Applying for a residence permit for in-company training and further education

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

You can apply for a residence permit either

• both for a qualified vocational training programme and
• for vocational training that does not lead to a qualification.

This is a recognised vocational training programme,

• if the vocational training is state-recognised or if it is a comparable regulated apprenticeship, and
• if federal or state legislation stipulates that the duration of training must be at least two years.

If these requirements are not met, the training does not constitute a recognised vocational qualification.

The term ‘in-company further training’ refers, for example, to skills development programmes, work placements, practical placements following a degree course, or trainee programmes.

The residence permit may be granted regardless of your previous qualifications; it is therefore not subject to any specific educational requirements. The training organisation will assess whether you are suitable for an apprenticeship.

In the case of a recognised vocational training programme, you must generally provide evidence of sufficient German language skills, unless you intend to attend a German language course beforehand. A German language course taken prior to the recognised vocational training programme is covered by the residence permit and may be attended before the actual training programme begins. For other training or further education programmes, you must first apply for a residence permit for the language course and then for a residence permit for training and further education purposes.

Whilst undertaking a recognised vocational training programme, you are entitled to work up to 20 hours per week in a job that is unrelated to your vocational training. Self-employment is not permitted under any circumstances.

For the duration of your vocational training or further education, you can apply for a vocational training grant to help cover your living costs.

Training and further education organisations wishing to provide training or further education to a person from abroad may, on that person’s behalf, apply to the Immigration Authority for the fast-track skilled worker procedure, which is designed to facilitate and expedite the entry of skilled workers.

A residence permit for the purpose of in-company training and further education is temporary and is generally granted for the duration of the training or further education. The Federal Employment Agency must approve your residence permit.

If your recognised 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 place for a period of up to six months.