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Apprenticeship Visa

Study PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2-3 months

Application Fee

75 EUR

Stay Duration

Duration of apprenticeship (typically 3 years)

Renewable

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

Same as United States

Avg Salary€39,600

Quality of Life

196/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Vocational training and apprenticeship visa requiring German language B1 level.

The German Apprenticeship Visa (Section 16a) lets non-EU nationals enter Germany for a dual vocational training program, combining paid on-the-job work with vocational school instruction. Applicants need a signed Ausbildungsvertrag with a recognized employer and German language proficiency at B1 level.

The permit covers the full apprenticeship (typically 3 years) and extends as needed. Trainees earn a salary—minimum threshold €1,048/month gross—and may take a secondary job up to 20 hrs/week. Completing training opens a path to permanent residency and conversion to a skilled worker permit (Blue Card or §18b).

This visa is ideal for non-EU adults with a German apprenticeship contract, B1 German, and a goal of earning a recognized trade qualification with a route to long-term settlement.

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Tied to program duration

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Germany

EU Blue Card

Validity4 years

Processing14-90 days

View Visa Details

Skilled Worker with Academic Degree (Fachkraft mit akademischer Ausbildung)

Germany

Skilled Worker with Academic Degree (Fachkraft mit akademischer Ausbildung)

ValidityUp to 4 years

Processing1-3 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

A signed training contract with a recognized apprenticeship employer or vocational school in Germany.

Proof of German language proficiency (typically B1 level).

Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses (if the training salary is insufficient).

School-leaving certificate qualifying for higher education or vocational training.

Approval from the Federal Employment Agency (if required).

Proof of health insurance.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

none or higher

Min. Income

1,048 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed national visa application form.

Valid passport.

Three biometric passport photographs.

Signed vocational training contract (Ausbildungsvertrag).

Training plan (Ausbildungsplan).

Proof of German language skills (e.g., B1 certificate).

Proof of financial means (e.g., blocked account or salary details).

Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Motivation letter.

Proof of health insurance.

Verified Claims (24)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	—	make-it-in-germany.com
Dependent Visa	Family reunification possible under Section 30/32 AufenthG; spouse and minor children may join, subj…	make-it-in-germany.com
English Min Score	—	make-it-in-germany.com
English Test Name	—	make-it-in-germany.com
Fee Breakdown	Application fee: 75 EUR	maskat.diplo.de
Fees	€75	maskat.diplo.de
Forms	—	make-it-in-germany.com
Included Nationalities	—	make-it-in-germany.com

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Overview

Vocational training and apprenticeship visa requiring German language B1 level.

This visa is ideal for non-EU adults with a German apprenticeship contract, B1 German, and a goal of earning a recognized trade qualification with a route to long-term settlement.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

A signed training contract with a recognized apprenticeship employer or vocational school in Germany.

Proof of German language proficiency (typically B1 level).

Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses (if the training salary is insufficient).

School-leaving certificate qualifying for higher education or vocational training.

Approval from the Federal Employment Agency (if required).

Proof of health insurance.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

none or higher

Min. Income

1,048 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed national visa application form.

Valid passport.

Three biometric passport photographs.

Signed vocational training contract (Ausbildungsvertrag).

Training plan (Ausbildungsplan).

Proof of German language skills (e.g., B1 certificate).

Proof of financial means (e.g., blocked account or salary details).

Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Motivation letter.

Proof of health insurance.