Visa for vocational training

To obtain a visa to complete vocational training, you must meet the following requirements:

• Concrete training place: You need a training place. Proof can be provided in the form of a training contract, for example.

• Proof of sufficient language skills: Language skills at level B1 are often required to ensure that you can follow the training. Proof may be waived if the educational institution has already tested your language skills or if you have completed a preparatory German course.

• Proof of livelihood: You must prove that your livelihood is secured for the entire duration of the training (in 2025: at least € 959 per month). This can be done, for example, by means of a blocked account or a declaration of commitment. If you receive a training allowance, this may be sufficient proof if it is high enough.

If you would like to complete vocational training with a company qualification, you can also attend a preparatory German language course in Germany with your residence permit. It must be specifically designed to prepare you 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.

You can obtain a visa by applying to the German diplomatic mission in your country. It may take some time for the visa to be issued. You must therefore apply for the visa in good time before the start of your training.

To speed up the process, the training company can initiate an accelerated skilled worker procedure with the immigration authority on your behalf. You can find here further information.

The visa is usually limited to 12 months. After entering the country, you must remember to apply for a residence permit for training at the immigration office in good time before the visa expires. You can do this here apply for an appointment online. Please note that the application process takes some time. You should therefore make an appointment around 2 to 3 months before the expiry date. The residence permit is usually limited to the duration of the training.

ATTENTION: The visa or residence permit is tied to your training company. If you break off your training or want to change training company, you must contact the immigration office to have the title changed.

If you have successfully completed your training, you have the option of applying for a change of residence title at the Foreigners' Registration Office. The application is here online.

If you have a job offer for qualified employment, you can obtain a residence permit for gainful employment as a skilled worker, for example. It is also possible to obtain a residence permit to look for a job for up to 18 months. During this time, you may pursue any type of work.

It is possible to obtain a visa to look for a training place in Germany. To do so, you must fulfill a number of conditions:

• You need a school-leaving certificate with a university entrance qualification. In many cases, you can find out whether this is the case via the anabin database here which, in addition to university degrees, also lists foreign school-leaving qualifications that entitle you to university entrance in Germany.

• You must be able to prove that your German language skills are at least at level B1.

• You must not be older than 35 years.

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

The maximum duration of stay for the title is 9 months. The title cannot be extended. You can work up to 20 hours a week in a part-time job during this period. You are also allowed to do trial work for up to a total of 2 weeks.

If you have successfully completed your search for a training place, you can apply for a residence permit for vocational training at the Foreigners' Registration Office.