Apply for a Residence Permit for the Purpose of Vocational Training in School
Under certain conditions, you may be eligible to receive a residence permit to complete a vocational training program in Germany.
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Basic information
You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of vocational training at a school if
- your training leads to a state-recognized vocational degree and
- the program offered by your educational institution is not exclusively intended for nationals of a single country.
You can obtain the residence permit both
- for a qualified 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.
If you are seeking a qualified vocational training program, you should generally demonstrate sufficient language proficiency (language level B1). You can provide appropriate language certificates as proof. Alternatively, the educational institution can confirm that your language skills are sufficient for the qualified vocational training program you are seeking. If you do not yet have the required language skills, you can attend a preparatory language course to get ready for the training.
There are generally no language proficiency requirements for admission to a non-qualified vocational training program. However, at least sufficient German language skills at the A2 level are usually required.
During a qualified vocational training program, you may work up to 20 hours per week in a job unrelated to your vocational training. Self-employment is not permitted under any circumstances.
The residence permit for the purpose of school-based vocational training is temporary. It is issued for the duration of the school-based vocational training. The Federal Employment Agency must approve your residence permit.
If your qualified vocational training is terminated prematurely for reasons beyond your control, you are not required to leave Germany immediately. You must then be given the opportunity to look for another training position for up to 6 months.
A residence permit for the purpose of attending school may also be granted on the basis of bilateral and multilateral agreements between the federal states and public authorities in other countries.
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 an entry ban 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
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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
Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is provided 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 immigration office, at a photo studio, or by a photo service provider. You cannot submit a digital passport photo from your cell phone. For more information, please visit 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
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Necessary Documents
- National Passport / Proof of Identity
- A current biometric passport photo
- Proof of education or training:
- If already available:
- A training or continuing education contract or a confirmation from the educational institution specifying your personal information and the duration of the training or continuing education program. Any information not required may be redacted.
- Evidence of the successful completion of the training or continuing education program
- Certificate of completion of the training or continuing education program
- If available: Proof of the scholarship
- Consent from a parent or legal guardian, if you are under 18 years of age.
- If already available:
- Health insurance certificate
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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 sticker
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 terminal. -
Deadlines & processing time
What deadlines must be paid attention to?
6 weeks bis 8 weeks You should apply for a residence permit no later than 8 weeks before your current visa or residence permit expires.
The residence permit is issued for a limited period. Its validity depends on the duration of your education.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.
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 20.08.2026