If you are a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you will need a residence permit for training purposes to participate in vocational training or continuing education in Germany.

You can apply for the residence permit

• for a qualified vocational training program
• for vocational training that is not leading to a qualification.

Vocational training is considered qualified

• if the vocational training is state-recognized or involves a comparable regulated vocational profession and
• if federal or state regulations stipulate a training period of at least 2 years.

If these requirements are not met, the training is not considered qualified vocational training.

In-company continuing education refers, for example, to qualification measures, internships, practical phases following a degree program, or trainee programs.

The residence permit can be granted regardless of your previous qualifications; it is therefore not tied to specific educational requirements. The training company will assess whether you are suitable for the training program.

For qualified vocational training, you must generally provide proof of sufficient German language proficiency, unless you plan to take a German language course beforehand. A German language course taken prior to the qualified vocational training is covered by the residence permit and may be attended before the actual training program begins. For other types of education or continuing education, you must first apply for a residence permit for the language course and then for a residence permit for education and continuing education purposes.

During a qualified vocational training program, you are entitled to work up to 20 hours per week in a job unrelated to your vocational training. Self-employment is not permitted under any circumstances.

For the duration of your vocational training or continuing education, you can apply for a vocational training allowance to help cover your living expenses.

Training and continuing education providers wishing to train or provide continuing education to a person from abroad may, with the person’s authorization, apply to the Foreigners’ Registration Office for the expedited skilled worker procedure, which can facilitate and accelerate the entry of skilled workers.

The residence permit for the purpose of vocational training or continuing education is temporary and is generally issued for the duration of the training or continuing education. The Federal Employment Agency must approve your residence permit.

If your vocational training is terminated prematurely for reasons beyond your control, you are not required to leave Germany immediately. You will then be given the opportunity to look for another training position for a period of up to 6 months.

• While your residence permit for vocational training and continuing education is valid, you may also switch to a different vocational training program. If the purpose of your stay changes, you must notify the relevant immigration office immediately.
• After successfully completing a qualified vocational training program, the residence permit may be extended for up to 18 months to allow you to search for a job.
• If the qualified vocational training or continuing education ends prematurely for reasons beyond your control, you may search for another training position for up to 6 months.
• The procedure is generally conducted in German. If your German language skills are insufficient, you may seek the assistance of a translator.

• File an appeal against the decision of the Immigration Office within one month of its notification
• Lawsuit before the court specified in the notice of decision on the appeal, if the appeal is not granted

• Appeal period: 1 month
  
• Validity period: 6–3 weeks
  The residence permit is issued for a limited period. The validity period is usually based on the duration of the education or training program. An extension must be applied for at the Foreigners’ Registration Office well in advance of the permit’s expiration.
• 
  Application deadline: 8 weeks You should apply for the residence permit no later than 8 weeks before your current visa or residence permit expires.

• 6–8 weeks
  

The immigration office with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence is responsible for issuing the residence permit.

For the expedited skilled worker procedure:

The immigration office at the place of employment, unless a central office has been established to administer the procedure.

• Fee: 100.00 EUR
  Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a fee reduction or waiver.