Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of training

  • Service description

    Foreign nationals from non-EU and non-EEA countries require a residence permit for training purposes in Germany. You can obtain this for the following training programmes:

    • Participation in language courses that do not prepare students for university (intensive language course in German)
    • in exceptional cases to attend school
    • with the approval of the Federal Employment Agency for in-company training and further education

    To study at a state or state-recognised university or comparable educational institution in Germany, you need a "residence permit for students".

    Note: Citizens of EU member states can complete training in Germany on the basis of their right to freedom of movement. They must provide proof of adequate health insurance cover and a means of subsistence if they are not gainfully employed. This also applies to other nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals.

    The residence permit for the purpose of training is limited in time and is only valid for this purpose of residence. If the purpose of your residence changes, you must notify the competent authority immediately. You must apply to extend your residence permit in good time before it expires.

    Please note: If you are staying in Germany for training purposes, you cannot obtain a settlement permit.

  • Procedure

    Before travelling to Germany, you may need to apply for a national visa in your home country.

    After entering Germany, you must apply for a residence permit in writing at the immigration office before your visa expires. Depending on where you live, the foreigners authority is the city administration or the district office.

    Since 01.09.2011, you will receive the residence permit in the form of a cheque card with additional electronic functions. You can find more information on this under "Applying for an electronic residence permit (eAT)".

    Note: If the approval of the Federal Employment Agency is required (e.g. for in-company training and further education), the immigration authority will obtain this in an internal administrative procedure.

  • Prerequisites

    Prerequisites for the granting of a residence permit are

    • You fulfil the passport and visa requirements.
      To fulfil the passport requirement, it is sufficient if you have a replacement identity document.
    • Your livelihood is secured.
      The assessment limit is the maximum funding rate according to the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG).
    • There are no grounds for deportation against you.
    • Their stay does not jeopardise or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
    • You fulfil the admission requirements for the relevant training.

  • Which documents are required?

    • Proof of fulfilment of passport and visa requirements
    • Proof of secure livelihood
    • Proof that there are no grounds for deportation against you
    • Proof that you do not jeopardise or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
    • Proof of fulfilment of the admission requirements for the training (original)

  • What fees are incurred?

    Issue: 100 €

  • Processing time

    4 - 6 weeks

  • Legal basis

  • What else should I know?

    You would like to complete part of your training here and have already received a residence permit for training purposes in another EU member state: In most cases, you will also receive a residence permit for Germany.

    You have a residence permit for other purposes (e.g. for family reasons) or a settlement permit: In this case, you can start training in Germany without an additional residence permit.

    If you complete a qualified vocational training programme in Germany, you are permitted to work up to 10 hours per week, regardless of your training. After successfully completing the qualified vocational training, the authorities can extend your residence permit by up to one year under certain conditions. During this time

    • you can look for a job appropriate to your qualification, provided that it can be filled by foreign nationals, and
    • are allowed to work without restriction.

  • Typing

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Who should I contact?

  • For the issue of a national visa before entering Germany: the German mission abroad (embassy, consulate)
  • after entry: the foreigners authority in whose district you usually reside.
    Foreigners authorities in Hesse are the district councils and mayors of the independent towns and towns belonging to districts with more than 50,000 inhabitants

Tip: The Federal Foreign Office provides a list of German missions abroad on its website.

Responsible departments