Your path to vocational training in Germany

Do I need a visa to do vocational training in Germany? 

Yes, unless you come from a European Union member state or Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland. You will need to provide the following to obtain a visa: 

• a letter from a company accepting you onto a training programme 
• proof that you will be able to cover your living expenses yourself throughout your vocational training. Specifically, you must demonstrate that you will have at least 959 euros per month at your disposal (as of 2025). If you do training or an apprenticeship at a company, you will be paid a salary. This will count towards the required 959 euros per month, meaning that you will only have to finance the difference yourself. 
• possibly proof of some knowledge of German – further information can be obtained from the German embassy in your home country. That’s also where you will apply for your visa. 

Can I also come to Germany first and then look for a place on a training programme? 

In principle yes, but you will have to meet more conditions to do so. You can find out more about this here. 

How can I find a training or apprenticeship place? 

A wide selection of training programmes can be found using the Federal Employment Agency’s online search function. If you are interested in doing an apprenticeship in one of the skilled crafts, the Lehrstellenradar online search tool offered by the Chamber of Crafts (Handwerkskammer) is a good place to look. If you’d rather work in the service sector, your best bet is to check with the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK). But beware: most training programmes begin at a specific time of year - generally in August or September - and places are often assigned a year in advance. 

How do I apply? 

Larger firms nowadays have their own online portals. Smaller companies welcome applications by e-mail. Regardless of how you submit your application, you will need to include a motivation letter and curriculum vitae. Find out how to create and write these important documents here.   

Do I need to be able to speak German? 

A knowledge of German is very important when doing vocational training because German will be spoken at both your company and the vocational school. You can find German courses in your home country at the Goethe-Institut, for example. 

One important port of call when it comes to answering your questions about vocational training in Germany is the government’s skilled worker portal Make it in Germany.