Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of school-based vocational training

You can obtain a residence permit to complete a school-based vocational training program in Germany

You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of school-based vocational training if your training leads to a state-recognized vocational qualification and the training course at your educational institution is not exclusively aimed at nationals of one country.

The residence permit can be issued both for qualified vocational training and for vocational training that is not qualified.

Qualified vocational training exists if it is vocational training in a state-recognized or comparably regulated training occupation for which a training period of at least two years is specified under federal or state law. If these requirements are not met, it is not qualified vocational training.

If you are seeking qualified vocational training, you should generally be able to prove that you have sufficient language skills (language level B1). You can submit suitable language certificates as proof. Alternatively, the training company can also confirm that your language skills are sufficient for the qualified vocational training you are seeking. If you do not yet have the required language skills, you can attend a job-related German language course to prepare for the training.

In principle, there are no language proficiency requirements for taking up vocational training that is not qualified vocational training. As a rule, however, at least sufficient German language skills at level A2 will be required.

During qualified vocational training, you may work up to ten hours per week in employment that is independent of your vocational training. Gainful employment alongside vocational training that is not qualified is not permitted. Self-employment is not permitted under any circumstances.

The residence permit for the purpose of school-based vocational training is a temporary residence permit. It is issued for the duration of the school-based vocational training.

If your qualified vocational training is terminated prematurely for reasons for which you are not responsible, you may be given the opportunity to look for another training place for a period of up to six months.

The residence permit to attend school can also be granted on the basis of bilateral and multilateral agreements between the federal states and public authorities in other countries.

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• Valid passport
• Current biometric photo
• Visa, if required
• Proof of a school-based training place in Germany (e.g. training contract)
• For qualified vocational training: Proof of sufficient language skills (B1), if the educational institution has not already tested your language skills or no preparatory German course is being taken.
• Proof of means of subsistence and health insurance (proof of means of subsistence can be provided, for example, by opening a blocked account or submitting a declaration of commitment)
• If you have not yet reached the age of 18 - the consent of the person(s) authorized to take care of you.

• Forms: Forms can be obtained from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online
• Online procedure occasionally possible
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and - if required for entry - an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have a school-based training place in Germany
• The school-based vocational training leads to a state-recognized vocational qualification in accordance with federal or state regulations.
• The course is not exclusively aimed at nationals of one country.
• Your livelihood is secured.
• If you have qualified vocational training, you can provide proof of the required language skills
• If you have not reached the age of 18: the persons entitled to take care of you have agreed to your stay in Germany.

You must apply for a residence permit at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic applications for residence permits.
• If you can only apply in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents checked (bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• In the case of an electronic application, the Immigration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Immigration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• If your application is approved, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the immigration office.
• The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• Fees are charged for the issue of the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority

• The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before your valid visa or residence permit expires.
• The residence permit is issued for a limited period. Its validity depends on the duration of your training.
• Objection period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks.

Issuing a residence permit: EUR 100.00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be possible.