Ausbildung Visa

What this visa is

The Ausbildung Visa allows non-EU nationals who have secured a place on a recognised vocational training programme to come to Germany and train — while being paid a salary by their employer. Germany's Ausbildung system is unique: you train, earn, and graduate with a qualification recognised throughout Germany and the entire European Union.

It's common to be hired full time by the company where you trained, but if not you have 18 months to search for employment elsewhere.

Who it is for

• ✓Those who have a confirmed training contract (Ausbildungsvertrag) with a German company or a confirmed place at a German vocational school
• ✓German language skills at B1 level are generally required; some employers and chambers recommend B2 for classroom-intensive programmes
• ✓Applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency of at least €959 net per month (2026) — in most cases your training salary will cover this

Key facts

• →Training salary averages approximately €1,070 per month across all sectors in 2025 — paid by your employer, not the state
• →Permits secondary employment of up to 20 hours per week
• →Duration matches the length of your training programme, typically 2 to 3.5 years
• →Upon completion, you are entitled to an 18-month job seeker permit to find qualified employment without leaving Germany
• →Settlement permit (permanent residency) possible after 2 years of qualified employment following completion of training
• →Federal Employment Agency approval is generally required

Source: Make it in Germany — Visa for Vocational Training