Please note: This article gives a general overview based on our understanding as of October 2026. It is not legal advice and does not replace a binding answer from the authorities. Rules and amounts change regularly. In each individual case, the responsible bodies decide: the German mission abroad, the immigration office and the Federal Employment Agency.
Many employers can no longer fill their apprenticeship places. At the same time, young people from Asia want to train in Germany. To make it work, they usually need a visa for vocational training. The placement agency takes care of most of the steps. Here are the key basics in brief.
The basis: the vocational training visa
Anyone from outside the EU who comes to Germany for in-company vocational training usually needs a residence permit for vocational training (Section 16a Residence Act). It is based on a training contract with a company in Germany in a recognised training occupation.
German skills
For the training visa, German at an intermediate level is usually required. At Heinz, apprentices learn German up to B2 before entry. The reason is practical: vocational school classes are held in German, technical terms included.
The training allowance
For the visa, living costs must be secured. In company-based training, the allowance can be sufficient if it reaches a certain minimum. This threshold is adjusted regularly and is currently slightly above €1,000 gross per month. If the allowance is lower, there are ways to secure the difference.
In nursing, collectively agreed training allowances are usually higher. In other trades it is worth checking before the start. We clarify this with you in the first conversation.
Approval by the Federal Employment Agency
For in-company training, the Federal Employment Agency usually has to give its approval. It mainly checks that apprentices from abroad are hired on terms comparable to German apprentices. The procedure runs between the authorities.
School leaving certificate
The required school certificate depends on the occupation. For nursing training, the Nursing Professions Act usually requires an intermediate school certificate or comparable schooling. Foreign certificates are assessed by a state authority. Heinz recommends twelve years of school to applicants. This is not mandatory, but it makes vocational school easier.
A faster route to the visa
Training companies can apply for a fast-track procedure at the immigration office. We discuss together whether it makes sense in your case.
During and after the training
The residence permit generally covers the duration of the training. A side job is possible to a limited extent. With a German qualification, there is no recognition procedure for a foreign qualification. Anyone who continues working as a skilled worker can have the residence permit adjusted accordingly. A stay for a limited period is possible to look for a job, and under further conditions a permanent right of residence may come into consideration later.
For your company, this means: someone you trained knows your processes and has a real reason to stay.
Checklist for your company
- Authorisation to train. Most companies already have it. If not, your chamber can help.
- Training contract. On terms comparable to those for German apprentices.
- Check the allowance. It should reach the minimum for the visa, otherwise you need a plan for the difference.
- Timeline. From the presentation of candidates, we usually expect around 3 to 6 months until the start of training. In individual cases it can take longer.
What Heinz takes care of
You train, we handle the rest: pre-selection of candidates, language training up to B2, support with the visa and the approval by the Federal Employment Agency, welcome on site, flat search if needed and dealings with authorities. The placement is free of charge for your apprentices under the employer-pays principle. Heinz holds the RAL quality mark "Fair Recruitment of Nurses", and we apply the same principles to placing apprentices.
Find out more on our page Apprenticeships for employers. What the start looks like in practice is shown in the story of our apprentice Faith. Want to know whether it fits your company? Call us directly.
Want to do an apprenticeship in Germany yourself? This way.
Frequently asked questions
Which visa do apprentices from abroad need?
Usually a residence permit for vocational training, based on a training contract with your company.
What level of German is required?
Usually an intermediate level. Heinz aims for B2 because vocational school classes are in German.
How high must the training allowance be?
It must reach a minimum that is adjusted regularly and is currently slightly above €1,000 gross per month. We clarify the exact amount before the start.
Can apprentices stay after graduating?
Yes, they can usually continue working as skilled workers. The details are decided by the responsible authorities.
As of October 2026, without guarantee. This article is not legal advice. Binding information is provided by the German mission abroad, the immigration office and the Federal Employment Agency. Further reading: Make it in Germany: Visa for vocational training.