The Ausbildung is Germany’s dual vocational training system, and it is one of the most practical ways to build a career in Germany. You spend most of your time working and learning in a company, attend a vocational school (Berufsschule) part-time, and get paid from the first month. After two to three and a half years you hold a nationally recognised qualification that employers across Germany value.
With hundreds of thousands of training places going unfilled in recent years, German companies are increasingly open to international applicants.
How the dual system works
- Company training: three to four days a week in the company, doing real work under supervision.
- Vocational school: one to two days a week, or in blocks of several weeks, covering theory.
- Duration: usually three years; two years for some professions and up to three and a half for technical ones.
- Final exam: taken before the relevant chamber, such as the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or Chamber of Crafts (HWK).
There are more than 300 recognised training occupations. Popular choices for international applicants include:
- Hospitality and food: chef (Koch/Köchin), hotel specialist, restaurant specialist
- Logistics: warehouse logistics specialist, professional driver (Berufskraftfahrer)
- Trades: electronics technician, plumber and HVAC (Anlagenmechaniker SHK), mechatronics technician, car mechatronics
- IT: IT specialist for application development or system integration (Fachinformatiker)
- Retail and office: retail salesperson, office management clerk
Requirements for non-EU applicants
1. A training contract
You need a signed contract (Ausbildungsvertrag) with a German company for a recognised training occupation. The company registers the contract with the responsible chamber.
2. German language skills
Most employers and vocational schools expect German at B1 level, because classes and exams are in German. Some employers accept A2 with a commitment to a language course, but B1 makes everything easier, from the visa to passing your exams.
3. School-leaving certificate
Your school certificate must be comparable to at least a German secondary school certificate. Companies and chambers often ask for an assessment, and some occupations require a higher level.
4. Enough money to live on
Your training pay must cover your living costs. For 2026 the authorities use a reference amount of roughly €1,091 per month. If your training pay after deductions is lower, you must close the gap, for example with a blocked account or a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung).
5. Approval from the Federal Employment Agency
For most training occupations the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) must approve the training position. The employer or the foreigners’ office starts this; it checks that pay and conditions are fair.
Training pay in 2026
The legal minimum training pay (Mindestausbildungsvergütung) for contracts starting in 2026 is:
| Year of training | Minimum monthly pay |
|---|---|
| 1st year | €724 |
| 2nd year | €854 |
| 3rd year | €977 |
| 4th year | €1,014 |
Many sectors pay considerably more under collective agreements, particularly in industry, public services and logistics. Hospitality and some trades are closer to the minimum, which is why checking the funds requirement matters.
The visa: two ways in
Option A: you already have a training contract
Apply for a national visa for vocational training at the German mission in your country. Typical documents:
- passport and biometric photos
- signed training contract
- German language certificate (usually B1)
- school-leaving certificate, with certified translation and recognition if required
- proof of financial means (training pay and, if needed, additional funds)
- health insurance
- CV and motivation letter
The visa fee is €75. Processing takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the mission and the employment agency’s approval.
Option B: come to Germany to find a training place
If you’re under 35, have German at B1, a school-leaving certificate that gives access to higher education, and can cover your living costs (about €1,091 per month in 2026), you can apply for a residence permit to search for a training place for up to nine months. During that time you may work up to 20 hours a week and do trial work of up to two weeks with a potential employer.
Finding a training place
- Federal Employment Agency job board (Jobbörse der Bundesagentur für Arbeit), which lists thousands of Ausbildung places
- Chamber job boards (IHK and HWK apprenticeship exchanges)
- Make it in Germany, the official government portal for skilled workers, with information for international applicants
- Direct applications to companies in sectors with shortages, especially smaller firms outside big cities
Training usually starts on 1 August or 1 September, and companies often recruit nine to twelve months ahead. Start early.
After your Ausbildung
Once you pass your final exam:
- you can get a residence permit of up to 12 months to look for a job matching your qualification;
- with a job in your field, you switch to a skilled-worker residence permit;
- many companies hire their own trainees directly, so a good Ausbildung often leads straight into a permanent job.
After a few years of skilled work and with sufficient German, permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) becomes possible.
Common mistakes
- Starting without enough German. B1 is not a formality; vocational school is demanding.
- Not checking whether the training pay meets the funds requirement.
- Signing with a company that isn’t authorised to train, or for an occupation that isn’t recognised.
- Paying “agents” for a guaranteed training place. Read how to spot a visa scam.
How we help
We match applicants with suitable training companies, check that the contract, pay and German level meet the visa requirements, and prepare the visa file with you. Tell us about your background and we’ll tell you honestly whether an Ausbildung is realistic for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners do an Ausbildung in Germany?
Yes. Non-EU citizens can do an Ausbildung with a training contract from a German company, sufficient German (usually B1), a recognised school-leaving certificate and enough income to live on. You apply for a national visa for vocational training before travelling.
How much do you earn during an Ausbildung in 2026?
The legal minimum for training contracts starting in 2026 is €724 per month in the first year, €854 in the second, €977 in the third and €1,014 in the fourth. Many sectors with collective agreements pay more, often €1,000 to €1,300 in the first year.
What is the age limit for an Ausbildung?
There's no legal upper age limit for the Ausbildung itself. The separate visa to come to Germany and search for a training place is only available to people under 35.
Can I stay in Germany after my Ausbildung?
Yes. After passing your final exam you can receive a residence permit of up to 12 months to find a job, and with a job in your field you can switch to a skilled-worker permit.
This guide is general information, not individual legal advice. Rules and amounts change; always confirm current requirements with the responsible authority or embassy before applying.