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Featured route · Ausbildung

Ausbildung: a paid career start in Germany.

Vocational training combines work in a German company with classes at a vocational school. You earn from the first month and finish with a qualification that is valued across Germany.

What it isFieldsYour pathVisa § 16aReadiness check
Apprentices in a workshopAusbildung in Deutschland, part of EmbarkGermany
What it is

Work, learn and get paid, at the same time.

About three days a week in the company, the rest at vocational school. A training contract, a fixed allowance and a final exam with the chamber.

Young chef in a kitchenStatutory minimum pay

Your monthly pay rises every year.

Minimum training allowance for contracts starting in 2026. Collective agreements often pay more.

€724minimum gross per month
Year 1€724
Year 2€854
Year 3€977
Year 4€1,014

Source: BIBB, Mindestausbildungsvergütung 2026 (§ 17 BBiG).

Popular fields

Where companies are hiring.

More than 300 recognised training occupations exist. These are the ones our applicants choose most.

3 years

Nursing care

Care for patients in hospitals, care homes and at home. Strong demand everywhere.

3 years

Hospitality & cooking

Chef, hotel specialist or restaurant specialist in hotels and restaurants.

2 to 3 years

Logistics

Warehouse logistics, freight forwarding and professional driving.

3.5 years

Electrician

Energy and building technology, installations and smart systems.

3.5 years

Mechatronics

Machines, vehicles and production lines in industry and workshops.

3 years

IT specialist

Application development, system integration and data analysis.

2 to 3 years

Retail & sales

Retail, wholesale and office management roles.

3 years

Medical assistant

Practice organisation, patient care and lab work in medical practices.

Trainee nurse§ 16a
National visa (D)

Ausbildung visa

Paid vocational training: 2 to 3.5 years of school plus company.

National visa (D)For the length of the training
  • 01Signed training contract with a German company
  • 02German, usually B1
  • 03Training pay that covers your living costs, otherwise top-up funds
  • 04Approval of the Federal Employment Agency (via the company)

After the Ausbildung you can stay and work as a skilled worker.

Checklist: Ausbildung visa0 / 6
Our brand for vocational trainingAusbildung in Deutschland
Start with this visa
Apprentices in a workshop§ 17
National visa (D)

Visa to search for an Ausbildung

Come to Germany and find your training place on site.

National visa (D)Up to 9 months
  • 01Age 35 or younger
  • 02German B1
  • 03School-leaving certificate
  • 04Proof of funds for the stay

Trial work and part-time jobs are allowed while you search.

Start with this visa
Readiness check

Are you ready for Ausbildung?

A first orientation in four answers. We check your full profile for free.

Ausbildung readiness

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What we do for you

  • 01Choose the right field for your profile
  • 02Plan your German course and exam
  • 03German CV, cover letter and interview training
  • 04Matching with training companies
  • 05Visa file, appointment and arrival
Book a free profile check
FAQ

Ausbildung, answered.

Do I get paid during Ausbildung?

Yes. Company-based training is paid every month. For contracts starting in 2026 the legal minimum is €724 in year one, rising each year. Many sectors, nursing for example, pay clearly more.

How good must my German be?

Most companies and vocational schools expect B1. For the search visa B1 is required. We plan your course and exam.

Is there an age limit?

Not for the Ausbildung visa itself. The visa to search for a training place is for applicants up to 35.

Can I work alongside?

Yes, a side job of up to 20 hours a week is allowed during Ausbildung.

What happens after?

With your German qualification you can stay and work as a skilled worker. You may also get up to 12 months to find a job.

What if my pay is below the living costs?

The mission checks that your living costs are covered. If the training pay is lower, a blocked account or a formal declaration of commitment covers the difference.

Start your Ausbildung journey.

Send us your school certificate and German level. We reply with your field, your timeline and a fixed price.

Start your enquiry