Vocational training in Germany: visa (Section 16a) - requirements, process and costs

A longer stay in Germany (over 90 days) runs through a national visa. For vocational training that is § 16a AufenthG (Residence Act). Anyone who does not yet have a place can first enter on the visa for looking for a training place (§ 17) and search on the spot.

In practice it rarely fails because of willingness and usually because of the same three things: a missing contract, too little German, unclear financing. The rest is a formality - so here it is, one step at a time.

First the contract, then the visa

For § 16a you need a training place with a recognised company and a training contract that is registered with the competent chamber (IHK or HWK). Without a contract there is no § 16a visa. Then the route via the search for a training place under § 17 remains - time-limited and with an age limit (currently up to 35).

What the mission wants to see

Alongside the contract, language matters most. In practice B1 is usually enough; for many occupations in the health and care sector or with a lot of vocational school teaching, B2 is required or recommended - which levels apply for which visa is set out in the overview of German language skills for the visa. Added to that are a school-leaving certificate (varies by occupation and federal state), a secured livelihood and health insurance. If the training pay is not enough, you need additional proof such as savings or a declaration of commitment.

An example: for a care training programme, B2 is the rule, while in many skilled trades B1 is enough - but your foreign mission's checklist is always binding.

What it really costs

Depending on the occupation and year, the training pay is roughly between 700 and 1,300 euros gross and rises over the training period. It does not always cover living costs on its own; rent, insurance and ancillary costs you bear yourself.

Be careful with fee-charging agents: in principle, the search for a training place is also possible without an agent - directly via companies, chambers and internships. Check the contract, costs and promises before any payment. (Factual assessment, not a recommendation.)

The process

1. Find a training place and sign the training contract.
2. Have the contract registered with the chamber.
3. Make an appointment at the foreign mission (often via VFS/BLS) and apply for the national visa.
4. Enter the country, sort out health insurance and registration.
5. Apply for the residence permit at the foreigners authority and extend it later.
6. After completing the training there is a limited period to look for a job.

What it most often fails on: a language level without proof, unclear financing, a company that is not recognised, or documents that contradict each other. A consistent picture made up of contract, certificates, financing and language weighs more than a single nice-looking document.

Sources

• AufenthG § 16a (vocational training) and § 17 (search for a training/university place)
• make-it-in-germany.de
  • "Visa to complete vocational training" (official portal of the Federal Government)
• Federal Foreign Office - "Studium, Schulbesuch, Sprachkurs und Ausbildung" (services of the foreign missions)
• IHK leaflet on § 16a AufenthG (requirements on the employer side)

Note: general information, not legal or case-specific advice. Requirements, fees, pay and deadlines can change; the information of the competent foreign mission and foreigners authority is decisive. No liability accepted, as of 16.10.2026.