Updated October 9, 2026
Ausbildung in Germany
An Ausbildung is Germany's paid apprenticeship system: you train 3 to 3.5 years in a real company, attend vocational school part-time, and earn a monthly salary from day one. For non-EU applicants it is also one of the most realistic visa paths into Germany. These guides cover 6 in-demand professions with verified trainee pay, language requirements, and the application timeline.
What an Ausbildung actually is
An Ausbildung is a state-regulated vocational training program, usually 3 to 3.5 years, split between hands-on work in a company (3 to 4 days a week) and theory at a vocational school called the Berufsschule (1 to 2 days). You sign a training contract (Ausbildungsvertrag), you are an employee with social security, and you get paid every month. About 330 recognized training occupations exist, from nursing to IT to skilled crafts.
Why non-EU applicants choose it
Three reasons keep coming up. First, the visa: Section 16a of the Residence Act gives a dedicated residence permit for vocational training, with a separate track just to come and search for a training place (up to 9 months, age limit 35, B1 German). Second, the money: unlike studying at a university, you earn from month one, typically €900 to €1,600 gross depending on the trade. Third, the outcome: completion rates into permanent employment are high, and shortage occupations (nursing, electricians, IT) get faster processing.
The language question, honestly
The Berufsschule teaches in German and the final exams are in German. Most employers want B1 as the legal minimum for the visa and B2 in practice, especially in nursing and customer-facing trades. Plan 6 to 12 months of serious study to reach B1 from zero, and treat B2 as the real target. IT is the partial exception: workplaces use English, but the school exams do not.
How the application timeline works
German companies hire trainees on a yearly cycle: most Ausbildungs start in August or September, and applications open 9 to 12 months earlier. The interactive timeline below walks through each step with typical timing. The narrated audio above covers the same ground in about five minutes.
The visa path for non-EU applicants
- Section 16a residence permit: for a signed training contract, usually requires B1 German (waivable if the employer confirms your German is sufficient).
- Work on the side: up to 20 hours a week in a job unrelated to your training.
- Training-place seeker visa: 9 months to find a place, age limit 35, B1 German, proof of about €1,091/month living costs (2026).
- Federal Employment Agency approval is usually obtained during the visa process; pay and conditions must match those of German trainees.
- After graduation: 12 months to find a job, then a work residence permit; shortage occupations process faster.
FAQ
What is an Ausbildung?
A state-regulated paid apprenticeship in Germany, usually 3 to 3.5 years, combining work in a company with part-time vocational school. Trainees sign an employment contract and earn a monthly salary from day one.
How much do you earn during an Ausbildung?
Typically €900 to €1,600 gross per month depending on the profession, rising each year. The legal minimum for training started in 2026 is €724/month in the first year. Nursing pays the most of the common trades.
Can non-EU citizens do an Ausbildung in Germany?
Yes. Section 16a of the Residence Act provides a residence permit for vocational training. You need a signed training contract and usually B1 German. There is also a 9-month visa just to search for a training place (age limit 35).
What German level do I need for an Ausbildung?
B1 is the legal minimum for the training visa; B2 is the practical standard most employers expect, because vocational school and exams are in German. Nursing and hospitality effectively require B2.
When should I apply for an Ausbildung?
Most programs start in August or September, and companies open applications 9 to 12 months earlier. For non-EU applicants, add 2 to 4 months for visa processing on top.
Can I work while doing an Ausbildung?
Yes, up to 20 hours a week in a side job unrelated to your training, under the Section 16a residence permit.