Vocational Training Visa

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and other federal authorities are seeking versatile professionals for a dual study program leading to a diploma in public administration (Diplom-Verwaltungswirt/-in FH). The application deadline is 15 October 2026.

The program begins either on 1 April 2027 or 1 October 2027. The dual study model combines theoretical education at a university of applied sciences with practical experience in federal administration.

The program is designed for individuals with diverse skill sets who are interested in pursuing careers in public administration. Further details about eligibility requirements and the application process are available on the BAMF website.

The Committee for Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth of the German Bundestag held a public hearing on June 10, 2026 to address the topic of vocational training and qualification in a changing landscape. The committee discussed long-term strategic priorities in education policy and the necessary adjustments to economic and social developments.

Vocational training plays a central role in Germany's skilled worker recruitment strategy. Reforms in this area affect not only domestic labor but also Germany's attractiveness to qualified professionals from abroad, particularly regarding apprenticeship visas and recognition of foreign qualifications.

The outcomes of this hearing are expected to inform future legislative initiatives on shaping Germany's vocational education landscape, with implications for immigration policy and labor market integration.

Federal Minister Bärbel Bas has presented a renewed alliance agreement to strengthen dual vocational training in Germany. The 2026 updated agreement places increased focus on the phase prior to commencement of an apprenticeship.

The revised alliance between federal and state governments, employers, and trade unions aims to promote dual vocational training as an attractive career path and improve transitions into apprenticeships. This also optimizes framework conditions for international skilled workers seeking to pursue vocational training in Germany.

The German Federal Ministry for Labour and Social Affairs has renewed the alliance agreement on vocational training and further education for 2026. The partners of the alliance place increased emphasis on the period before the start of vocational training.

This measure aims to prepare more people for dual vocational training and improve their opportunities in the labour market. Particular attention is given to preparing interested candidates optimally for apprenticeship positions.

The renewed agreement underscores the importance of dual vocational training as a key to qualified skilled workers in Germany and contributes to the integration of domestic and foreign workers into the German labour market.

The German government is launching an initiative to promote vocational training and highlight the opportunities it provides. School graduates face a decision between apprenticeship, university studies, or other paths. The focus is on demonstrating the attractiveness and diversity of professional perspectives available through vocational training.

A vocational apprenticeship in Germany offers technical qualification, practical experience, and strong career prospects. For international candidates, an apprenticeship visa (Ausbildungsvisum) can be the entry point into the German labour market. Training combines classroom learning with practical work experience in a company.

The German Federal Government is actively promoting the benefits of vocational training as the Summer of Vocational Training launches. Chancellor Merz emphasizes that Germany needs skilled professionals and addresses school leavers to highlight the opportunities available through apprenticeships.

Vocational training represents a valuable alternative to university studies and other career paths. It provides diverse development opportunities and contributes significantly to securing skilled workers in Germany.

The initiative underscores the importance of vocational training for the labor market and encourages young people to explore apprenticeship opportunities.

The third stage of FEG 2024 introduces for the first time an accelerated visa procedure for qualified vocational training. Companies with a recognised vocational training occupation can use the procedure under § 81a AufenthG analogously to the skilled worker procedure. Employer obligations: training contract, proof of training remuneration, proof of training establishment. The immigration authority is obliged to decide within three weeks. This considerably accelerates the recruitment of trainees from abroad.

The reform of § 60c AufenthG (Ausbildungsduldung / training toleration) on 1 June 2022 significantly improves the right to remain for trainees without secured residence status. New: after successfully completing vocational training, there is an entitlement to a residence permit under § 19d AufenthG (employment for qualified tolerated persons) if a corresponding job is taken up. The training toleration is now automatically granted for the entire training period and no longer needs to be renewed annually. This change replaced the more restrictive previous regulation.

With the entry into force of the Skilled Immigration Act on 1 March 2020, § 16a AufenthG was newly introduced. It creates for the first time an independent legal basis for qualified vocational training in Germany for non-EU nationals. Requirements: training contract with a German company, proof of German language skills (A2/B1 depending on the occupation), secured livelihood. The previous practice (entry as a working student etc.) is replaced by this clear category and considerably simplified.