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Glossary: Training visa
Category: Visa & Residence Permits (Residence title as a temporary visa or temporary residence permit according to § 4 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 1, no. 2 AufenthG )
Author: Mirko Vorreuter , LL.B. , Attorney at Law and Specialist Attorney for Immigration Law (License examination via the Federal Official Directory of Lawyers possible)
Image description: The image shows a standardized sample of a training visa issued by a German mission abroad (embassies and consulates general) according to the model of Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format . Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format has been transposed into German law by Section 59 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV ). The visa stamp is printed in Annex D13a of the Residence Ordinance .
If the training visa is not issued abroad by a German embassy or consulate, but rather domestically by the immigration authorities as an " electronic residence permit (eAT) " pursuant to Section 78 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ), the template for the training visa is governed by Council Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 on the uniform format of residence permits for third-country nationals , which is regularly updated. In exceptional cases, the training visa can then also be issued as an adhesive label ("visa sticker") affixed to the passport by the immigration authorities, pursuant to Section 78a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG). Unlike the electronic residence permit, the corresponding template for the adhesive label is not regulated under European law in Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002, but nationally in Annex D14 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) (residence permit pursuant to Section 4 Paragraph 1 Nos. 2 to 4 of the German Residence Act ).
In the "Remarks" field (or on the supplementary sheet ), the exact name of the training course must be entered for a training visa issued in accordance with Section 4a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) (e.g., employer-related training with the additional provision : "Training as a/an … permitted"). The possibility of further employment must also be noted (e.g., "Employment of 20 hours per week, independent of the training/further education, is permitted. Self-employment is not permitted"). To avoid difficulties when changing the purpose of the visa, the additional provision "Employment permitted after successful completion" can be included in the "Remarks" field. Training visas often also contain an expiry clause such as "Expires upon termination of training as a …".
Table of contents
1. What does a training visa look like (image)?
2. Definition of a training visa
3. Who needs a visa for an education visa?
4. Example: Training Visa
5. Important information about the training visa
5.1 Duration of training visa
5.2 Extension of training visa
5.3 Costs of a training visa
5.4 Processing time for training visa
5.5 Authority responsible for training visas
6. Rights and opportunities regarding training visas
6.1 Work permit with the training visa
6.2 Study, school, language course with the training visa
6.3 Family reunification with a training visa
6.4 Travel and stays abroad with the training visa
6.5 Eligible group of persons for a training visa
7. Requirements for a training visa
8. Required documents for training visa
9. Apply for a training visa online
10. Advantages of a training visa
11. Consolidation of residence with a training visa
11.1 Path from training visa to permanent residence permit
11.2 Path from training visa to naturalization
11.3 Next steps for the training visa
12. Legal basis for training visa
13. Important laws regarding the training visa
14. Important rulings on the training visa
15. Frequently Asked Questions about the Education Visa
16. Further information
16.1 Training visa in other glossaries
16.2 Related Topics
16.3 Blog posts about the training visa
16.4 Glossary entries for the training visa
16.5 Sources and references for the training visa
Definition of training visa
The training visa pursuant to Section 16a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) (also: visa for training; legally correct: residence permit for vocational training and further professional development; English: Apprenticeship Visa/(Professional) Training Visa) is a temporary residence permit for the purpose of educational migration (Section 3 of the Residence Act) in Germany. In a narrower sense, the term " training visa " only covers the visa for training purposes ( Section 4 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 No. 1 of the Residence Act ), but not the residence permit for training purposes (Section 4 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 No. 2 of the Residence Act). In a broader sense, the term "training visa" encompasses all residence permits for company-based training purposes, i.e., both the company-based training visa (application from abroad, Section 6 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act ) and the residence permit for completing company-based training (application from within Germany, Section 7 of the Residence Act ).
The term " training visa " is somewhat poorly chosen terminology (also by the legislator), since both the entire section on educational migration (Section 3 of the Residence Act) and the specific residence permit for vocational training ( § 16a of the Residence Act ) are called "training residence permit." However, Section 3 of the Residence Act should more accurately be called " education " rather than "training" for educational purposes, as it also includes other educational visas (e.g., for university studies and professional recognition ) and not just the training permit under § 16a of the Residence Act. The legislator has been imprecise here.
