Ausbildung in Germany: answers to the questions we hear most

Ausbildung is the German word for training. In the world of work it means Germany's dual vocational training: you work in a company and attend a vocational school at the same time, and you finish with a state-recognised qualification. Our complete guide explains it in detail.

Two to three and a half years, depending on the profession. Most take three years. With very good results, it can sometimes be shortened.

No. An Ausbildung is practical training in a company that ends with a vocational qualification, not an academic degree. You are paid during the Ausbildung, while university students usually have to pay their own living costs.

There are more than 320 recognised training occupations. From abroad, the best chances are usually in production, industrial and technical professions, the building trades, logistics and care. See professions with real chances.

From outside the EU: a training contract with a German company, German at level B1, enough income to live on and a visa for vocational training. Companies usually also expect a completed secondary school education. Details and sources are in our requirements guide.

Yes. Vocational school and exams are in German, and the visa normally requires level B1. Read Can you do an Ausbildung in English? for the details.

Not for the Ausbildung itself. The visa for coming to Germany to look for a training place is only available under 35, and applicants over 45 face additional income rules for the visa.

For a company-based Ausbildung, usually not. German law does not require a specific certificate, and the company decides what it expects. Recognition is needed for school-based training and when the company asks for it.

At least 724 euros gross a month in the first year for an Ausbildung starting in 2026. Companies with collective agreements paid 1,209 euros a month on average in 2025. See our salary guide.

There are no fees for the training or the vocational school. You pay for your German course, documents, the visa and usually your flight. You should not pay a placement fee: in Germany only the employer may pay for placing an apprentice.

Only if your training pay is below the threshold for the visa, which is 1,048 euros gross or 822 euros net a month in 2026. For the visa to look for a training place, a blocked account with at least 1,091 euros a month is required.

Yes. You can work as a skilled worker, and you have up to 18 months to find a suitable job if your company does not keep you. After two years of work following an Ausbildung in Germany, you can apply for a settlement permit if you meet the other conditions.

During the Ausbildung this is very rarely possible in practice, because you would have to prove enough income and living space for your family. Once you work as a skilled worker, family reunification becomes realistic.

With a residence permit for vocational training, you may work up to 20 hours a week in a job that is separate from your training. Most apprentices find that hard alongside a full week of work and school.

No, you can apply directly. If you use an agency, check it carefully. Our guide how to choose a recruitment agency lists the warning signs and the questions to ask.

Currently only from Indonesia. If you live in Indonesia, see our programme for Indonesia or the programme page in Bahasa Indonesia. For applicants from other countries we are preparing an online course, and our eligibility check shows where you stand.

Yes. Acaluna GmbH is a registered company in Ulm, Germany. You can find all company details in our legal notice and more about the team on About us.