Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zweck der Ausbildung beantragen

Foreign nationals from non-EU and non-EEA countries need a residence permit for training purposes in Germany. You can receive these for the following trainings:

• Participation in non-preparatory language courses (intensive language course in German)
• in exceptional cases to attend school
• with the approval of the Federal Employment Agency for in-company initial and continuing training

To study at a state or state-recognised university or comparable educational institution in Germany, you need a "Residence Permit for Students".

Hint: Citizens of EU countries can complete an apprenticeship in Germany on the basis of their right to freedom of movement. They must prove that they have sufficient health insurance cover and secure their livelihood if they are not gainfully employed. This also applies to other citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and to nationals of Switzerland.

The residence permit for the purpose of training is limited in time and is only valid for this purpose of residence. If the purpose of your stay changes, you must notify the competent authority immediately. In good time before the expiry of the period of validity, you must apply for the extension of the residence permit.

Attention: If you are staying in Germany for training purposes, you cannot obtain a settlement permit.

• Proof of compliance with passport and visa requirements
• Proof of secure livelihood
• Proof that there are no grounds for expulsion against you
• Proof that you do not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
• Proof of fulfilment of the admission requirements for the training (original)

The prerequisites for the issuance of the residence permit are:

• They meet the passport and visa requirements.
  For the passport requirement, it is sufficient if you have a replacement ID card.
• Their livelihood is secured.
  The assessment limit is the maximum funding rate according to the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG).
• There is no ground for expulsion against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You meet the admission requirements for the corresponding training.

Grant: 100 €

Before entering Germany, you may need to apply for a national visa in your home country.

After entering the country, you must apply for the residence permit in writing at the Foreigners' Registration Office before your visa expires. Depending on the place of residence, the Foreigners' Registration Office is the city administration or the district office.

Since 01.09.2011 you will receive the residence title in the form of a credit card with additional electronic functions. Further information can be found under "Applying for an electronic residence permit (eAT)".

Hint: If the approval of the Federal Employment Agency is required (e.g. in the case of in-company training and further education), the Foreigners' Registration Office obtains this in an internal administrative procedure.

4 - 6 weeks

You would like to complete part of your training here and have already received a residence permit for training purposes in another EU Member State: In most cases, you will also receive a residence permit for Germany.

You have a residence permit for other purposes (e.g. for family reasons) or a settlement permit: In this case, you can take up training in Germany without an additional residence permit.

If you complete qualified vocational training in Germany, you may work up to 10 hours per week, regardless of your training. After successful completion of the qualified vocational training, the authority can extend your residence permit by up to one year under certain conditions. During this time

• you can look for a job appropriate to your degree, provided that it may be filled by foreign nationals, and
• may work without restrictions.

• for the issuance of a national visa before entering the Federal territory: the German mission abroad (embassy, consulate)
• after entry: the immigration office in whose district you usually reside.
  Immigration authorities in Hesse are district administrators and mayors of district-free cities and cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants.

Tip: A list of the representations of the Federal Republic of Germany abroad is available from the Federal Foreign Office on its website.