Apply for a training permit
Service description
A training permit is a special type of temporary residence permit that you can obtain if
- your asylum application has been rejected, you started vocational training during the asylum process and would like to continue it, or
- You hold a ‘Duldung’ (i.e. you are required to leave the country) and would like to start a vocational training programme.
In order to be granted a temporary residence permit for vocational training, the vocational training must meet certain requirements (see Eligibility Criteria).
The training permit is issued for a specific training company. It is possible to change training companies (without interruption). In such cases, an application must be made prior to the change of company to have the training permit ‘transferred’ to the new company.
With a training permit, you are allowed to stay and work in Germany for the entire duration of your training. You cannot be deported during this period.
Procedure
- Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
- If you can only submit your application in person, please book an appointment at the Immigration Office. If you submit your application online, the Immigration Office will contact you once your application has been received to arrange an appointment.
- During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents to the appointment, preferably in the original).
- If your application is successful, you may be issued with the training permit during your appointment. If your application is rejected, you will receive a notice of refusal. In this case, you must not commence the training.
Who should I contact?
Immigration office
Prerequisites
- You started your vocational training whilst your asylum application was being processed and would like to continue it following the rejection of your asylum application, or you have held a temporary residence permit for at least three months and would like to start vocational training.
- You already have an apprenticeship place, or are set to secure one, which meets the following criteria:
- This refers to a recognised vocational training programme, lasting at least two years, undertaken either in-company or at a training college, in a state-recognised or similarly regulated vocational qualification, or
- This involves a state-recognised or similarly regulated training programme for assistants or support staff, followed by a qualified vocational training programme.
Please note:
For assistant or support staff training programmes, you will also need a confirmation of a training place for the subsequent qualified vocational training. Furthermore, the role must be in a so-called ‘shortage occupation’ (for example, a role in care for the elderly or nursing).
A training permit cannot be granted for vocational preparation programmes or school-based programmes (such as language courses) designed to prepare you for vocational training. A list of recognised vocational training occupations can be found under ‘Further information’.
- Her identity has been established.
Please note: Individuals who arrived in Germany before 31 December 2016 must provide proof of their identity when applying for a temporary residence permit for vocational training.
People who arrived in Germany between 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2020 and wish to apply for a ‘Duldung’ (temporary residence permit) for vocational training, either now or at a later date, were required to have their identity verified by 30 June 2020. The deadline is deemed to have been met if it can be demonstrated that all reasonable steps to establish identity had been taken by that date, even if the identity is only established at a later date.
People who have arrived in Germany on or after 1 January 2020 must verify their identity within their first six months in Germany.
Reasonableness is assessed on the basis of the circumstances of the individual case; you should, however, cooperate with any actions the authorities require of you.
- If you are under 18, your legal guardians must give their consent to your stay in Germany.
- You have no links to extremist or terrorist organisations, nor do you support them. You have not previously been convicted of any criminal offence. There are no grounds for your deportation.
The Immigration Authority has not yet made preparations for your removal (preparations are deemed to have been made if, for example, a medical examination to determine your fitness to travel has already been arranged, state funding for your voluntary departure has been approved prior to the granting of a temporary residence permit for training purposes, an application for a passport has been made on your behalf, a deportation date has been set, or a Dublin procedure is underway).
Which documents are required?
- A recognised identity document (for example, a passport, passport substitute, official identity card with a photograph, official documents from the country of origin such as a military service card, driving licence, consular card, laissez-passer, service identity card or civil status certificate with a photograph)
- Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
- Rejection of an asylum application or temporary leave to remain
- For in-company vocational training:
- Vocational training contract
- Proof that the apprenticeship contract has been entered in the register of vocational training contracts (for example, confirmation from the relevant Chamber of Skilled Trades regarding the registration or the application for registration)
- For assistant or support staff training programmes, a confirmation of a training place from the training company or educational institution for the subsequent qualified vocational training
- In the case of a school-based apprenticeship: a contract or letter of acceptance from the educational institution, specifying the trade being trained for
- If the person is a minor: consent from the person(s) with parental responsibility for the planned stay (declaration of consent)
The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the foreigners authority may require less or further evidence.
What fees are incurred?
Cost (fixed):
- 58.00 for the training permit as a self-adhesive label
- 62.00 for the training permit (as a standard form)
Remark:
The Foreigners’ Registration Office may charge a fee for issuing a temporary residence permit for training purposes. The timing and method of charging the fee, as well as the method of payment, vary depending on the office.
In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be available (for example, if a person cannot cover their living expenses without relying on state benefits).
What deadlines do I have to observe?
Asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected should submit their application for a training permit as soon as possible after receiving the notice of rejection.
Holders of a temporary residence permit should ensure that their application is received by the Immigration Authority in good time before the start of their training, but no earlier than seven months before the start of their vocational training.
Note (for more information on the deadline):
The validity of the training permit is determined by the duration of the training as specified in the training contract and is usually granted for the entire duration of the training.
Provided that the training has not yet commenced, the training permit will be granted no earlier than six months before the start of vocational training.
Processing time
The processing time may vary depending on the workload at the Immigration Authority. As the training permit is issued by the Immigration Authority, it is generally possible to collect it during your appointment.
Legal basis
Legal remedy
- Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification
- Action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld
Applications / Forms
Informal application possible: Yes
Personal appearance required: Yes
What else should I know?
- A temporary residence permit for vocational training cannot be granted whilst the asylum procedure is ongoing. During this period, it is sufficient to hold a provisional residence permit, which also allows the holder to commence school-based or in-company vocational training.
- A training-related temporary residence permit is not a prerequisite for starting a training programme. A training programme may be commenced as soon as the person is permitted to work – that is, once a work permit has been granted. However, a ‘standard’ temporary residence permit issued alongside a work permit does not provide long-term protection against deportation during the period of vocational training, nor does it confer the specific rights associated with a temporary residence permit for vocational training.
- Upon successful completion of vocational training, a residence permit for a further two years may be granted (the ‘3+2’ scheme). If the trainee is not taken on by the training company, a temporary residence permit to seek employment is initially granted for six months.
- If the apprenticeship is terminated early or discontinued, the temporary residence permit for apprenticeship purposes ceases to be valid. A one-off temporary residence permit valid for six months may be granted to enable the search for a new apprenticeship place. Training companies and educational institutions are obliged to inform the Foreigners’ Registration Office within two weeks of the termination of the apprenticeship.
- With a training permit, you are not allowed to travel abroad.
- A temporary residence permit for vocational training ceases to be valid in the event of a conviction, expulsion or the issuance of a deportation order to avert a specific threat, in particular a terrorist threat.
- The proceedings are usually conducted in German. If your knowledge of German is insufficient, it is advisable to attend the hearing with someone who can act as a translator.
- All information provided to the Immigration Office should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that the request can be processed without major delays.
- Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be detrimental to the person concerned. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in good time vis-à-vis the immigration authority can result in the cancellation of residence rights that have already been granted, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years or expulsion from the federal territory.
- Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for information purposes only and is not legally binding.