You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of vocational training at school if your training leads to a state-recognized vocational qualification and the course of study at your educational institution is not exclusively aimed at nationals of a particular country.

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

Vocational training is considered qualified if it is a state-recognized or comparably regulated training 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.

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and, if required for entry, an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have a place at a school in Germany.
• The school-based vocational training leads to a state-recognized vocational qualification in accordance with federal or state regulations.
• The educational program is not exclusively aimed at nationals of a particular country.
• Your livelihood is secure.
• In the case of qualified vocational training, you can prove that you have the necessary language skills ( usually sufficient language skills at level B1). You can provide suitable language certificates as proof. Alternatively, the training company can confirm that your language skills are sufficient for the qualified vocational training you are aiming for. If you do not yet have the required language skills, you can attend a job-related German language course to prepare for the training. There are generally no language requirements for starting vocational training that is not qualified vocational training. However, sufficient German language skills at level A2 are usually required.
• If you are under the age of 18, the persons entitled to care for you must consent to your stay in Germany.

• Depending on the immigration office and your specific situation, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your immigration office offers electronic applications for residence permits.
• If you can only apply in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT).
• If you apply electronically, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the immigration office if necessary. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the eAT.
• If your application is approved, the immigration office will arrange for the eAT to be produced.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT at the Foreigners' Registration Office.

• The procedure at the immigration office is usually conducted in German. You must appear in person at the immigration office.
• During qualified vocational training, you may work up to ten hours per week in a job that is unrelated to your vocational training. Unqualified employment alongside vocational training is not permitted. Self-employment is not permitted under any circumstances.
• If your qualified vocational training is terminated prematurely for reasons beyond your control, you may be given the opportunity to look for another training place for a period of up to six months.
• A residence permit for school attendance may also be granted on the basis of bilateral and multilateral agreements between the federal states and public authorities in other countries.

An appeal against a decision by the immigration authorities may be lodged with the authority named in the decision within one month of notification of the decision. The appeal may be lodged in writing, in electronic form, or for recording.

If the Foreigners' Registration Office does not grant the appeal, legal action may be taken before the court specified in the appeal decision.

• The residence permit should be applied for no later than eight weeks before the expiry of your still valid visa or other residence permit .
• The residence permit is issued for a limited period. Its validity depends on the duration of your vocational training at school .

about six to eight weeks

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

• Valid passport
• Current biometric photo
• Visa, if required for entry
• Proof of a school-based training place in Germany (e.g., training contract)
• For qualified vocational training: Proof of sufficient language skills (B1) if the educational institution has not already tested your language skills or if you are not taking a preparatory German course.
• Proof of means of subsistence and health insurance (proof of means of subsistence can be provided, for example, by opening a blocked account or submitting a declaration of commitment)
• Consent of the persons entitled to care for the person if they are under 18 years of age.

EUR 100.00

Fees are charged for issuing the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority. Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or exemption may be considered.