Ausbildung (dual vocational training)
Work at a company while studying at a vocational school — tuition-free, with a monthly wage. After ~3 years you hold a German-recognised qualification and can stay and work. For newcomers on a budget, it's the best value route in.
Key facts
Ausbildung at a glance
This page is a practical guide, not legal or immigration advice. Always confirm the current requirements with the German mission in your country and the responsible state authority.
Who it's for
Who Ausbildung suits
On a budget
You don't want the high living costs of a self-funded degree — Ausbildung is tuition-free and pays a monthly wage that broadly covers daily life.
Want to work sooner
Your goal is a stable job and life in Germany, not a degree first.
Willing to learn German
You'll get German to B1–B2. Language is the biggest hurdle on this route — and your biggest asset.
Requirements
What you usually need
- A school-leaving certificate (or equivalent); some fields expect a related background
- Proof of German level — most positions require B1–B2 (care/health higher)
- A training contract (Ausbildungsvertrag) with a German company — the core of the visa
- Proof of funds where the allowance isn't enough (a blocked account may be needed)
- Visa type: vocational-training residence permit (§16a Residence Act)
- No position yet? A training-place-seeking visa (up to 6 months) lets you interview in Germany
- Some fields need a prior qualification comparison / recognition
- Standard extras: clean record, health insurance, valid passport
Steps
From home country to your first day
- 1
Get your German to the target level (B1–B2) and pick a field (care, IT, mechanics, hospitality…).
- 2
Apply and interview for Ausbildung positions at German companies; secure a training contract.
- 3
Apply for the vocational-training visa at the German mission with your contract, language, education and funding proof.
- 4
After arriving, do your Anmeldung (address registration), health insurance and residence permit, then start company + school.
- 5
After finishing, stay and work in your field; apply for permanent residence once you meet the conditions.
Already qualified?
If you already have a qualification
If you already trained or worked in your field abroad, you may not need an Ausbildung at all — you can have your existing qualification recognised (Anerkennung) and come as a skilled worker. See how recognition works for your occupation.
What's next
After you graduate
Stay and work
After Ausbildung you get a residence permit to find a job in your field, converting to a work permit. Care, IT and skilled trades have especially strong demand.
Toward permanent residence
After working in your profession for a qualifying period and meeting language and contribution conditions, you can apply for permanent residence.
FAQ
Common questions about Ausbildung
What German level do I need for an Ausbildung?
Most training positions expect B1–B2. Care and healthcare roles usually require B2. Some employers accept B1 to start and let you improve on the job. Language is the biggest hurdle on this route, so start early.
Do you get paid during an Ausbildung?
Yes. Companies pay a monthly training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung), typically from around €1,100/month and rising each year, and there is no tuition. The exact amount varies by industry, region and company.
Is there an age limit for Ausbildung?
There is no legal age limit — what matters is whether a company will hire you. Applying in your twenties or thirties is common; when you're older, relevant experience and a clear motivation matter more.
Can I stay and work in Germany after an Ausbildung?
Yes. After finishing you get a residence permit to look for a job in your field, which converts to a work permit. After working for a qualifying period and meeting the conditions, you can apply for permanent residence.
Ausbildung vs studying — which should I choose?
Studying means a degree first, usually self-funded with higher living costs. Ausbildung means earning a monthly wage while you train, tuition-free, and entering the workforce faster. If your budget is tight and you want a solid, quicker path, Ausbildung is often the better fit.
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