Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of vocational training at school

You may be granted a residence permit for the purpose of vocational training at school if

• Your training leads to a state-recognised vocational qualification and
• the course offered by your educational provider is not aimed exclusively at nationals of a particular country.

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 recognised by the state 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.

If you are aiming to undertake a qualified vocational training programme, you will generally need to demonstrate sufficient language skills (language level B1). You can provide suitable language certificates as proof of this. Alternatively, the educational institution may confirm that your language skills are sufficient for the qualified vocational training programme you are aiming for. If you do not yet have the required language skills, you can attend a preparatory language course to prepare for the training programme.

There are generally no language proficiency requirements for admission to a non-qualified vocational training programme. As a rule, however, at least a sufficient level of German language proficiency (A2 level) will be required.

Whilst undertaking a recognised vocational training programme, you are permitted 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.

A residence permit for the purpose of school-based vocational training is temporary. It is granted for the duration of the school-based vocational training. 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.

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.