Vocational training (Ausbildung)
The German Ausbildung combines learning and paid work (dual: company plus vocational school) or is school-based (for example nursing, social care). The visa basis is § 16a AufenthG.
Conditions in general
- A signed training contract with a German company or a school place.
- German B1 is required only if the training institution does not test the language and no preparatory German course is provided (§ 16a Abs. 3 Satz 2); employers may ask more.
- School leaving certificate suitable for the training. Whether your Thanaweya Amma result or vocational secondary certificate is accepted is decided per training; ask the employer and the recognition body.
- Livelihood secured. A training allowance counts.
Pay
| Type | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Dual training | about 822 € net / 1.048 € gross a month (make-it-in-germany) |
| School-based training | about 959 € net a month (make-it-in-germany) |
| Statutory minimum training pay 2026 (§ 17 BBiG) | 1st year 724 €, 2nd 854 €, 3rd 977 €, 4th 1.014 € |
Collective agreements can pay more. Berlin cost of living is high; a training wage alone is usually tight.
Steps
- Learn German to B1: Learning German.
- Find a training place: Federal Employment Agency job board, chambers, employers. Beware of fake offers (scams).
- Apply for the visa: Visa application.
After the training you can stay as a skilled worker: Skilled worker; permanent residence after 24 months with B1 (§ 18c Abs. 1).
Nursing training: Nursing.
A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.