Five steps to gaining a qualification in Germany

Rohan Gupta recently graduated from secondary school in his hometown of Mumbai. Now the 16-year-old wants to become an electrician and plans to train on a dual vocational programme in Germany. 

Rohan’s story is just one example of how to come to Germany to work as a skilled worker. Yours may be different, depending on your country of origin, where you want to work and other factors.

1. Learn German

Rohan Gupta is already learning German to be ready to speak it at work and college. He is taking a language course with the Goethe-Institut, which offers courses around the world – online and in the classroom. He needs to achieve at least level B1 to apply for a visa to start his training in Germany. Alternatively, he could take a language course in Germany to prepare for his training job.

Learn German with the Goethe-Institut

2. Find a company which offers training contracts

Rohan now needs to find a firm where he can train. He starts by looking on the Federal Employment Agency jobs website, and checks the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts’ trainee jobs portal and the website of the Industrie- und Handelskammer (German Chambers of Industry and Commerce). He also looks at websites of big German companies and submits speculative applications. Most training contracts begin in August or September, but it is common for places to be awarded a year in advance.

Make it in Germany

3. Apply for a visa

A company in Berlin wants to take Rohan on as a trainee! Now it’s time to apply for a visa. The company confirms that his salary will be at least €1.048 a month (2025 figures). He arranges an appointment at the German Consulate in Mumbai and gathers all the documents he needs. He must also prove he has health insurance. As he is not yet 18, he also needs a consent form signed by his parents.

German embassies and consulates

4. Prepare to travel

Rohan has ticked all the boxes for his visa and can travel to Germany. He books a flight and prepares for life in Germany. At the top of the list is finding a place to live. He might be able to ask his new employer for help with that, and his new home city in Germany will offer a range of services where he can turn for help.

Where to find help

5. After arriving in Germany

Once he has arrived in Germany, Rohan makes an appointment at the Einwohnermeldeamt (Registration Office) to register his new address. He also goes to the Immigration Office to apply for a residence permit.

Living in Germany

Last updated: August 2025
Find more information at: Make it in Germany