If you are a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you will need a residence permit for training purposes to participate in vocational training or continuing education in Germany.

You can apply for the residence permit

• for a qualified vocational training program as well as
• for non-qualified vocational training.

Vocational training is considered “qualified”

• if the vocational training is state-recognized or if it is a comparable regulated vocational occupation and
• if federal or state law stipulates that the training must last at least 2 years.

If these requirements are not met, the training is not considered qualified vocational training.

“On-the-job continuing education” refers, for example, to skill-building measures, internships, practical training phases following a degree program, or trainee programs.

The residence permit can be granted regardless of your previous qualifications; it is therefore not tied to specific educational requirements. The training company will assess whether you are suitable for the training program.

For a qualified vocational training program, you must generally provide proof of sufficient German language proficiency, unless you plan to take a German language course beforehand. A German language course taken prior to the qualified vocational training program is covered by the residence permit and may be attended before the actual training program begins. For other educational or continuing education programs, you must first apply for a residence permit for the language course and then for a residence permit for educational or continuing education purposes.

During a qualified vocational training program, you are entitled to work up to 20 hours per week in a job unrelated to your vocational training. Self-employment is not permitted under any circumstances.

For the duration of your vocational training or continuing education, you can apply for a vocational training allowance to help cover your living expenses.

Training and continuing education providers that wish to train or provide continuing education to a person from abroad may, with that person’s authorization, apply to the Office of Foreigners for the expedited skilled worker procedure, which can facilitate and accelerate the entry of skilled workers.

The residence permit for the purpose of vocational training or continuing education is temporary and is generally issued for the duration of the training or continuing education. The Federal Employment Agency must approve your residence permit.

If your vocational training is terminated prematurely for reasons beyond your control, you are not required to leave Germany immediately. You will then be given the opportunity to look for another training position for up to 6 months.