Germany's dual vocational training system combines paid practical work in a company with lessons at a vocational school. For young people without a university degree, it is one of the most accessible and reliable routes to Germany.

How dual vocational training works

Training lasts two and a half to three and a half years. You sign a training contract with a company in Germany, which pays you a monthly training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung). Depending on the occupation and year of training, it is often between €900 and €1,400 gross per month.

German language requirements

Unlike English-taught university programmes, lessons at the vocational school (Berufsschule) are in German. As a rule, you need an official certificate, for example from telc or the Goethe-Institut, at B1 level or higher; in some occupations, such as nursing and care, companies and schools often expect B2.

Proof of funds if the allowance is low

If the training allowance after deductions does not cover the required living costs (in 2026 the guideline is €992 per month; check the exact amount with the German mission), you must cover the difference with a blocked account or a formal declaration of commitment.

Approval by the Federal Employment Agency

The visa requires the approval of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). It checks the terms of the contract, the level of pay and whether the conditions are comparable with those of domestic trainees.

What to check

  • Get a signed training contract (Ausbildungsvertrag) registered with the IHK or HWK.
  • Pass a recognised German exam at B1 or B2 level.
  • Prepare a blocked account for any shortfall in your monthly income.
  • Write a clear CV that highlights your practical skills.

Example situation

An applicant signs a training contract as a mechatronics technician in Leipzig with an allowance of €1,050 a month, passes the “telc Deutsch B2” exam and receives the visa without a blocked account.

Next step

Vocational training gives you a German qualification, income from day one and good chances of a job after you finish.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.