Apprenticeship Germany

All information from the immigration lawyer about the training visa in Germany (requirements, salary, visa process).

Here you learn ...

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

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 professional activity in Germany . In a changing world of work, the training provides the necessary professional skills, knowledge and abilities. It takes place in an organized training course and also enables the acquisition of practical professional experience (§ 1 BBiG).

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

In order to successfully complete an apprenticeship, trainees must pass an exam both at the vocational school and at the training company. During the 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 in accordance with Section 16a of the Residence Act (AufenthG) for training in Germany. The training visa makes it possible to begin vocational training in Germany and then work in Germany. In addition, a part-time job of up to 20 hours per week in another profession can be carried out parallel to the 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 of all, there must be a training contract with a company in Germany. 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 tasks assigned to him 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 Crafts (HWKs) in skilled trades (see Training Contract Template Crafts PDF - for example from the HWK Hamburg). After 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 NRW ).

2.2 Suitability of the training company

Which companies are eligible to provide training is determined from Section 27 of the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) . According to this, the number of trainees must be in an appropriate ratio to the number of training places available or the number of skilled workers employed. A person is a skilled worker within the meaning of the BBiG if the person has the necessary professional, vocational and work-related skills, knowledge and abilities that are required to impart the training content ( Section 30 BBiG ). Whether a company has the necessary suitability as a training facility can or must be checked and certified by the responsible Chamber of Industry and Commerce or Chamber of Crafts.

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2.3 Approval of the Federal Employment Agency for training

In order for the training visa to be issued, 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 unqualified assistant training, for which A2 knowledge is sufficient according to the instructions of the Federal Employment Agency (see instructions of the Federal Employment Agency on the Residence Act, BA Central Office, 5731, INT 24, as of: 06/2024, p. 23 ). Whether a training visa is issued therefore depends on whether the proven language skills are sufficient and can be proven by means of a certificate.

If your language skills are not sufficient, you have the option of attending a job-related German course . This is particularly possible if you have completed qualified vocational training. According to Section 16a, Paragraph 1, Sentence 3 of the Residence Act, the residence permit can also include attending a preparatory language course, e.g. a German language course in accordance with the German Language Promotion Ordinance (DeuFöV).

2.5 Living expenses for a training visa

Even with a training visa, the cost of living must be secured (so-called general requirement for issuing a visa, Section 5 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 of the Residence Act). The cost of living is considered to be secured if monthly funds equal to the currently applicable BAföG rate are available. If the salary during the training is not sufficient to secure a living, the trainee must prove to the responsible foreign mission that he or she has sufficient financial means for the duration of the training. This can be done, among other things, through his or her 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: 06/2024, page 5/9 ). Securing a livelihood also includes the trainee's employer taking out health insurance .

Finally, as a general prerequisite for issuing a permit, the passport requirement must be met. The trainee must therefore 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
passport photos
B1 language certificate (with qualified training)
training contract
training plan
Registration of the training company with the IHK
school leaving certificate from the home country
Full CV
motivation letter
Proof of acquired training/university degrees/professional experience
health insurance certificate
visa fee EUR 75

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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 State Office for Immigration (LEA) in Berlin 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 homepage and it will be processed there automatically. You must then upload the required documents and provide 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. If necessary, additional documents will be requested. After a positive review, you will receive an invitation to appear in person. 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 main 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 place

A visa can be issued not only to complete an apprenticeship, but also to look for an apprenticeship . A foreigner can be issued a residence permit for the purpose of looking for an apprenticeship to undertake qualified vocational training if he or she is under 35 years of age, has a secure livelihood, has a recognized (German or foreign) school leaving certificate and has 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 an apprenticeship. Since no salary is received while looking for an apprenticeship, a livelihood must be secured through the assets of the foreigner or his or her 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 topic.

6. FAQ Training Visa

What does “training” mean in English?

The English translation of Ausbildung is “vocational training”.

Can foreigners do an apprenticeship 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 engineers, 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 training occupations are recognized in Germany (list of training occupations in Germany)?

The Federal Institute for Vocational Training regularly publishes a list of recognized training occupations in Germany on its website (PDF) .

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 training, part-time employment of up to 20 hours per week is permitted. The residence permit is issued for the entire duration of training. Those who drop out of training or lack funding risk losing their residence permit .