Apply for a residence permit to seek an apprenticeship for the purpose of completing a skilled vocational training program
Do you need a residence permit to look for an apprenticeship so you can complete a qualified vocational training program? You can obtain one under certain conditions.
-
Basic information
You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of seeking an apprenticeship if you wish to complete a qualified vocational training program in Germany but have not yet found an apprenticeship position. Qualified vocational training is defined as training in a state-recognized or similarly regulated occupation that lasts at least 2 years.
You must be under 35 years of age and must be able to cover your living expenses and health insurance without relying on public assistance.
During your stay, you may work up to 20 hours per week. Trial employment is permitted for up to two weeks.
You will receive a residence permit if you:
- have sufficient German language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
- hold a high school diploma that qualifies you for university admission or a diploma from a German school abroad
The residence permit for seeking a training position to pursue qualified vocational training is temporary. It can be issued for a maximum of 9 months.
If you are under 18 years of age, you need the consent of your legal guardians to stay in Germany while applying to a higher education institution.
Requirements
- Their livelihood is secure, and they have adequate health insurance coverage.
- You have adequate living space.
- 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.
- You have sufficient knowledge of German (at least B1 level)
- You hold a high school diploma that qualifies you for admission to higher education in Germany or in the country where the diploma was earned, with a translation if necessary
- Your primary residence is 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 appear in person.
More information
Proceedings at the Office of Immigration and Naturalization are generally conducted in German.
Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is provided for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.
Passport photos are now accepted only in digital form. The passport photo must be taken using a scanning 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 have a valid national passport, you must provide proof of your efforts to obtain one (for example: written confirmation from the embassy, reasons for any delays).
Legal Remedies:
- Appeal
- Lawsuit
-
Necessary Documents
- National Passport / Proof of Identity
- A current biometric passport photo
- Proof of sufficient means to support oneself:
- Proof of financial resources (e.g., blocked account, letter of financial commitment, etc.)
- Proof of health insurance
- Certificate of German Language Proficiency (B1)
- Proof of housing:
- For rental apartments: Lease agreement specifying the square meterage and proof of the current rent, including all utility costs
- For rent-free housing: written confirmation from the primary tenant regarding the rent-free housing
- For owner-occupied housing: Land registry extract, proof of monthly mortgage payments including utilities/bank statement, proof of property taxes and insurance
-
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 in the form of 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 terminal. -
Deadlines & processing time
What deadlines must be paid attention to?
8 weeks Apply for a residence permit no later than 8 weeks before your current visa expires.
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