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Immigration · Training

The visa for vocational training (Ausbildung)

Coming to Germany for an apprenticeship is a real and under-used route. It needs a signed training contract and, usually, German at a working level.

Reviewed · Last updated August 2026

6 min read

Einfach Germany editorial team

Quick answer

You need a signed training contract with a German company, evidence that you can support yourself, and normally German language ability at around B1 or B2 depending on the programme. The training pays a modest salary, which affects how much additional funding proof is required. There is also a route for coming to look for a training place, with its own conditions.

Important

Immigration rules can depend on your nationality, qualification, employment, family circumstances and current law. Verify requirements with the relevant German authority or mission before you apply or pay anything.

1. It starts with a training contract

A signed Ausbildungsvertrag with a German employer is the basis of the application. The contract states the profession, duration and the training allowance you will be paid.

Finding the place is the hard part, and the Federal Employment Agency runs the official vacancy database for training positions.

2. Language is usually decisive

Vocational training is taught and worked in German, and both employers and missions generally expect certified ability at around B1, often B2 for healthcare. This is a genuine requirement rather than a preference, because the vocational school component is conducted in German.

Some programmes include a preparatory language phase, which changes the visa route slightly.

3. Funding and what the permit allows

Training pays a salary, but it is modest and may not by itself satisfy the funding requirement, so additional proof is often needed. The permit is tied to the training, and side jobs are limited.

On completion there are established routes to stay and work in the profession you trained in, which is a large part of why this route is attractive.

4. Frequently asked questions

In almost all cases yes, typically certified at B1 or B2 depending on the field, because the vocational school teaching is in German.

Yes, a training allowance that rises each year of the programme. It is modest, and the funding requirement for the visa takes it into account.

Official information

Rules and amounts change. Always verify current requirements using official sources.

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Amounts and legal requirements can change. We verify this information against official sources and show when each figure was last checked, but always confirm important requirements with the responsible authority before you apply.

Einfach Germany is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with the German government.