From China to Berlin: study, train or work
New here? Which route fits me?
A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.
Guide
π§Which route fits me?Study, skilled work, Opportunity Card, Ausbildung or a language course: a short decision guide.
πThe APS certificateWhy almost every study visa from China starts with APS Beijing: procedures, fees, interview, timing.
πRoute: studying in BerlinVisa (Β§ 16b), the steps in order, timing and what to prepare in China.
πAdmission with Chinese certificatesGaokao and Huikao, Studienkolleg, the new 2026 KMK rules, Master applications and language proof.
πΆCosts of studying in BerlinBlocked account, getting the money out of China, semester fee, health insurance.
π£οΈLearning German in ChinaWhere to learn, which certificates count for the visa, and the level each route needs.
πΌRoute: skilled worker and EU Blue CardBlue Card, skilled-worker permits, intra-company transfers, salary thresholds 2026 and the fast-track procedure.
πRoute: Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)Points system, money, work rights and what the card does not do (§§ 20a, 20b AufenthG).
π οΈRoute: vocational training (Ausbildung)Requirements, German level, money, pay β and why this route attracts the most scams.
πRoute: language course (Β§ 16f)A visa just to learn German β and why it is usually the wrong first step towards studying.
π§Other routes: nursing and Chinese-cuisine cooksTwo routes the Embassy Beijing describes in its own leaflets, and what they require.
π§ΎRecognition of your qualificationanabin, the ZAB statement, which Berlin body decides, and nursing.
ποΈVisa application: where and howConsular districts by province, the online portals, appointments, fees and processing times.
πDocuments from ChinaApostille instead of legalisation since November 2023, notary offices, translations, what to bring.
βοΈChinese rules you should knowDual nationality, the USD 50,000 foreign-exchange quota, hukou and social insurance.
π¬After arrival in BerlinAddress registration, bank account, health insurance, residence permit β in that order.
π€Find your community in BerlinFree advice, meeting places, children's Chinese, sport and doctors: what we could verify, and what we could not.
π Already in BerlinChanging your status, staying long term, citizenship and your Chinese passport, free help.
πΆCosts at a glanceFees, salary thresholds and money you must show, by route (2026).
β οΈAvoiding scamsWhat the German Embassy and APS say about agencies, and how to check an offer before you pay.