Route: vocational training (Ausbildung)
Legal basis: § 16a AufenthG. Most training in Germany is dual: work at a company plus vocational school (in Berlin an OSZ). The Federal Employment Agency must approve; a side job of up to 20 hours a week is allowed.
No agent can sell you a training place or a visa. A real place comes with a training contract from a named company. Read Avoiding scams.
What you need
- A training contract or confirmation from the company or school.
- German: as a rule B1. Whether a lower level plus a preparatory course is accepted depends on the case; check the Embassy's current leaflet.
- 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 pay is lower, a blocked account covers the gap: Money and EU sanctions.
- School certificates and papers: Documents. Visa: Visa application.
What you earn
Minimum training pay 2026: €724 / €854 / €977 / €1,014 a month in training years 1 to 4; collective agreements are often higher.
Visa to look for a training place (§ 17)
Under 35, German at B1, a school certificate that would give university access in Germany or in the country where it was earned (§ 17 (1) AufenthG), and money for the stay. Whether the Embassy issues this in practice is not confirmed.
After training: a skilled-worker permit (§ 18a), see Skilled worker.
A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.