Who needs a student visa?
The training visa pursuant to Section 16a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) is required by all non-European foreigners who wish to complete vocational training in Germany. The training visa does not stipulate a minimum duration for the training and covers not only qualified training programs as defined in Section 2 Paragraph 12a of the German Residence Act (at least two years of vocational training), but also training programs with a shorter standard duration, e.g., only one year (see Technical Instructions) .
Example: A Nepalese cook comes to Germany with a training visa to complete qualified training as a hotel specialist in a German hotel.
Important information about the training visa
Duration of training visa
The validity period of a training visa is generally two years for initial issuance and renewals, and should not be less than one year. In practice, however, training visas are frequently issued for the duration of the training in accordance with Section 16a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ). The training visa is extended if the training lasts longer than planned (e.g., due to a failed examination). Before the residence permit for the purpose of qualified vocational training is revoked, withdrawn, or subsequently shortened for reasons beyond the foreigner's control, the foreigner must be given the opportunity to find another training position for up to six months ( Section 16a, Paragraph 4 of the German Residence Act ).
Extension of training visa
The training visa can be extended (as a residence permit ) as long as the training continues.
Cost of a student visa
The fee for issuing a national visa for vocational training (category "D") is €75, and for extending a national visa (category "D") it is €25 (§ 45 para. 2 of the German Residence Ordinance). If the vocational training visa is applied for in Germany at the immigration office ( vocational training visa as a residence permit ), the fee is €100 (§ 45 no. 1 of the German Residence Ordinance). For trainees under the age of 18, the fees are reduced by half (§ 50 of the German Residence Ordinance). Legal fees, potential court costs , and translation and authentication costs may also apply, depending on the specific case.
Processing time for training visa
Training visas are not processed with the same priority as work visas, but are still significantly faster than humanitarian and family reunification visas . The processing time for training visas typically averages between two and six months, depending on the issuing authority and the quality of the submitted documents. However, authorities usually make every effort to issue the training visa in such a way that participation in the vocational school start dates, which are offered twice a year, is possible.
Competent authority for training visas
According to Section 71 Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), the German missions abroad authorized by the Federal Foreign Office are responsible for issuing D visas for educational purposes . If the educational visa is to be applied for within Germany (residence permit for educational purposes), the immigration authorities are responsible (Section 71 Paragraph 1 AufenthG).
Rights and opportunities regarding a training visa
Work permit, training visa
The training visa generally only authorizes the holder to undertake the training for which it is issued and to work up to 20 hours per week ( § 16a para. 3 of the German Residence Act ). Changing employers during the training requires permission from the immigration authorities. Self-employment is not permitted with the training visa unless specifically allowed in the supplementary provisions . A particular problem is that the training visa is designed only for the training itself, not for full-time employment after completion. Therefore, after completing the training, a residence permit must be applied for, a lengthy process, in accordance with § 18a of the German Residence Act .
Studies , school , language course, training visa
Attending university, school, and language courses is possible with any residence permit, including a vocational training visa . No separate permit is required.
Family reunification, education visa
Family reunification with the holder of a student visa is generally possible ( § 29 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act ). The same applies to the reunification of minor children with the holder of a student visa (see § 32 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act ). In practice, however, securing sufficient means of subsistence is often difficult for all forms of family reunification with student visa holders.
Travel and stays abroad: Education visa
Entry to and exit from Germany is straightforward with a student visa , as long as the visa is valid . A temporary residence permit ( Fiktionsbescheinigung) is required for travel with an expired student visa. Stays abroad of up to six months are permitted with a student visa ( § 51 para. 1 no. 7 AufenthG ).
Eligible group of people for a training visa
All non-European foreigners (third-country nationals) who possess a recognized school-leaving certificate and have a training position with a company authorized to provide training or offering suitable training positions are eligible for a training visa under Section 16a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG). The training visa does not require a minimum duration for the training . It covers not only qualified training programs but also those with a standard duration of less than two years (see the Federal Employment Agency's (BA) Technical Instructions on Section 16a AufenthG ). Accordingly, the term "training" encompasses all training programs under the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) or the Crafts and Trades Code (Handwerksordnung), as well as training at vocational schools, insofar as it is equivalent to an employment relationship (e.g., regarding the payment of a training allowance, vacation regulations , termination regulations , etc.). Completion of a foreign training program with a training segment in Germany can also qualify for the training visa (see the BA's Technical Instructions on Section 16a AufenthG ).
