Vocational Training in Germany
3 documented routes of this kind in Germany, each with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Recognition Partnership Visa (§16d Abs. 3 AufenthG)
Allows skilled workers to enter and work while completing recognition of their foreign qualification in Germany under a jointly signed recognition-partnership declaration with the employer.
- Processing time
- Several weeks to a few months; varies by mission.
- Validity
- Up to 1 year, extendable up to 3 years.
- Language requirement
- German language level depending on occupation (commonly A2/B1).
- Permanent residence
- Settlement permit after transition to a §18a/§18b skilled-worker title and meeting that title's clock (typically 3 years).
- Citizenship
- Naturalisation after 5 years (3 with exceptional integration).
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Foreign vocational/academic qualification
- Signed recognition-partnership declaration with the employer
- Employment contract
- Health insurance
- BA approval
Required Documents
- Valid passport required
- Recognition-partnership declaration signed by employer and employee required
- Foreign qualification certificates required
- Employment contract required
- Proof of health insurance required
Process Steps
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1
Sign recognition partnership
Employer and employee jointly sign the recognition-partnership declaration.
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2
Apply via Consular Portal
Submit the visa application online.
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3
Enter and begin work
Enter Germany, work, and complete the recognition procedure.
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4
Transition to skilled-worker title
On completion, convert to a §18a/§18b residence permit.
Official Sources
Recognition of Qualifications Visa (§16d AufenthG)
Residence permit to complete a recognition/adaptation measure or examination in Germany so a foreign qualification can be recognised as equivalent.
- Processing time
- Several weeks to a few months; varies by mission.
- Validity
- For the duration of the recognition measure (commonly up to 18-24 months).
- Language requirement
- Typically A2 German, profession-dependent.
- Permanent residence
- Settlement permit after conversion to a skilled-worker title and meeting its clock.
- Citizenship
- Naturalisation after 5 years (3 with exceptional integration).
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Proof that a recognition/adaptation measure or examination has been arranged in Germany
- Proof of secured livelihood
- Health insurance
Required Documents
- Valid passport required
- Proof of arranged adaptation measure or examination required
- Proof of secured livelihood required
- Proof of health insurance required
Process Steps
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1
Arrange recognition measure
Secure a place in a recognition/adaptation measure or examination in Germany.
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2
Apply via Consular Portal
Submit the visa application online.
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3
Enter and complete measure
Enter Germany and complete the measure.
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4
Convert to skilled-worker permit
On success, convert to a skilled-worker residence permit.
Official Sources
Vocational Training Visa (§16a AufenthG)
Residence permit for non-EU nationals to undertake qualified vocational training (Ausbildung) with a German employer.
- Processing time
- Several weeks to a few months; varies by mission.
- Validity
- Duration of the training contract, extendable.
- Language requirement
- Generally German B1 (or as required by the training programme).
- Permanent residence
- After completing training and switching to a skilled-worker title, settlement permit follows that title's clock.
- Citizenship
- Naturalisation after 5 years on qualifying titles.
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Training contract with a German employer
- Language proof where required
- Proof of secured livelihood
- Health insurance
- BA approval
Required Documents
- Valid passport required
- Vocational training contract required
- Language certificate where required
- Proof of secured livelihood required
- Proof of health insurance required
Process Steps
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1
Secure training contract
Conclude a vocational training contract with a German employer.
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2
Apply via Consular Portal
Submit the visa application online.
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3
BA approval and entry
Foreigners authority obtains BA approval; enter and register.
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4
Collect permit
Collect the residence permit.