Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zweck der Ausbildung Erteilung zum Zwecke der schulischen Berufsausbildung

Under certain conditions, you can obtain a residence permit to complete vocational training 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 aimed exclusively at nationals of one country.

You can obtain the residence permit both

• for qualified vocational training and
• for vocational training that is not qualified.

This is qualified vocational training,

• if the vocational training is recognized by the state or if it is a comparably regulated training occupation and
• if a training period of at least 2 years is stipulated by 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 provide proof of sufficient language skills (language level B1). You can submit suitable language certificates as proof. Alternatively, the educational institution 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 language course to prepare for the training.

In principle, there are no language proficiency requirements for taking up non-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 20 hours per week in a job that is independent of your vocational training. Self-employment is not permitted under any circumstances.

The residence permit for the purpose of school-based vocational training is limited in time. 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 for which you are not responsible, you do not have to leave the federal territory immediately. You must then be given the opportunity to look for another training place for a period of up to 6 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 residence permit is issued for a limited period. Its validity depends on the duration of your training.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification
• Legal action before the court named in the objection notice if the objection is not upheld

• Persons from abroad who wish to complete school-based vocational training in Germany can obtain a residence permit
  • for qualified vocational training or
  • vocational training that is not qualified
• Vocational training must not be predominantly aimed at nationals of a single country
• school-based vocational training must lead to a state-recognized vocational qualification
• Residence permit allows part-time employment of up to 20 hours per week
• Requirements for qualified vocational training:
  • Sufficient language skills (B1), if these have neither been tested by the training institution nor are to be acquired through a preparatory German language course
  • Securing a livelihood for the entire duration of the school-based vocational training
  • for persons who have not yet reached the age of 18: Consent of a person with parental authority
• there are generally no requirements for language skills when taking up non-qualified vocational training. As a rule, however, at least sufficient German language skills at level A2 will be required.
• Residence permit is limited in time for the duration of the school-based vocational training
• A fee is charged for issuing the residence permit; the time and form of payment vary depending on the authority