324
recognized professions
officially recognized vocational training professions
Vocational Training in Germany
Ausbildung, Vocational Training in Germany profession, practice, and salary
We help you choose a suitable profession, find a vocational training position, prepare a strong application, and navigate the visa stage. We don't promise guaranteed placements. Instead, we check specific employer requirements and develop a realistic application strategy.
For candidates from non-EU countries Current regulations for 2026 From profession selection to visa approval
2 to 3.5 years
typical duration
exact length depends on the chosen profession
from €724
minimum salary in first year
for programs starting in 2026; actual amounts are often higher
usually B1
German level for visa
employers or institutions may require higher levels
324
recognized professions
officially recognized vocational training professions
2 to 3.5 years
typical duration
exact length depends on the chosen profession
from €724
minimum salary in first year
for programs starting in 2026; actual amounts are often higher
usually B1
German level for visa
employers or institutions may require higher levels
Vocational Training System
Not university, but a recognized professional qualification
Ausbildung, or vocational training in Germany, provides a recognized qualification in a specific profession. The most well-known format is dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung), which combines theory in a vocational school with practical work at an employer.
DUAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Company and Vocational School
You sign a contract with an employer, work at the company, and attend vocational school simultaneously. You receive a salary during your apprenticeship.
- practical experience with employer from year one
- theoretical training at vocational school
- monthly salary during training
- upon completion, you receive a recognized professional qualification
SCHOOL-BASED VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Majority of Training Conducted in School
This format is common in healthcare, social services, and other professions. Financial and formal conditions differ from dual training.
- primary training at vocational school or college
- practical components depend on the specific program
- fixed monthly salary not always provided
- some professions have special requirements
Vocational training and dual study are different paths
Dual study at university combines work and higher education and requires German university entrance qualification. Vocational training is a separate educational path.
For international candidates
What really matters for admission
There's no single universal set of requirements for vocational training. The employer and profession determine selection criteria, and for candidates from non-EU countries, visa conditions add important considerations.
Usually B1
German Language
For a skilled vocational training visa, German level B1 is typically required, unless the employer or institution confirms language proficiency in another way.
Depends on Format
Educational Documents
For dual vocational training, recognition of foreign school certificates is usually not required for visa purposes. However, the employer may set their own requirements. For school-based training, document recognition may be necessary.
Key Document
Training Position
A specific contract or confirmation of a vocational training position in Germany is required for a standard visa.
Checked for Visa
Financing
In dual vocational training, salary counts as proof of means. If insufficient by visa standards, the difference can be covered by blocked accounts or financial guarantees.
Employer Decision
Suitable Profile
Employers evaluate school grades, language, motivation, practical experience, and fit for the profession. There is no universal GPA requirement.
12 to 18 Months
Early Application
Many programs start in August or September, with recruitment often opening 12-18 months beforehand. Early applications are recommended.
324 professions
Where to look for vocational training opportunities
Below is not a complete list but groups of professions to start your search. Specific requirements are always checked in the employer's vacancy.
Information Technology
Development, systems integration, digital infrastructure, and related fields
Suited for candidates interested in technology, logic, and digital systems.
Engineering and Manufacturing
Mechatronics, electronics, industrial mechanics, and related professions
Technical thinking, precision, and interest in practical work are especially important.
Transport and Logistics
Railway professions, transportation, warehouse, and commercial logistics
Large transport companies regularly recruit apprentices in various fields.
Business and Office
Office management, commercial professions, procurement, and process organization
German language, communication, organization, and confident document handling are important.
Healthcare and Care
Patient care and other medical and social services
Requirements may vary by profession and federal state. Some professions have special rules.
Service and Hospitality
Hotels, restaurants, retail, and customer service
German language is especially important since daily work involves customer and team interaction.
Applying for vocational training
It's better to start earlier than you think
Many vocational training programs start in August or September. Official recommendations suggest applying 12 to 18 months in advance, especially for large companies.
01
Choose a Profession and Strategy
We identify professions that match your education, German language level, strengths, and career goals.
02
Prepare Application Documents
We compile your resume, cover letter, certificate, translations, language certificates, and additional documents.
03
Apply Early
We submit applications to employers. For many programs starting in August or September, recruitment begins around a year in advance or earlier.
04
Prepare for Selection and Interview
We prepare you for employer questions, online tests, group assessments, or trial work days if required by the company.
05
Receive Contract
After a positive decision, we review the contract, start date, salary, and documents for the next phase.
