How do I apply for a training visa for Germany?

Starting an apprenticeship is an exciting step for many – especially when it takes place abroad! A vocational training in Germany offers foreigners many opportunities for their professional future and prepares them well for the German labor market. Are you a foreigner and have you secured an apprenticeship in Germany? Are you wondering whether you need a visa for your apprenticeship and, if so, which type of visa for Germany applies to you? We will inform you about everything you need to know about your apprenticeship visa for Germany.

What does an apprenticeship in Germany offer me?

If you have secured a school or vocational apprenticeship in Germany, you will receive a residence permit for the entire duration of your apprenticeship. In Germany, this is at least two years. Additionally, you are allowed to take on a secondary job for up to 10 hours per week, unrelated to your vocational training. If you are completing an in-company vocational training, you may also attend a preparatory job-related German course (§ 16a para. 1 sentence 3 AufenthG).

What visa do I need for an apprenticeship in Germany?

In addition to a valid residence permit, visa-required third-country nationals need a long-term apprenticeship visa to enter Germany for school or vocational training. If you have not yet secured an apprenticeship in Germany, you can also apply for a visa for finding an apprenticeship. With this visa, you can search for an apprenticeship in Germany for up to six months.

Requirements for the apprenticeship search visa:

• German language skills at B2 level
• A school-leaving certificate that qualifies for university admission
• Maximum age of 25 years
• Self-sufficient financial support

Important: As long as you have not found an apprenticeship yet, you are allowed to take any job to secure your livelihood.

Who needs an apprenticeship visa for Germany?

Not all foreigners need a national apprenticeship visa to complete vocational training in Germany. Whether you need a visa for Germany and which visa requirements apply to your country are explained in this section. If you are a freedom of movement citizen of the EU, you have unrestricted access to the German labor market. You will not need a national visa or a residence permit for your apprenticeship in Germany. Citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland (EFTA countries) enjoy the same benefits.

If you are a citizen of the following countries, you can also enter Germany without an apprenticeship visa:

• Australia
• Israel
• Japan
• Canada
• Republic of Korea
• New Zealand
• USA

In this case, you apply for your residence permit in Germany with the responsible immigration authority before starting your apprenticeship in Germany. All other third-country nationals must apply for an apprenticeship visa before entering Germany at the responsible German diplomatic mission in their home country.

Training in Germany: What are the requirements for foreigners?

If you are a non-EU citizen and want to do an apprenticeship in Germany, you must meet the following requirements:

• a company or school apprenticeship in Germany
• German language skills at B1 level or
• a preparatory job-related German course
• financial support must be secured for the entire duration of the apprenticeship
  • by opening a blocked account (for a school apprenticeship) or
  • by submitting a declaration of commitment
  • by the apprenticeship salary (for an in-company apprenticeship)
• Approval from the Federal Employment Agency (priority check)

Note: In the case of an in-company apprenticeship, the Employment Agency ensures that you will receive the same conditions (salary, working hours, vacation entitlement, etc.) as German apprentices. The Employment Agency also conducts a priority check.

What is a declaration of commitment?

If you do not have the financial means to finance your stay in Germany, family members from Germany can submit a declaration of commitment at a German immigration authority for you. This person commits to financially guaranteeing or sponsoring your stay. This is often referred to as an invitation to Germany.

What is a priority check?

If foreigners from third countries want to start an apprenticeship in Germany, the Federal Employment Agency is legally required to conduct a labor market check. As part of this, a priority check is carried out, which stipulates that Germans, EU citizens, or persons with a settlement or residence permit have priority in the German labor market.

How do I apply for my apprenticeship visa for Germany?

Do you meet the requirements for an apprenticeship in Germany? Then you can now take action and apply for your apprenticeship visa for Germany and prepare the necessary documents. The first step is to schedule an appointment at the responsible German diplomatic mission in your home country. Please be aware that there may be waiting times for the appointment request. Remember to bring your completed visa application forms for the apprenticeship visa to your appointment. You can get the application forms for a D-visa free of charge from the responsible German diplomatic mission.

Note: The processing of your application can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
 

Checklist for Training Visa Germany:

• Completed visa application form
• Valid identification documents (e.g. passport)
• Proof of your qualifications (certificates, school diplomas, etc.)
• Proof of the training place (e.g. training contract)
• Proof of German language skills (language level B1)
• Health insurance: You must submit a confirmation letter from an insurance company where you have taken out travel health insurance. The document must confirm that the insurance covers all medical emergency treatments, hospital stays, and repatriation in case of death with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros within the entire Schengen area.
• €75 fee for the visa application

Note: For details about the required documents for the visa application, please visit the website of the responsible German consulate.

Applying for a Residence Permit in Germany: Here's How!

Once you have entered Germany with your training visa, you can apply for a residence permit for vocational or school-based training at your local foreigner's authority. You can inquire at the foreigner's authority about the required documents. The fees for your residence title can be up to €100 (§ 45 AufenthV).

Checklist for the Residence Permit for Vocational Training:

• Valid passport
• 1 biometric passport photo
• Completed application forms
• If vocational training: Form "Application for Permission to Work"
• If vocational training: Form "Declaration on Employment Relationship" For vocational training: Training contract with registration in the apprenticeship roll, possibly contract for a pre-training language course
• If school-based training: School contract
• Proof of livelihood (original document) As proof of secured livelihood during training, the following are sufficient:
  • Blocked account at a German bank,
  • Commitment declaration in official form,
  • Notarized declaration from parents to secure the livelihood for the duration of the training, along with proof of parents' income for the last six months, or
  • Approval of BAföG benefits
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of main residence
  • Certificate of registration (residence confirmation)
  • or lease agreement and landlord's confirmation of move-in

What Are the Opportunities After Completing Training in Germany?

If your training company does not hire you after successfully completing your vocational training, your residence permit can be extended for up to 12 months. During this period, you can search for a job in Germany. The job must match the completed vocational training. A residence permit for job search is required for this.

In addition, you have the option to specialize by participating in further education in Germany. As a graduate of vocational training in Germany, you can also apply for a settlement permit after just two years of employment in Germany.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Training Visa Germany

Which Visa Should I Choose for Vocational Training in Germany?

For vocational training in Germany, a national long-term visa is required for visa-required third-country nationals. You can obtain the free application forms for a training visa from the website of your responsible German consulate.

How Can I Extend My Visa in Germany?

Whether you can extend your visa is determined by the responsible foreigner's authority at your place of residence in Germany.

What Documents Are Required for an Invitation to Germany?

The documents for an invitation to Germany must be submitted to the responsible German consulate in your home country. This includes the commitment declaration (original) and a travel health insurance certificate for Germany.