Foreign nationals from non-EU and non-EEA countries can obtain a residence permit for training purposes if the Federal Employment Agency has given its approval.
If you would like to complete part of your vocational training here and have already been granted a residence permit for training purposes in another EU member state: In most cases, you will also be granted a residence permit for Germany.
If you hold a residence permit for other purposes (e.g., for family reasons) or a settlement permit: In this case, you may begin vocational training in Germany without needing an additional residence permit.
If you are completing a qualified vocational training program in Germany, you are permitted to work up to ten hours per week, regardless of the training program. After successfully completing the qualified vocational training program, the authorities may extend your residence permit by up to one year under certain conditions. During this time
- you may look for a job commensurate with your qualification—provided that the position is open to foreign nationals—and
- you may work without restriction.
Processing may take several weeks.
