Ausbildung is a form of apprenticeship and vocational training in Germany. This training includes both theory and practical experience in more than 300 fields. Training lasts for 3-4 years on average. The length of the training depends on your qualifications. The requirements can be reduced if you have related experience.
As a non-EU citizen, you might assume you are ineligible for these programs. But you’d be wrong.
These jobs are trade and craft specific. It does not require a university degree.
How to find Ausbildung in Germany?
The Federal Employment Agency operates a website for international workers wishing to come to Germany. The site includes a job board. This website should be the first place you go. Since the German government operates it, all the information is official, accurate, and update.
As a non-EU citizen, you need to prove that you completed high school in your country of origin. Additionally, you need to demonstrate good German language skills. The minimum language level to apply is A2. By the time your course starts, the minimum is B1. Some advanced or technical careers, such as nursing and engineering, require advanced language skills.
Language classes and official exams are available at The Goethe-Institut. They offer language courses and testing that are internationally recognized. You can take a pre-test here.
An integration course is available for language and daily living skills. It’s not required but highly recommended for anyone wishing to live and work in the country.
For non-EU citizens, your first step is to prepare your paperwork. Since your certificates are from outside Germany, you need to arrange to have them translated. The next step is to have them recognized. Visit the Federal Employment Agency website to begin the process of having your documents translated and recognized. The cost of this recognition is approximately €160. You can also visit the website of ‘anabin‘ to find out recognition of your High School Diploma.
Once your documents are in order, you need to find and apply with the companies you want to work with. Some allow for Skype interviews, so you could apply from your country of origin. Others require in-person interviews.
You can apply for a temporary visa to visit and interview. Citizens of certain countries do not require a permit for this initial visit. For those individuals, a current passport is sufficient for up to 90 days. Check here to see if you need a temporary visa.
This site is a platform to connect foreign applicants with German companies seeking tradespeople.
If you’ve had a successful interview, you need to apply for a visa. You can do this at any German embassy or in Germany if you’re already there. The cost is €75 EU. To find the nearest German Mission Abroad, visit the Federal Foreign Office.
Visa requirements for Ausbildung in Germany:
The following documents are required in order to apply for the visa:
- High School Diploma
- Minimum A2 Language Skills (by the beginning of training, this should be B1)
- Proof of financial resources – Blocked Account (700 EUR per month)
- A short curriculum vitae (CV) including specific educational details
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of housing
- Proof of acceptance to vocational training
- Approval from Federal Employment Agency for your training, if necessary
How much money can students earn during Vocational Training?
During your training, you may work up to 10 hours per week in an unrelated field to supplement your income. For example, someone studying to be a nurse can also work up to 10 hours per week in a restaurant.
Additionally, employers may provide a monthly training allowance. The training allowance varies depending on the employer and the field of study. It usually starts at €600. The assistance may increase as the training advances, but that is not guaranteed.
Ausbildung training is an excellent opportunity for entry into the German workforce. Skilled tradespeople are in high demand worldwide. After completing your training and meeting other minimum requirements, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency in Germany.
I’m above 30, can I do Ausbildung in Germany?
Yes, you can do Ausbildung in Germany. There are no age requirements for Ausbildung in Germany. But, it would be better for you to contact first the German companies, tell them about your education, experiences, language proficiency, age and ask for the Ausbildung requirements and then proceed further.
Is the German Ausbildung visa different from other types of Visas and how much time is required to get a German Ausbildung visa?
Ausbildung visa is a little bit different from normal visas. German embassy usually issues Ausbildung visas quickly within one or two months. You must request your employer to get pre-approval from Ausländerbehörde before sending you the contract. You can get an Ausbildung visa more quickly with this pre-approval. Further, you need a B1 certificate and employment contract in order to get an Ausbildung visa quickly.