Vocational training law does not specify particular language requirements. However, as a rule, at least sufficient German language skills (A2) are required to begin vocational training or to obtain a training visa. For qualified vocational training, sufficient German language skills (B1) are generally required (see Section 16a Paragraph 3 Sentence 2 of the German Residence Act ). The residence permit for qualified in-company vocational training also includes attendance at a German language course to prepare for the vocational training, in particular attendance at a vocational German language course in accordance with the German Language Support Ordinance ( Section 16a Paragraph 1 Sentence 3 of the German Residence Act).
Requirements for a training visa
The requirements for a training visa are regulated in Section 16a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ). Regarding these requirements, a fundamental distinction must be made between the different types of training (i.e., qualified training or unskilled training). Differences also arise depending on whether the training is applied for domestically at the immigration office or abroad at German diplomatic missions (embassies and consulates). The requirements for a training visa are generally as follows:
Existing training contract between employer and trainee (both qualified and unskilled work is possible (see application guidelines of the Federal Employment Agency ); company-sponsored training courses also count as training)
Training is completed in Germany (however, in some cases, foreign training programs that are partially completed in Germany are also possible).
The employer is authorized to provide training (see Section 27 Paragraph 2 of the Vocational Training Act )/The company is suitable for vocational training in terms of its nature and facilities, and the number of trainees is in reasonable proportion to the number of skilled workers.
A qualified instructor ( skilled worker ) is available.
For qualified training : proof of sufficient German language skills (B1)
Approval from the Federal Employment Agency has been received.
Approval from the immigration authority has been obtained (§ 31 para. 1 sentence 1 no. 2 c) cc) AufenthV)
There are no atypical reasons that would preclude the granting of the training visa (so-called internment of discretion / discretionary discretion; see Section 16a Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act )
Secure livelihood (Special feature: according to § 2 para. 3 sentence 5 of the Residence Act, the livelihood is considered secured if the trainee has funds that correspond at least to the BAföG rate)
Valid passport and verified identity (§ 5 para. 1 no. 1a, no. 3 Residence Act)
No ongoing investigations/no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (see Section 79 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act )
No grounds for deportation (no negative AZR/SIS/VIS entries ), no security risk, no criminal record (§ 5 para. 1 no. 2, no. 3 AufenthG) and no entry ban ( § 11 AufenthG )
No specific grounds for refusal (e.g., Section 10 of the Residence Act ) and no grounds for expiry ( Section 51 of the Residence Act ) exist.
For initial applications for a residence permit within Germany: Legal first entry with a visa in accordance with Section 5 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act (unless a national of a "Best Friends" country , Section 41 of the Residence Ordinance )
The aforementioned requirements can vary considerably depending on the case. This applies particularly to cases involving specialized training (e.g., employment of foreign doctors for further medical training). Different requirements also apply if the training is not company-based but rather school-based (e.g., residence permits for trainee teachers and legal trainees; Section 16a Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act ).
Required documents for a training visa
The required documents for a training visa vary depending on where the visa is applied for (domestic at the immigration office or abroad at a German embassy or consulate) and the type of training visa (company-based training, further education, or school-based training). Experience shows that applying for training visas in Western countries is considerably less demanding than in North Africa or Central Asia. In some countries, the requirements for the plausibility of certain documents are even excessively stringent, to prevent the training visa from being misused in sham employment arrangements. This problem has been exacerbated by the public revelation that criminal organizations in Berlin are using training visas to smuggle underage Vietnamese forced laborers into Germany .
The following documents are generally required to apply for a training visa :
1. Application form ( VIDEX form or online form in the foreign country portal when applying for a visa abroad; when applying for a residence permit at the immigration office, the specific form depends on the authority (e.g. contact form or appointment booking))
2. Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months after planned departure from Germany, the passport must have at least 2 blank pages and must have been issued within the previous 10 years)
3. Apprenticeship contract from Germany, specifying the training company, the apprenticeship occupation, the gross monthly apprenticeship allowance in EUR, and the apprenticeship period.
