Stay for the purpose of vocational training

You are very welcome on the German training market.

Even if you have arrived from a visa-free country of origin and want to start training, you must apply for a residence permit immediately after entering the country. Contact the foreigners authority in your place of residence.

In the case of school-based vocational training, you will receive a residence permit in accordance with Section 16 (5) of the Residence Act. If you are starting in-company training, apply for a residence permit in accordance with §17 of the Residence Act.

You may only start your company-based training if your residence permit expressly allows you to take up employment. To do this, the Federal Employment Agency must approve your training, unless you are a graduate of a German school abroad or the training you have chosen does not require approval.

You can find out whether the training or further training you are planning is subject to or exempt from approval from the relevant immigration authority in your future place of residence.