You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of school-based vocational training if

• your training leads to a state-recognized vocational qualification and
• the training course at your educational institution is not aimed exclusively at nationals of one country.

You can obtain the residence permit both

• for qualified vocational training and
• for vocational training that is not qualified.

This is qualified vocational training,

• if the vocational training is recognized by the state or is a comparably regulated training occupation and
• if a training period of at least 2 years is stipulated by federal or state law.

If these requirements are not met, it is not qualified vocational training.

If you are seeking qualified vocational training, you should generally provide proof of sufficient language skills (language level B1). You can submit suitable language certificates as proof. Alternatively, the educational institution can also confirm that your language skills are sufficient for the qualified vocational training you are seeking. If you do not yet have the required language skills, you can attend a language course to prepare for the training.

In principle, there are no language proficiency requirements for taking up non-qualified vocational training. As a rule, however, at least sufficient German language skills at level A2 will be required.

During qualified vocational training, you may work up to 20 hours per week in a job that is independent of your vocational training. Self-employment is not permitted under any circumstances.

The residence permit for the purpose of school-based vocational training is limited in time. It is issued for the duration of the school-based vocational training. The Federal Employment Agency must approve your residence permit.

If your qualified vocational training is terminated prematurely for reasons for which you are not responsible, you do not have to leave the federal territory immediately. You must then be given the opportunity to look for another training place for a period of up to 6 months.

The residence permit to attend school can also be granted on the basis of bilateral and multilateral agreements between the federal states and public authorities in other countries.