An Ausbildung is Germany’s dual vocational training: you work at a company, attend a vocational school and receive a training allowance. For non-EU applicants it is one of the more realistic ways to get into the German labour market, but it is also a route where paperwork, language and timing decide the outcome. This guide covers the 2026 basics. It is preparation guidance, not legal advice, so confirm details with the German mission that handles your application.
The legal basis in plain terms
Training is covered by section 16a of the Residence Act (AufenthG). For in-company training the permit needs approval from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit, BA), which is normally obtained through the embassy as part of your visa file. You must also show enough German for the training, unless a preparatory German course is planned. School-based training must lead to a state-recognised qualification.
What you need
Based on the German mission’s Ausbildung visa page (one mission’s wording; others are similar but not identical):
- A signed training contract with the employer (the original with a legible stamp).
- German level: B1 for qualified vocational training, otherwise generally at least A2, from a recognised provider and no more than a year old.
- Living costs: the visa office uses a federal standard of 1,048 EUR gross per month. The training allowance in your contract counts first. If the employer covers lodging or insurance, 380 EUR (accommodation) and 137 EUR (insurance) can be deducted from the requirement, and 150 EUR if meals are provided by others. Any gap has to be covered with your own funds, for example a blocked account (see our blocked account glossary entry).
- Health insurance valid for the first three months after arrival, a German CV, a motivation letter and your school records.
- Visa fee: 75 EUR at that mission, paid in local currency. Compare with our Germany visa fee breakdown.
The practical point: a trainee whose contract pays roughly the standard figure needs little or no blocked account, while a low-paid contract without employer housing can leave a monthly gap. Ask the employer to state accommodation and insurance clearly in writing.
Processing time
The same mission quotes roughly one to two months normally, and about two weeks under the accelerated procedure (section 81a) where the employer applies through the immigration authority in Germany. Times vary by mission and season; see Germany visa processing times.
No contract yet? The training-place search visa
Section 17 allows a stay of up to nine months to look for a training place (§17 AufenthG). Conditions include being under 35, having a recognised school qualification, sufficient German and secured living costs. The mission page above states B1, a blocked account and 1,091 EUR per month for this visa; treat the amount as mission-specific and confirm it. You may work up to 20 hours per week (plus short trial work), and once you sign a contract you can convert to a training permit under section 16a.
The risk is obvious: nine months is short, applications and interviews run in German, and a failed search means leaving. Start applying before you travel and line up interviews.
Realistic path
- Build German to B1 with a recognised certificate (many applicants need 6 to 12 months from scratch, an estimate rather than an official figure).
- Choose trades by demand, not fashion. The BA’s shortage lists and your target employer’s vacancies matter more than social-media rankings. Check the BA lists for the current picture.
- Apply to employers directly, in German, with a tailored CV. Employers who have hired internationally will already know the BA approval step.
- Get the contract, then file the visa application with contract, language proof, funds evidence and insurance.
Pitfalls
- Recruiters charging large fees for “guaranteed” placements. A genuine contract comes from the employer, so verify the company independently.
- Certificates that are too old or not from a recognised provider.
- Contract pay too low for the funds test, with no plan for the shortfall.
- Assuming the search visa can be converted to any purpose. Under section 17 it generally converts only to specific purposes such as training (section 16a) or study.
- Termination risk: if the permit ends for reasons outside your control, the law allows up to six months to find another training place.
After the Ausbildung
Once you pass, §20 AufenthG provides a residence permit for job search of up to 18 months after a qualified vocational training. A skilled-worker permit under section 18a covers qualified employment (§18a summary), and under §18c AufenthG the qualifying period for a settlement permit is shorter (two years) for skilled workers who successfully completed vocational training in Germany. Confirm the details with your immigration office. If your route is university rather than training, read the Germany student visa guide. If you have qualifications and want to look for skilled work first, compare the Opportunity Card.
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FAQ
What German level do I need for an Ausbildung visa? B1 for qualified vocational training, otherwise generally at least A2 per the mission page. Your employer may ask for more.
Can I do an Ausbildung with lower German if I take a language course first? Yes, a preparatory German course can be planned, and some missions issue a training visa combined with a language course. Confirm with your mission.
How much can I work during an Ausbildung? The training is paid employment. Beyond it, only up to 20 hours per week of other independent employment is allowed.
Can I stay in Germany after finishing? Yes: a job-search permit of up to 18 months, then a skilled-worker permit once you have a qualifying job.
Is there an age limit? The search visa requires you to be under 35. We found no statutory age cap for the standard training permit, so ask your mission.