If you want to complete vocational training in Germany but do not yet have a training place, the visa for seeking a vocational training place is a separate route. It is not the same as an Opportunity Card, a language-acquisition visa or the visa used after you have a training contract.
Who is this route for?
Make it in Germany describes this as a residence route under Section 17 (1) of the Residence Act for people who want to enter Germany and search for a suitable vocational training place. It is for applicants who meet the stated requirements before entering, not a route that guarantees an employer will select them.
The key requirements
The official overview lists these core requirements:
- a school-leaving certificate that gives access to higher education in Germany or in the country where it was obtained, or a certificate from a German school abroad;
- German language skills at B1 level under the CEFR;
- being under 35 years old; and
- evidence that living costs are covered for the full stay.
For 2026, the official overview gives €1,091 per month as the blocked-account reference for financial evidence. A declaration of commitment may also be accepted. Check the German mission responsible for your place of residence before you rely on any document list or financial figure.
Duration, work and job trials
The route can allow a stay of up to nine months to search for vocational training. During that time, the official guidance permits work of up to 20 hours per week and trial work of up to two weeks.
These permissions do not guarantee an income, training contract or later residence title. Use the period to make targeted applications, attend interviews and verify a potential training provider.
What happens after finding a training place?
Once you have a confirmed training place, the next step is not automatic. The official guidance points to the residence permit for vocational training. Apply through the responsible process before your current permission expires and follow the authority’s instructions for the specific training place.
SGC can help you organise the evidence and application questions. We do not decide whether a school certificate is sufficient, whether a visa will be issued or whether an employer will select you.