4. Educational qualifications: Most recent school and university degree (e.g., high school diploma, bachelor's degree, diploma)
5. Self-written and signed letter of motivation in German
6. Complete tabular CV in German, including full address and contact information.
7. If required: Proof of German language proficiency, usually at level B1 (language certificate)
8. Additional proof of financing if living expenses cannot be covered solely by the training contract ( blocked account , declaration of commitment , scholarship commitment or declaration of support from parents)
9. For minors: Parental consent form
10. Proof of health and accident insurance in accordance with EU standards (valid for the entire EU area; minimum coverage: €30,000 including repatriation in case of illness or death; valid from the day of entry for the entire stay)
11. Other formalities:
Only required if applying through an authorized representative (e.g., a lawyer ): Power of attorney
When applying for a visa in a country other than the country of origin: valid residence permit of the respective country.
Fees for the residence permit
Photograph (passport photo) that complies with the standards of Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 ; see also sample photos of the Federal Foreign Office
Depending on the authority: Data protection declaration/Consent to data processing
The complete address and contact information in the documents submitted differ from the name in the passport: Certificate of name change
Apply for a student visa online
In many cases, the training visa can be applied for online if the relevant authority has set up a corresponding online application system. The training visa is available on the German Federal Foreign Office 's international portal and can be applied for online in Germany as follows:
→ Apply for a training visa (§ 16a) online via the foreign travel portal of the Federal Foreign Office
→ Apply online for a training visa as a residence permit in Berlin
→ Apply for a training visa as a residence permit online in Munich
→ Apply online for a training visa as a residence permit in Hamburg
→ Apply for a training visa as a residence permit online in Frankfurt am Main
→ Apply for a training visa as a residence permit online in Düsseldorf
→ Apply online for a training visa as a residence permit in Nuremberg
Advantages of a training visa
Staying in Germany and multiple entries into Germany are possible.
It is possible to complete vocational training in Germany.
Studying or taking a language course is possible in Germany.
German education is internationally well-recognized.
Securing a livelihood with an apprenticeship salary is generally possible.
Good job prospects in Germany with completed vocational training.
From training visa to permanent residence permit
A training visa does not generally entitle the holder to apply for a permanent residence permit ( § 16a para. 1 sentence 3 of the German Residence Act ). However, an exception to this rule applies if the foreigner held a residence permit under §§ 18a or 18b ( skilled workers ) before the training visa was issued. The training visa can therefore be converted into a permanent residence permit if it is a second recognized training course and not the first ( § 16a para. 1 sentence 3, second half-sentence of the German Residence Act ).
Path from training visa to naturalization
Naturalization is not possible with a training visa , as Section 16a of the Residence Act is excluded in Section 10 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 Number 3 of the Nationality Act . Contrary to a widespread misconception, this does not mean that the time spent with this type of visa does not count towards the naturalization period . The time spent does count; that is, a change to a different residence permit (e.g., a work visa ) is simply required before naturalization can take place.
Next steps for training visa
If you wish to apply for a vocational training visa , you must first find an employer in Germany who can offer you an apprenticeship. The employer in Germany must be professionally and operationally qualified to train an employee. If this applies to you, you will need to gather the remaining documents required for the vocational training visa (especially the language certificate, if one is required). You can then submit your application for the vocational training visa online or in person at the relevant authority. Our lawyers will be happy to advise you on the specific requirements and assist you with your application. → Book an appointment
Legal basis for training visa
The legal basis for the training visa is Section 16a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) . According to Section 16a AufenthG, a residence permit for the purpose of in-company vocational training and further education should be granted if the Federal Employment Agency has given its consent pursuant to Section 39 , or if the Employment Ordinance or an international agreement stipulates that the training and further education is permissible without the consent of the Federal Employment Agency . A residence permit for the purpose of school-based vocational training should be granted if it leads to a state-recognized vocational qualification according to federal or state regulations and the course of study is not predominantly aimed at nationals of a single state ( Section 16a, Paragraph 2 AufenthG ). In a broader sense, the Vocational Training Act (BBiG), which regulates the requirements for vocational training, also forms the legal basis for the training visa.
