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Glossary: Internship visa
Category: Visa & Residence Permits (Residence permit as a temporary visa according to § 4 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 1 alternative 2 of the Residence Act )
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 internship visa issued by German missions 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 internship 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 visa template 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 internship visa can then also be issued as an adhesive label ("visa sticker") affixed to the passport by the immigration authorities, in accordance with 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 ).
Under “Remarks” (or on the supplementary sheet), the scope of permitted employment must be entered for internship visas (as with any work visa ) (see Section 4a of the Residence Act ). The substantive validity period of the visa must also be entered under “Remarks” if it differs from the formal validity period (e.g., due to an expiring passport (“Title substantively valid until …”)).
Table of contents
1. What does an internship visa look like (image)?
2. Definition of internship visa
3. Who needs an internship visa?
4. Example: Internship Visa
5. Important information about the internship visa
5.1 Duration of internship visa
5.2 Extension of internship visa
5.3 Costs of an internship visa
5.4 Processing time for internship visa
5.5 Authority responsible for internship visas
6. Rights and opportunities regarding internship visas
6.1 Work permit with the internship visa
6.2 Study, school, language course with the internship visa
6.3 Family reunification with the internship visa
6.4 Travel and stays abroad with the internship visa
6.5 Eligible group of persons for an internship visa
7. Requirements for an internship visa
8. Required documents for internship visa
9. Apply for an internship visa online
10. Advantages of an internship visa
11. Consolidation of residence with an internship visa
11.1 Path from internship visa to permanent residence permit
11.2 Path from internship visa to naturalization
11.3 Next steps Internship visa
12. Legal basis for internship visa
13. Important laws regarding internship visas
14. Important rulings on internship visas
15. Frequently Asked Questions about the Internship Visa
16. Further information
16.1 Internship visa in other glossaries
16.2 Related Topics
16.3 Blog posts about the internship visa
16.4 Glossary entries for the internship visa
16.5 Sources and references for the internship visa
Definition of internship visa
The internship visa (also: trainee visa; English: internship visa/intern visa) is a temporary residence permit ( visa pursuant to Section 6 Paragraph 3 of the German Residence Act ) for employment in Germany, authorizing residence, entry , and limited work in Germany. The term "internship visa" is used inconsistently, as there are many different types of internship visas (internships for further education purposes ( Section 15 of the Employment Ordinance ), study-related internships within the EU ( Section 16e of the German Residence Act ), and internships as part of a degree program in Germany (Section 16b of the German Residence Act)).
Who needs an internship visa?
All non-European foreigners who wish to complete an internship, traineeship, or volunteer placement in Germany require an internship visa. While internships (especially student internships) can also be undertaken with other residence permits (e.g., a job seeker visa ( § 20 of the German Residence Act ) or, under certain circumstances, a student visa according to § 16b of the German Residence Act), an internship visa can be granted if no other residence permit authorizing employment exists (i.e., in particular, no full-time employment contract ). A major advantage is that internship visas do not have the same salary requirements as work visas.
Example: A British national wants to do a 3-month internship at a German company after finishing school and applies for an internship visa to prepare for studying in Great Britain .
Important information about the internship visa
Duration of internship visa
The internship visa is generally valid for the duration of the internship contract. This is the standard procedure for education and work visas.
Internship visa extension
The internship visa can be extended (as a residence permit ) as long as the internship continues.
Cost of internship visa
The fee for issuing an internship visa (category "D") is €75 (§ 45 AufenthV). Legal fees, potential court costs , and translation and authentication costs may apply depending on the specific case.
Processing time for internship visa
Internship visas are usually processed relatively quickly, as labor migration to Germany (from most countries) is encouraged. However, the processing time depends significantly on the country of application and the workload of the issuing authority. The average processing time is generally between one and four months, depending on the specific authority and the quality of the submitted documents.
Competent authority for internship 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 internship visas. If the internship visa is applied for domestically as a residence permit , the immigration authorities are responsible.
Rights and opportunities regarding internship visas
Work permit, internship visa
The internship visa authorizes only the internship activity for which it was issued. The scope of permitted employment is specified in the supplementary provisions (“Remarks” on the plastic card or in the so-called supplementary sheet). Other employment is generally not permitted with the internship visa (see Section 4a Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act ). Self-employment (gainful employment) is also not permitted with the internship visa.
Studies , school , language course, internship visa
Attending university, school, or language courses is possible with any residence permit, including an internship visa . In fact, the further education of an intern is explicitly encouraged by law, as this is a residence permit for educational purposes .
