If you are a citizen of a non-EU or non-EEA country, you will need a residence permit for training purposes in order to undertake vocational training or further training in Germany.

The residence permit can be issued for both qualified vocational training and vocational training that is not qualified.

Qualified vocational training is defined as vocational training in a state-recognized or comparably regulated occupation for which a training period of at least two years is specified under federal or state law. If these requirements are not met, the training is not considered qualified vocational training.

In-company further training includes, for example, qualification measures, internships, practical phases following a degree course, or trainee programs.

The residence permit can be granted regardless of your previous qualifications, i.e., it is not linked to any specific educational requirements. The training company is responsible for assessing whether trainees are suitable for training.

If you want to attend a language course prior to vocational training that is not qualified vocational training or prior to continuing education, you must first apply for a residence permit to attend a language course and then for a residence permit for training and continuing education purposes.

During qualified vocational training, you are entitled to work up to ten hours per week in a job that is not related to your vocational training. Gainful employment alongside vocational training that is not qualified or in-company further training is not permitted. Self-employment is not permitted under any circumstances.

For the duration of your training or further education, you can apply for vocational training assistance (see "Further information").

Training and further education companies that wish to train or provide further education to a person from abroad can apply to the immigration authorities on behalf of the foreign national for the fast-track procedure for skilled workers, which can facilitate and accelerate the entry of skilled workers (see "Further information").

• Your living expenses (including health insurance) are covered for the entire duration of your education or training.
• For qualified vocational training, you can demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the German language (level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

If you do not yet have the required language skills, you can attend a job-related German language course to prepare for the training. The residence permit to be issued for qualified vocational training also covers attendance at the language course before the start of vocational training.

There are generally no language requirements for vocational training that is not qualified vocational training. However, at least sufficient German language skills at level A2 will usually be required.

There are no language requirements for starting in-company further training.

• The Federal Employment Agency must check the employment law requirements (e.g., the training or continuing education contract) and approve the employment (this is usually arranged by the immigration office).
• If you are under the age of 18, a person authorized to take care of you must agree to your planned stay in Germany.

There are no reasons of public safety and order that would prevent your stay in Germany. There is no interest in expelling you.

• You must apply for a residence permit before your visa or visa-free stay expires or your current residence permit expires.
• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to apply online or provides a special application form.
• If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, preferably the originals, with you to the appointment). If the approval of the Federal Employment Agency is required, the immigration office will usually obtain this through an internal administrative procedure.
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of your residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will order the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up the eAT card at the relevant office. You must pick up the card in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

To carry out the accelerated skilled worker procedure, the training and further education institution contacts the immigration office responsible for the location of the training or further education.

•  Application notes from the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland Affairs on the Skilled Immigration Act (as of January 30, 2020), including information on job-related German language courses under No. 16a.1.2 ff. https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/downloads/DE/veroeffentlichungen/themen/migration/anwendungshinweisefachkraefteeinwanderungsgesetz.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=3
• Information from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees on job-related language support https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/Integration/ZugewanderteTeilnehmende/DeutschBeruf/deutsch-beruf.html?nn=282656
• Information from the Federal Employment Agency on vocational training assistance (BAB)
  https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/bildung/ausbildung/berufsausbildungsbeihilfe-bab
• Federal Government portal for skilled workers from abroad, here for the fast-track procedure for
  skilled workers https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/unternehmen/gezielt-rekrutieren/einreise-beschaeftigung-regeln/das-beschleunigte-fachkraefteverfahren/

• During the period of validity of a residence permit for vocational training and further education, it is generally possible to switch to another qualified vocational training program. If the purpose of the stay changes, this must be reported immediately to the relevant immigration authority. If the requirements are met, it is possible to switch to a residence permit for employment as a skilled worker, for employment requiring specialized practical knowledge, for study, or for other purposes to which there is a legal entitlement.
• After successful completion of qualified vocational training, the residence permit can be extended for up to twelve months to search for a job.
• If the qualified vocational training or further training ends prematurely for reasons beyond the control of the person concerned, the possibility of searching for another training place for a period of up to six months may be granted.

• The procedure is usually conducted in German. If your German language skills are insufficient, it is advisable to bring someone with you who can act as a translator. All information provided to the immigration authorities should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that your application can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be detrimental to those affected. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time to the immigration authorities can result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or expulsion from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification
• Action before the court specified in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

Duration (for range): 6 to 8 before visa expiry

Note (for further information on validity):

The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before your current visa or residence permit expires.

Duration (range): 6 to 3

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The residence permit is issued for a limited period. The validity is usually based on the duration of the education or training. An extension must be applied for at the immigration office in good time before the expiry date.

Duration (range): approx. 6 to 8 weeks

Note for further information on processing time:

The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the immigration office.

It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for issuing the residence permit.

For the fast-track procedure for skilled workers:

The immigration office at the place of employment, unless a central office has been set up to carry out the procedure.

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute).
• For recent entry: visa, if required for entry.
• If you have previously stayed in Germany: current residence permit.
• Current biometric passport-size photo (45 x 35 mm).
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g., confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy).
• Training or further education contract.
• Approval from the Federal Employment Agency (usually obtained by the immigration office).
• For qualified vocational training: Proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language (e.g., language certificate, German school, training or university certificates, proof of successful participation in an integration course, confirmation from the training company of sufficient language skills for the intended vocational training, confirmation of registration for a job-related German language course).
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses (e.g., proof of income, training or employment contract, pension notice, proof of receipt of benefits such as parental or child allowance, alimony payments) .
• For minors: consent of the legal guardian to the planned stay.

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the immigration office may require less or more evidence.

Additional documents are required to carry out the accelerated skilled worker procedure. As an employer, please contact the relevant immigration office for more information.

Cost (fixed):

• $100.00 for applicants of legal age
• 50.00 for applicants who are minors

Note:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be considered (for example, for persons entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish citizens.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes