Route: vocational training (Ausbildung) and nursing

Dual training in Berlin with § 24 or a training permit, pay, German level, and nursing as a common path.

In Germany most training is dual: work at a company plus school at a vocational college (in Berlin an OSZ, Oberstufenzentrum). It usually takes 2 to 3.5 years and ends with a recognised qualification.

With § 24

You may start an Ausbildung with your current permit; no extra work permit is needed (§ 4a AufenthG). Starting an Ausbildung always lifts the residence rule, wherever the training place is (§ 12a (1) sentence 2 AufenthG). To be independent of temporary protection, you can later apply in Germany for a training permit (§ 16a AufenthG) – see Switching.

From abroad (§ 16a)

• A training contract with a named company; the Federal Employment Agency must approve.
• German: as a rule B1.
• 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.
• A side job of up to 20 hours a week is allowed.

Pay and after the training

• Minimum training pay 2026 (BIBB): €724 / €854 / €977 / €1,014 a month in years 1 to 4. Collective agreements are often higher.
• After the training: a skilled-worker permit (§ 18a) with a matching job; a settlement permit is possible after 2 years (§ 18c (1)). See Staying long-term.

Nursing

Trained nurses from Ukraine need recognition to work as a nurse (Pflegefachfrau/Pflegefachmann). Until recognition you can often work as an assistant and complete an adaptation course or knowledge test (§ 16d AufenthG covers this for people from abroad). See Recognition. A new nursing Ausbildung is a second option.