You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of vocational training at a school if

• your training leads to a state-recognized vocational degree and
• the program offered by your educational institution is not exclusively intended for nationals of a single country.

You can obtain a residence permit both

• for a qualified vocational training program as well as
• for vocational training that is not qualified.

Vocational training is considered “qualified”

• if the vocational training is state-recognized or if it is a similarly regulated apprenticeship, and
• if federal or state regulations stipulate a training duration of at least 2 years.

If these requirements are not met, the training does not qualify as certified vocational training.

If you are seeking to pursue a qualified vocational training program, you should generally demonstrate sufficient language proficiency (B1 level). You can provide appropriate language certificates as proof. Alternatively, the educational institution may confirm that your language skills are sufficient for the qualified vocational training program you are seeking. If you do not yet have the required language skills, you can attend a preparatory language course to prepare for the training.

There are generally no language proficiency requirements for admission to a non-qualified vocational training program. However, at least sufficient German language skills at the A2 level are usually required.

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

The residence permit for the purpose of school-based vocational training is temporary. It is issued for the duration of the school-based vocational training. The Federal Employment Agency must approve your residence permit.

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

A residence permit for the purpose of attending school may also be granted on the basis of bilateral and multilateral agreements between the federal states and public authorities in other countries.