Foreign nationals from non-EU and non-EEA countries can obtain a residence permit for training purposes if the Federal Employment Agency has given its approval.

• You meet the passport and visa requirements.
• Your livelihood is secure (the assessment threshold is the maximum grant amount under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG)).
• There are no grounds for expulsion against you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You meet the admission requirements for the relevant training program.

You would like to complete part of your training here and have already obtained 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 are completing qualified vocational training in Germany, you may work for up to ten hours per week regardless of your training. After successfully completing your qualified vocational training, the authorities may extend your residence permit for up to one year under certain conditions. During this time

• you may search for a job commensurate with your qualification, provided that it may be filled by foreign nationals, and
• work without restriction.

Processing may take several weeks.

• A current biometric passport photo
• Proof that your livelihood is secure
• Proof that the admission requirements for the relevant training program have been met 

For the issuance of a residence permit

• with a period of validity of up to one year €100,
• for a residence permit valid for more than one year €110

for the extension of a residence permit

• for a further stay of up to three months €65
• for a further stay of more than three months €80.