Vocational Training Visa (Section 16a)
🇩🇪 Germany visas · Study
What it is
Residence permit for vocational training (Berufsausbildung) or further vocational training in Germany.
Key facts
- Category
- Study
- Duration
- Per the residence title; see the German mission.
- Processing time
- See the German mission.
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- Dependants
- Conditional
- Work allowance
- 20 hours per week
- Health insurance
- Required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (national (D) visa to enter)
- EUR 75
- Application fee (residence permit, issued after arrival)
- EUR 100
Key requirements
- Training place with a German employer or institution
- Sufficient means of subsistence
- Recognised qualification/German language as required
Working on this visa
the vocational training itself plus up to 20h/week of independent employment
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 27 July 2026.