Visa to start training

The following requirements must be met for the visa:

• Concrete training place: proof can be provided via a training contract .

• Sufficient knowledge of German: The required language level depends on the training. As a rule, level B1 is required. Proof may be waived if the educational institution has already tested the language skills or a preparatory German course has been completed.

• Securing a livelihood: Living expenses must be secured for the entire stay (2025: at least € 959 per month). Proof can be provided in the form of a blocked account or a declaration of commitment. In the case of training with remuneration, this can suffice as proof if it is high enough.

In the case of company-qualified vocational training, the visa can also be used to attend a preparatory German language course in Germany. It must be specifically designed to prepare for the training.

The residence permit for training purposes also allows you to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week. However, this must be independent of the training.

The visa is applied for at the German diplomatic mission in your home country. It may take some time for the visa to be issued. The visa should therefore be applied for in good time before the start of training.

NOTE: In order to speed up the procedure, the training company can apply on behalf of the foreign person for an accelerated skilled worker procedure with the immigration authority on behalf of the foreign national.

In the case of company-based training, the Federal Employment Agency is also involved in the visa procedure. It checks whether the training conditions are not less favorable than for comparable domestic trainees. To this end, the employer must submit a declaration on the employment relationship. It can be here be called up here.

The respective diplomatic missions abroad provide information on the specific documents required for the application on their websites.

A fee of €75 is charged for a national visa issued for long-term residence in Germany.

In the event of a rejection, the reasons will be communicated. There is a right of appeal against the decision of the diplomatic mission abroad.

The visa is usually limited to 12 months. After entering the country, a residence permit for training must be applied for at the foreigners authority in good time before the visa expires. You can do this here an appointment can be requested online. As the application process takes some time, an appointment should be made around 2 to 3 months before the visa expires.

The visa or residence permit is linked to the training and the training company. If you discontinue your training or wish to change companies, you must inform the Foreigners' Registration Office in order to have your title changed.

If you have successfully completed your training, you can apply for a change of residence permit at the immigration office. The application is here online.

If, for example, there is a direct job offer for qualified employment, a residence permit for employment as a skilled worker can be applied for. It is also possible to obtain a residence permit to look for a job for up to 18 months.

It is possible to obtain a visa to look for an apprenticeship. A number of conditions must be met for this:

• A school-leaving certificate with a university entrance qualification is required. In many cases, you can find out whether this is the case via the database anabin here.

• German language skills of at least level B1 must be demonstrated.

• The person must not be older than 35 years.

• Living expenses must be secured (in 2025 € 992 + 10% surcharge = € 1.091). This can be done, for example, via a blocked account or a declaration of commitment.

The maximum duration of stay for the title is 9 months. The title cannot be extended. During this period, part-time employment of up to 20 hours per week is permitted. In addition, trial work is permitted for up to a total of 2 weeks.

If you successfully find a training place, you can apply for a residence permit for vocational training directly at the Foreigners' Registration Office.

A visa can also be granted to anyone who would like to complete further vocational training and has already completed at least two years of vocational or school-based training or a course at a university of applied sciences or university.

Other requirements include a further training contract, German language skills of at least A2 level and proof that you are able to support yourself (2025: at least €1,030 per month).