Germany’s dual vocational training system – the Ausbildung – pays you while you learn a skilled trade or profession, and it is one of the routes Indian students and young professionals ask about most. The Germany Ausbildung visa for Indians is a national visa under Section 16a of the Residence Act. This guide explains what the German missions ask for – the training contract, German language level, financing and documents – and where requirements differ between checklists, so you do not rely on an outdated figure.
Quick answer
The Federal Foreign Office describes the visa for vocational training (Section 16a Residence Act) as a national visa for people who want to do in-company vocational training in Germany. You can do vocational training in Germany if you have a training place in a company and German language skills.
| Training type | Language level the Federal Foreign Office mentions |
|---|---|
| Qualified vocational training | At least B1 |
| Other training | As a rule at least A2 |
| Less German than required | You can attend a preparatory language course before the training starts |
The India checklist accepts a German language certificate of at least B1, or a confirmation from the school or employer that your language skills were checked and found sufficient, or confirmation of a preparatory language class. Check which of these your mission accepts.
Pro tip
Prepare for a German exam early. Our German language requirement guide explains the levels, and our study in Germany consultants can help you plan your language course.
The German Mission in India’s checklist asks for two copies of each item:
Watch out
That India checklist is marked “as of September 2022”. Other German missions publish newer checklists with different figures. Download the current checklist from the Consular Services Portal and the mission website before you pay for translations or appointments.
Financial rules are the part that changes most between missions and dates:
| Source | What it says about money |
|---|---|
| German Mission in India checklist (September 2022) | If training done entirely in school facilities pays less than EUR 832, or in-company training with vocational school pays less than EUR 939, the gap must be closed with a blocked account or a sponsor’s Verpflichtungserklärung. |
| A Federal Foreign Office embassy page dated July 2023 | Proof of EUR 855 net / EUR 1,090 gross per month for the first year; shortfalls (for an unpaid language course or lower pay) shown separately, for example with a blocked account. |
Because the numbers differ, treat these as examples of how financing is checked, not as current figures. For how a blocked account works, read our Germany blocked account 2026 guide.
If you have a degree or years of experience, a skilled worker route may suit you better – see our guide to the Germany work visa for Indians. For job-search routes, see the Germany Opportunity Card page.
| Route | Best for | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Ausbildung (Section 16a) | School leavers or professionals who want a paid, practical qualification | A training place with a German company, a signed contract and B1 German (A2 as a rule for other training) |
| Study in Germany | Students who want a university degree | Proof of funds such as a blocked account – see our blocked account guide |
| Skilled worker or Blue Card | People with a recognised degree or vocational qualification | A job offer and recognition – see our Germany work visa guide |
The India checklist distinguishes training done entirely in school facilities from in-company training combined with a vocational school (Berufsschule). In the dual model you work and learn in the company and attend vocational school alongside it, and you are paid a training wage. The training contract and training plan describe exactly how your training is organised, which is why the mission asks for both.
If your German is below the required level, a preparatory intensive language course is accepted as a route by the checklists: the India checklist lists confirmation of a preparatory language class as an alternative to the B1 certificate. Ask your employer or training provider whether they will confirm your place before you book a language course.
The Federal Foreign Office says at least B1 for qualified vocational training and, as a rule, at least A2 otherwise. If your German is weaker you can attend a preparatory language course before the training starts.
Yes. The checklists ask for the training contract signed by the German employer and the trainee, together with a training plan.
Not always. The India checklist says that if the training pay is below its threshold, the financing gap must be closed with a blocked account or a sponsor’s Verpflichtungserklärung.
The India checklist says pre-approval by the Federal Employment Agency is not mandatory but can shorten the processing time significantly.
On the website of the German mission that handles your application and in the Consular Services Portal. Check the date printed on the checklist.
Facts on this page were checked against the official sources listed at the end on 23 October 2026. Immigration rules, fees and thresholds change often, so confirm the current figure on the official site before you apply.
Planning an Ausbildung in Germany? Our Germany Ausbildung visa consultants in Hyderabad check your training offer, language plan and documents before you book an appointment. Book a free consultation or call +91 95055 15154.
