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Apply for a Residence Permit for On-the-Job Training and Continuing Education

  • Arbeit
  • Migration und Integration
  • Schule, Ausbildung und Studium

Regardless of your educational background, you can obtain a residence permit to complete vocational training or continuing education in Germany.

  • Basic information

    If you are a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU) or outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you 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 recognized vocational training program as well as
    • for vocational training that does not lead to a qualification.

    Vocational training is considered “qualified”

    • if the vocational training is state-recognized or if it is a comparable regulated vocational occupation and
    • if federal or state law stipulates a training period of at least 2 years.

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

    “On-the-job continuing education” refers, for example, to qualification programs, internships, practical training phases following a degree program, or trainee programs.

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

    For a qualified vocational training program, 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 program is covered by the residence permit and may be taken before the actual training program begins. For other educational or continuing education programs, you must first apply for a residence permit for the language course and then for a residence permit for educational 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 that wish to train a person from abroad may, with that person’s authorization, apply to the Office of Foreigners 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 search for another training position for up to 6 months.

    Requirements

    • Their livelihood is secure, and they have adequate health insurance coverage.
    • Your identity and nationality have been verified.
    • There are no grounds for deportation or entry bans against you.
    • You meet the passport requirement.
    • You entered the country with the required visa. Your stay is lawful.
    • Approval from the Federal Employment Agency
    • You have your primary residence in the city of Bremen

  • Procedure
    • The application and the required documents can be submitted to us by email or mail.
    • If necessary, the Immigration Office will request additional documents.
    • If your application is approved, you will receive an appointment to come in for an interview.

    More information

    • While your residence permit for vocational training and continuing education is valid, you may also switch to a different qualified vocational training program. If the purpose of your stay changes, you must immediately notify the responsible immigration office.
    • After successfully completing a qualified vocational training program, the residence permit may be extended for up to 18 months to allow you to look for a job.
    • If the qualified vocational training or continuing education program 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.

    Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

    Starting May 1, 2025, passport photos will only be accepted in digital form. The passport photo must be taken using a registration system on-site at the Migration Office, at a photo studio, or by a photo service provider. You cannot submit a digital passport photo from your cell phone. Further information is available on our website. Limited exceptions to the biometric requirements are permitted for infants and young children.

    A residence permit can only be issued for the duration of your national passport’s validity. Please apply for a renewal well in advance of your national passport’s expiration date.
    If you do not possess a valid national passport, you must provide evidence of your efforts to obtain one (for example: written confirmation from the embassy, reasons for any delays).

    Appeal:

    • Appeal
    • Lawsuit

  • Necessary Documents
    • National Passport / Proof of Identity
    • A current biometric passport photo
    • Proof of Education or Training
      • Employment Declaration (to be completed by the employer)
      • If already available:
        • Training or continuing education contract or confirmation from the employer stating personal information, salary, and the duration of the employment relationship. Any information not required may be redacted in the employment contract.
        • Current pay stub
      • Proof of successful completion of the training or continuing education program
      • Certificate of completion of the training or continuing education program
      • If available: Proof of a scholarship
      • Consent from a parent or legal guardian, if you are under 18 years of age

  • Competent Department

  • Forms

  • Fees / Costs

    100,00 EUR When a residence permit is issued for the first time as an electronic residence permit
    93,00 EUR When renewing a residence permit as an electronic residence permit
    27,60 EUR For Turkish nationals up to age 24 for initial issuance / for renewal
    46,00 EUR For Turkish citizens aged 24 or older: for initial issuance / for renewal
    56,00 EUR when the residence permit is issued for the first time as a label
    49,00 EUR when renewing a residence permit as a label
    6,00 EUR in addition, for taking a digital passport photo at the on-site self-service kiosk.

  • Deadlines & processing time

    What deadlines must be paid attention to?

    8 weeks You should apply for a residence permit no later than 8 weeks before your current visa or residence permit expires.
    6 weeks to 3 months Validity Period.
    The residence permit is issued for a limited period. Its validity is generally based on the duration of the education or training program. An application for renewal must be submitted to the Immigration Office well in advance of the permit’s expiration date.

    How long does it take to process

    Once we receive your application, we will need some time to process and review it. Once the review is complete, we will get back to you.

  • Legal Bases

  • More Information

This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.

The official information in German is complete and correct.

Updated on 05.09.2026

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