Route: vocational training (Ausbildung)

Requirements, German level, money, pay – and why this route attracts the most scams.

Legal basis: § 16a AufenthG. In Germany most training is dual: work at a company plus school at a vocational college (in Berlin an OSZ, Oberstufenzentrum). The Federal Employment Agency must approve it. A side job of up to 20 hours a week is allowed.

What the Embassy Beijing asks for (leaflet, August 2025)

• A training contract or confirmation from the company or school.
• German: B1 for qualified vocational training; otherwise usually at least A2, or a preparatory intensive German course.
• Living costs: dual training, 2026 benchmark €822 net (€1,048 gross) a month (Make it in Germany); school-based training €959 net (€822 plus €137 for health insurance). If the training pay is lower, a blocked account covers the gap.
• School certificates with apostille and translation: Documents from China.
• Processing about 4 weeks; the employer can speed things up with pre-approval or the fast-track procedure.

What you earn

• Minimum training pay 2026 (BIBB): €724 / €854 / €977 / €1,014 a month in training years 1 to 4. Collective agreements are often higher.
• If your training ends through no fault of your own, you have up to 6 months to find a new place.

Visa to look for a training place (§ 17)

Under 35, German at B1, a school certificate that gives access to university in Germany or in the country where you obtained it (§ 17 (1) AufenthG), and money for up to 9 months. Whether the missions in China issue this in practice is not confirmed.

After the training: a skilled-worker permit (§ 18a) if you get a matching job, see Skilled worker.