Family reunification, internship visa
Family reunification for the holder of an internship visa is theoretically possible. However, this scenario plays no role in practice, as interns are generally only able to support themselves.
Travel and stays abroad Internship visa
Entry to and exit from Germany is straightforward with an internship visa, as long as the visa is valid . A certificate of deemed residence is required for travel with an expired internship visa. Stays abroad of up to six months are permitted with an internship visa ( § 51 para. 1 no. 7 of the German Residence Act ).
Eligible group of people for an internship visa
All non-European foreigners (third-country nationals) who wish to complete an internship in Germany and already have a placement secured are eligible to receive an internship visa. The internship can be completed as part of a degree program or as an independent activity outside of studies . Accordingly, the following groups of people are eligible for an internship visa:
Students ( § 16b AufenthG ), participants in public exchange programs (§ 15 No. 4 BeschV) and scholarship holders (§ 15 No. 5 BeschV)
Participants in the study-related internship EU ( § 16e AufenthG ) and participants in EU-funded internship programs (§ 15 No. 3 BeschV)
Pupils in the context of school attendance ( § 16f AufenthG , § 15 No. 7, 8 BeschV)
Foreigners seeking employment as part-time interns ( § 20a AufenthG )
When applying for an internship visa, it's crucial to remember that the primary focus must be on knowledge acquisition. Employment disguised as an internship does not qualify for an internship visa. However, the lines between the two are somewhat blurred.
Requirements for an internship visa
The requirements for an internship visa differ depending on whether the internship visa is applied for abroad at the embassy or domestically as a residence permit at the immigration office. Specific procedures and different requirements apply to each option. However, there are a few substantive requirements for the internship visa that apply in all cases. These are as follows:
internship (e.g., study or school attendance) or is part of a public international program (§ 15 No. 4, No. 5 BeschV)
Secure livelihood ( § 5 para. 1 no. 1 Residence Act ; in particular with regard to health insurance and housing )
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 )
Although internships, unlike work visas , do not require a specific salary, it should always be noted that living expenses must be covered even with an internship visa .
Required documents for internship visa
The required documents for an internship visa vary depending on where the visa is applied for (domestically at the immigration office or abroad at a foreign mission (embassy or consulate)) and the specific type of internship visa. Experience shows that applying for internship visas in Western countries is generally 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 internship visa from being misused in a sham employment arrangement.
Generally, the following documents are required for an internship visa :
Application form ( VIDEX form 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))
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)
Confirmation from the university or public educational institution that it is a mandatory internship
Internship contract stating the amount of the monthly salary
Self-written and signed letter of motivation in German
Additional proof of financing is required if living expenses cannot be covered solely by the internship contract (e.g., blocked account , declaration of commitment , scholarship commitment or parental support statement).
For minors: Parental consent form
Proof of health and accident insurance in accordance with EU standards (valid throughout the EU; minimum coverage: €30,000 including repatriation in case of illness or death; valid from the day of entry for the entire stay)
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
If the foreigner's name in the submitted documents differs from the name in the passport: Certificate of name change
Regarding the required documents for an internship visa , it is essential to check the website of the relevant authority, as the necessary documents can vary considerably. This is especially true if the internship is based on public exchange programs or is part of a foreign degree program. There can also be significant differences in the required documents depending on the country.
Apply for an internship visa online
The internship visa cannot currently (01/2026) be applied for online via the Federal Foreign Office's international portal . To apply for the internship visa, the VIDEX form must therefore be completed according to the instructions on the website of the relevant German mission abroad (embassy or consulate) and submitted at the appointment. The online applications for internship visas can be found on the respective embassy's website as follows:
→ Apply for an internship visa online from the USA
→ Apply for an internship visa online from Great Britain
→ Apply for an internship visa online from Canada
→ Apply for an internship visa online from Australia
The internship visa, which serves as a residence permit, can only be applied for online at a limited number of immigration offices. The online application for an internship visa is possible at the following offices, for example:
→ Apply online for a residence permit for an internship in the Ammerland district
→ Apply online for a residence permit for an internship in the district of Northwest Mecklenburg
→ Apply online for a residence permit for an internship in Schleswig-Holstein
At all other immigration offices, the internship visa must be applied for in the traditional way by appointment.