06
Prepare Visa and Relocation
For non-EU citizens, we verify language proficiency, financing, visa documents, and relocation logistics.
Visa for vocational training
We separately verify language and financing
For citizens of Kazakhstan and other non-EU/EEA countries, a national visa or residence permit for vocational training is typically required after securing a training position. Main criteria are verified case-by-case.
Learn more about vocational training visa B1
typical German language requirement
€1,048 gross
salary benchmark for dual vocational training in 2026
€959 net
means benchmark for school-based training in 2026
up to 20 hours/week
additional work outside main training program
If you already have a training position
- confirmation of your specific training position;
- German B1, unless language is confirmed by employer otherwise;
- sufficient financing for your entire stay.
In 2026, for dual vocational training, livelihood is considered secure if monthly gross salary is at least €1,048 or net €822 per month. For lower amounts, you can supplement with additional funds.
If you haven't found a position yet
There is a separate visa for seeking a vocational training position. This is a different path with separate conditions.
up to 9 months
for position search
under 35 years
age requirement
B1
German language
€1,091/month
financing in 2026
Suitable educational documents are also required. During the search, work up to 20 hours per week and trial work up to two weeks are permitted.
After successfully completing training
Vocational training graduates in Germany can apply for up to 18 months to seek qualified employment if conditions are met. During training itself, additional independent work up to 20 hours per week may be permitted.
Where to look
Examples of major employers
These are not 'guaranteed employers' but examples of companies with large vocational training programs. Available positions and requirements should be verified at the time of application.
Transport, Engineering, and Commercial Professions
Deutsche Bahn
One of Germany's largest employers offering a wide range of vocational training programs in technical, transport, and commercial fields.
Electrical Engineering, Digital Technology, Mechanics, and Business
Siemens
Offers vocational training in technical, digital, and economic fields.
Engineering, Digital Technology, and Commercial Professions
Bosch
Provides vocational training in technical, digital, and commercial professions across various German cities.
A&B Study
How we support candidates in vocational training
We don't promise job offers from employers. Our goal is to make your search systematic, your application professional, and help you navigate between job requirements, documents, and the visa process.
Strategy for Your Profile
We identify realistic vocational training directions based on your education, language skills, experience, age, and career goals.
Find Suitable Positions
We create a list of employers and vacancies, helping you build a systematic application process.
Resume and Cover Letter
We adapt documents to German standards and specific employer requirements.
Strong Application
We help showcase your motivation, relevant experience, and strengths without generic phrases.
Interview Preparation
We discuss typical questions, self-presentation, career motivation, and answers to challenging questions.
Final Review
We verify documents, job requirements, deadlines, and application completeness before submission.
Visa Stage
After securing a position, we explain next steps regarding visa, financing, and relocation preparation.
Not sure if vocational training is right for you?
In a consultation, we'll review your education, German level, age, budget, possible professions, and a realistic application plan.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions about vocational training
Short answers to questions most commonly asked by international candidates.
Can I apply for vocational training from Kazakhstan and other non-EU countries? +
Yes. Candidates from non-EU countries can secure a vocational training position and apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit. The key factors are a concrete training position, German language proficiency, and meeting visa requirements.
Do I absolutely need B2 German level? +
For a skilled vocational training visa, B1 is typically the standard, unless the employer or institution confirms language proficiency differently. In practice, B2 can significantly improve your chances, especially for professions requiring intensive communication and complex theory.
Do I need to get my certificate recognized? +
For dual vocational training, foreign school certificate recognition is usually not required for visa purposes. However, individual employers may request additional verification. For school-based training, document recognition may be necessary.
How much do you earn during training? +
Salary depends on the profession, employer, region, collective agreement, and year of training. For programs starting in 2026, the statutory minimum salary in the first year is €724 per month. Actual amounts are often higher at many companies.
When should I apply? +
Many programs start August 1 or September 1. You should begin your search and applications 12-18 months in advance, though some positions open later.
What if I haven't found a training position yet? +
There is a separate visa for job seekers looking for vocational training positions. It allows you to stay in Germany for up to 9 months, work up to 20 hours per week, and do brief trial work. It has separate requirements including B1 German, age under 35, and proof of financing.
Can I stay in Germany after completing training? +
After successfully completing vocational training in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit of up to 18 months to seek qualified employment, subject to conditions.
Start with a clear plan
Ready to apply for vocational training from abroad?
We'll review your profile, suitable professions, German level, employer search strategy, and next steps.
Schedule a Consultation