Important laws Training visa
Important rulings on training visas
A mandatory prerequisite for the granting of a residence permit for training purposes is the existence of a training contract and registration in the register of vocational training relationships at the competent authority ( VG Karlsruhe, decision of 09.06.2022, 19 K 1524/22 ).
Frequently Asked Questions about Training Visas
How long does a student visa last?
A training visa typically lasts for the duration of the training program. For qualified training programs, this is usually 2-3 years, although this depends on the specific program. However, the training visa is not issued upon initial entry for this period; it must be converted into a corresponding residence permit at the immigration office.
How do I apply for a training visa for Germany?
The process begins, as with any other visa, with booking an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You must submit the visa application in person and present all necessary documents (such as the training contract and proof of language proficiency). Alternatively, for many countries, online preparation is now available via the Federal Foreign Office's international portal, which speeds up the process on-site. If you are already in Germany, the training visa must be applied for as a residence permit in accordance with Section 16a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) at the immigration office.
Is it possible to work with a training visa?
Yes, with a student visa you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week in a part-time job alongside your vocational training (§ 16a para. 3 AufenthG). This job does not have to be related to your training. However, in practice, part-time work is unrealistic for qualified vocational training programs, as the training itself is a full-time job in Germany.
What are the requirements for a visa to search for an apprenticeship?
To come to Germany to look for an apprenticeship, you generally must not be older than 35 (§ 17 AufenthG). You need a school leaving certificate that qualifies you for university studies in your home country (or a certificate from a German school abroad), as well as German language skills at level B1 (in some cases B2). You must also prove that you have sufficient financial resources of approximately €1,091 per month for the duration of your stay (up to 9 months) (e.g., with a blocked account).
What do you need for a student visa?
The most important documents are a signed apprenticeship contract (including a training plan for company-based apprenticeships) and proof of sufficient language skills (usually B1, sometimes A2 for purely school-based apprenticeships). You also need to prove that your livelihood is secured. Some authorities additionally require proof that the company is authorized to provide training.
Training visa in other glossaries
The training visa can also be found in the following glossaries:
Sources and references for the training visa
( Government resources and literature )
[1] Visa Handbook, Training and Further Education, Version: 06/2024
[5] BeckOK AuslR/Fleuß, 46th ed. 1.10.2025, AufenthG § 16a Rn. 1-49
[6] BeckOK MigR/Schöninger, 24th ed. 1.1.2026, AufenthG § 16a Rn. 1-97
[7] Bergmann/Dienelt/Samel, Commentary on Immigration Law, 15th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 16a
[8] Erbs/Kohlhaas/Hadamitzky/Senge, Strafrechtliche Nebengesetze (AufenthG), 259th ed. October 2025, § 16a para. 1-3
[9] NK-AuslR/Stahmann, 3rd ed. 2023, AufenthG § 16a
[10] Huber/Mantel/Hoffmeister, Residence Act/Asylum Act, 4th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 16a
[11] Eichenhofer in Huber/Eichenhofer/Endres de Oliveira, AufenthaltsR | Part 1. Residence Act, paras. 218-221 | 2nd edition 2025, 3. Residence permit for the purpose of vocational training or further vocational education, § 16a AufenthG
[12] Hornung in Kluth/Hornung/Koch, Immigration Law Handbook | § 4 Residence (Requirements, Purposes of Residence, Integration) Rn. 289-297 | 4th edition 2025, 4. Residence for vocational training
[13] Koch in Schaub/Ahrendt/Koch/Linck/Pessinger/Rennpferdt/Rinck/Spinner/Treber/Vogelsang, Arbeitsrechts-Handbuch, 21st edition 2025, § 27. Employment of foreign workers in the Federal Republic
[14] Nguyen/Zorn: The new Skilled Immigration Act using the practical example of the one-year nursing assistant training with Vietnamese trainees, article by Nguyen, Zorn, ZAR 2025, 448
[15] Lehner: Vocational education as a cross-cutting issue in migration law – an outline of the problem. Article by Lehner, ZAR 2020, 93
Last updated: March 6, 2026
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