Advantages of an internship visa
The path from internship visa to permanent residence permit
Whether an internship visa can be converted into a permanent residence permit depends on the type of internship visa. If the internship is completed as part of a course of study or school attendance, conversion to a permanent residence permit is not possible (see Section 16b Paragraph 4 Sentence 2 and Paragraph 7 Sentence 4 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) as well as Section 16f Paragraph 3 Sentence 3 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG )). If the internship is completed with the "Opportunity Card" (a type of work permit), conversion to a permanent residence permit is also not possible (see Section 20a Paragraph 6 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG )). However, if the internship is completed within the framework of a regular work stay (e.g., with Sections 18a, b of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) or Section 19c of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) in conjunction with Section 15 of the German Employment Ordinance (BeschV )), conversion to a permanent residence permit is generally possible.
The path from internship visa to naturalization
In theory, naturalization is possible with an internship visa , since Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) and the Employment Ordinance are not excluded in Section 10 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 Number 3 of the Nationality Act (StAG) . In practice, however, an internship visa is a temporary residence permit, so the authorities will refuse to extend it for a period long enough to allow for naturalization. Naturalization with a residence permit under Section 16e of the Residence Act (study-related internship EU) is not possible, as Section 16e is excluded in Section 10 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 Number 3 of the Nationality Act (StAG) .
Next steps for internship visa
The most important step for obtaining an internship visa is finding an employer who can offer you an internship contract. Once you have such a contract, you also need to determine whether and how you can support yourself financially in Germany. This may require, for example, a blocked account if the internship salary is insufficient (which is often the case). If you meet all the requirements for the internship visa, you can submit the corresponding application to the relevant authority (e.g., online or by appointment). Our lawyers will be happy to advise you on the specific requirements and assist you with the application process. → Book an appointment
Legal basis for internship visa
The legal basis for the internship visa is Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) in conjunction with Section 15 of the German Employment Ordinance (BeschV ). According to Section 15 BeschV, approval can be granted for various types of internships under certain conditions. In the context of studies, the legal basis for the internship visa is Section 16b of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) as well as Section 16e of the German Residence Act (Study-related internship EU). At the European level , the legal basis for the internship visa is Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, study, traineeship, voluntary service, student exchange schemes or educational projects and au pair employment .
Important laws regarding internship visas
Important rulings on internship visas
There are hardly any public and relevant rulings regarding internship visas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Internship Visas
Is it possible to get a visa for an internship?
Yes, it is generally possible to obtain a visa for an internship in Germany. This applies particularly to students or graduates whose internship is directly related to their field of study or who are participating in an international exchange program. Visas can also be issued for professional development or within the framework of EU-funded programs (see Section 16e of the German Residence Act).
What type of visa do I need for an internship?
For internships lasting longer than 90 days, you need a national visa (D visa), usually according to Section 16e of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) (study-related internship EU) or Section 16a of the German Residence Act. For certain exchange programs, the Employment Ordinance applies (see Section 15 of the Employment Ordinance). An internship is also possible with a student visa (Section 16b of the German Residence Act). Overall, the different visa types for interns are unnecessarily complex and can even overwhelm experienced legal professionals.
Do you need a visa for an internship?
Whether a visa is required depends on your nationality and the length of your stay. EU citizens, as well as nationals of the EEA and Switzerland, do not need a visa. People from third countries generally require a visa for internships exceeding three months if the internship is classified as gainful employment (see Section 4a Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act). Undertaking internships with a Schengen visa is generally not recommended.
How much does an internship visa cost in Germany?
The fee for a national visa (long-term stay) is generally €75 (§ 46 AufenthV). For minors, the fee is often reduced to €37.50. Additional costs may be incurred after entry for obtaining the residence permit from the local immigration office, which usually range between €100 and €110.
Can foreigners do an internship in Germany?
Yes, foreigners can complete internships in Germany. A common requirement is that the internship is relevant to their studies and that their living expenses are covered (the guideline figure for 2026 is approximately €959 net per month). In many cases, the Federal Employment Agency (ZAV) must also give its prior approval to ensure that the working conditions are appropriate.
Internship visa in other glossaries
The internship visa can also be found in the following glossaries:
Sources and references for the internship visa
( Government resources and literature )
[1] Visa Handbook, Voluntary Service, Version: 01/2025
[2] Visa Handbook, Internship, Version: 06/2024
[4] BeckOK AuslR/Klaus, 46th Ed. October 1, 2025, BeschV § 15 Rn. 1-69
[5] Huber: New regulations on access to the labor market for third-country nationals – The (new) Employment Ordinance, NZA 2014, 820
[6] Hornung in Kluth/Hornung/Koch Immigration Law Handbook | § 4 Residence (Requirements, Purposes of Residence, Integration) Rn. 338-340 | 4th edition 2025, h) Study-related internship EU
[7] Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016
on the conditions for the entry and stay of third-country nationals
Last updated: February 16, 2026
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