracts can be terminated in the same way as employment contracts (Section 22 BBiG).
Do I always have to submit a letter of motivation for a training visa?
No, the letter of motivation for training is only required by some embassies and is not a legal requirement for issuing a visa.
What is the success rate of educational visas?
If the training company is reputable, the success rate for training visas is very high, as the embassy cannot make decisions solely on its own discretion. If all requirements are met, the visa will be granted.
How long is the residence permit for educational purposes valid?
The residence permit for educational purposes is generally obtained for the entire duration of the training.
Which apprenticeships are recognized in Germany (list of apprenticeships in Germany)?
Can you pursue another job alongside your training to secure your livelihood?
Yes, with a training visa or residence permit for the purpose of in-company training and further education, you can work for up to 20 hours per week in an activity unrelated to your training (Section 16a (3) of the Residence Act).
Are periods of holding a training residence permit counted towards the settlement permit?
No, the periods of training will only be credited towards your settlement permit if you previously held a residence permit in accordance with Sections 18a and 18b of the Residence Act (Section 16a, Paragraph 1, Sentence 3 of the Residence Act).
Can I become a naturalized citizen with a residence permit for educational purposes?
No, naturalization is not possible with a residence permit for educational purposes pursuant to Section 16a of the Residence Act (Section 10 (1) Sentence 1 No. 2 of the Residence Act). Therefore, you must change your residence permit before naturalization.
Can I change to another residence permit with a training residence permit?
Yes, you can change your residence permit with a training visa. However, there are certain restrictions (see Section 16a Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 of the Residence Act).
Can the accelerated skilled worker procedure be used for training visas?
Yes, according to Section 81a Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act, the accelerated skilled worker procedure also applies to training visas.
Can the training visa only be applied for for qualified vocational training?
No. Qualified vocational training is not required, so internships and voluntary work are also possible (converse conclusion from Section 16a Paragraph 3 Sentence 2 of the Residence Act).
Which paragraph regulates the training visa?
The training visa is regulated in Section 16a of the Residence Act.
What type of visa is the training visa?
The training visa in Germany is a D visa.
7. Conclusion
A training visa for Germany under Section 16a of the Residence Act allows third-country nationals to begin vocational training at a recognized training company. Requirements include a training contract that provides appropriate remuneration, approval from the Federal Employment Agency, proof of B1 language skills (for qualified training), and secure livelihood (e.g., through training remuneration or a blocked account). Parallel to the training, a part-time job of up to 20 hours per week is permitted. The residence permit is issued for the entire duration of the training. Those who discontinue training or lack sufficient funding risk losing their residence permit .
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List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Samel in Bergmann/Dienelt, Aliens Law, 14th edition 2022, § 16a
[2] Fleuß in BeckOK Ausländerrecht, Kluth/Heusch, 42nd edition, as of 01.07.2024, § 16a
[3] For the mandatory requirements for the training stay, see VG Karlsruhe, decision of 09.06.2022, 19 K 1524/22