Visa and residence for vocational training (Ausbildung)

If you want to come to Germany for vocational training (Berufsausbildung), the sources distinguish between having a training place and looking for one. They also explain the visa process for applicants from Vietnam. 123

Who needs this

• If you are not from the EU, the EEA, or Switzerland, you typically need a visa for vocational training in Germany. 1
• You can come to Germany for dual vocational training, where practical training takes place in a company and theory at a vocational school, or for school-based vocational training at a specialised school. 12
• If you already have a confirmed training place in Germany, you can apply for a visa for vocational training. 23
• If you do not yet have a training place, you may be able to come to Germany for up to nine months to look for one, if you meet the listed conditions. 2
• After successful completion of vocational training in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for work in any qualified job. 2

Step by step

1. Choose the profession you want to train for. 1
2. Check that your German is strong enough. For a visa, B1 is generally required. 123
3. Make sure your school-leaving qualification is recognised in Germany. 1
4. Apply directly to a company for a training place. 1
5. If you already have a training place, prepare the visa application and upload the documents through the online portal and VFS process used in Vietnam. 34
6. After the online pre-check, book a VFS appointment, submit the original documents, and have your biometric data taken. 34
7. Wait for the decision from the German mission. You can track the status online. 34

Documents

• Training contract with the training company, showing that you have a concrete training place. 23
• Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis, fully completed by the training company, with the company number. 34
• Proof of German language skills at least at B1 level; accepted certificates include Goethe-Institut, telc, ÖSD, TestDaF, and ECL certificates. The language certificate must not be older than 12 months when you apply. 34
• Proof that your living costs are secured for the whole stay. For the training visa, you must have at least 1,048 euros gross per month available; if your training pay is lower, you must show additional funds. A blocked account (Sperrkonto) or, in individual cases, a formal obligation letter can be used. Free accommodation or meals may be counted. 34
• Health insurance: a private German policy, a German statutory policy plus travel health insurance for the first three weeks, or a private foreign policy, including from Vietnam, if it meets the listed requirements. 34
• If your training includes a preparatory German course, you need proof of that course, including its duration, weekly hours, type, and target level. 34

Cost and time

• The visa fee is 75 euros, or 37.50 euros for minors, payable in Vietnamese dong. 34
• VFS service fees are charged separately. 34
• The processing time is usually about three months, and it can take longer in individual cases. 34

Deadlines

• Your language certificate must not be older than 12 months when you apply. 34
• If you want the visa to start one week before your training begins, your insurance must cover that period. 3
• If you are looking for a training place before entry, the search stay can be for up to nine months, and you must be under 35, have secured living costs, show B1 German, and have the required school-leaving qualification. 2

City by city

• Hanoi: The competent German mission for visa decisions is the Embassy in Hanoi. VFS also handles appointments and document intake in Vietnam. 34
• Ho Chi Minh City: The competent German mission for visa decisions is the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. VFS also handles appointments and document intake in Vietnam. 34