A training-based temporary residence permit is a special type of temporary residence permit that you can obtain if

• your asylum application has been denied, you began vocational training during the asylum proceedings and wish to continue it, or
• you hold a temporary residence permit (i.e., you are required to leave the country) and wish to begin vocational training.

To receive a training-based temporary stay permit, the vocational training program must meet certain requirements (see Eligibility Criteria).

The training-based temporary residence permit is issued for a specific training company. A (seamless) change of training company is possible. In such cases, you must submit an application to “transfer” the training-based temporary residence permit to the new company before changing companies.

With the training temporary residence permit, you may remain in Germany and work for the entire duration of your training. During this time, you cannot be deported.

• You began your vocational training during your asylum proceedings and would like to continue it after your asylum application was denied, or you have held a temporary residence permit for at least three months and would like to begin vocational training.
• You already have a vocational training position or are in the process of securing one that meets the following criteria:
  • It is a qualified, at least two-year vocational training program—either in a company or at a school—in a state-recognized or similarly regulated vocational field, or  
  • It is a state-recognized or similarly regulated assistant or support staff training program followed by a qualified vocational training program.

Please note :

For assistant or support staff training programs, you also need a confirmation of a training position for the subsequent qualified vocational training. Additionally, the occupation must be a so-called “shortage occupation” (for example, a profession in geriatric or nursing care).

A training permit cannot be granted for vocational preparatory training programs or school-based programs (such as language courses) that are intended solely to prepare you for vocational training. A list of recognized vocational training programs can be found under “Further Information.”

• Your identity has been verified.

Please note: Individuals who arrived in Germany before December 31, 2016, must verify their identity when applying for a training-related temporary residence permit.

Individuals who arrived in Germany between January 1, 2017, and January 1, 2020, and who wish to apply for a training permit now or in the future, were required to have their identity verified by June 30, 2020. The deadline is considered met if it can be demonstrated that all reasonable measures to verify identity were taken by that date, even if the identity is not verified until later.

Individuals who arrived in Germany on or after January 1, 2020, must establish their identity within their first six months in Germany.

What constitutes a “reasonable” effort is determined based on the circumstances of each individual case; however, you should cooperate with all actions the authorities require of you.

• If you are under 18 years of age, your legal guardians must consent to your stay in Germany.
• You have no ties to extremist or terrorist organizations and do not support them. You have not previously been convicted of a criminal offense. There are no grounds for your deportation.

The Foreigners’ Registration Office has not yet begun preparations for your deportation (preparations are presumed to be underway if, for example, a medical examination to determine your fitness to travel has already been arranged, state funding for your voluntary departure was approved using public funds prior to the granting of the training permit, a passport has been applied for on your behalf, a deportation date has been set, or a Dublin procedure is underway).

• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to submit your application online or provides a specific application form.
• If you can only apply in person, make an appointment at the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to schedule an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be verified (please bring your documents to the appointment—originals if possible).
• If your application is approved, you may be issued the training permit during the appointment. If your application is denied, you will receive a notice of denial. In this case, you may not begin the training program.

• You cannot apply for a training permit during the asylum process. During this time, it is sufficient to have a temporary residence permit, which also allows you to begin school-based or on-the-job training.
• A temporary residence permit for vocational training is not a prerequisite for starting vocational training. You may begin vocational training as soon as you have been authorized to work—that is, once you have been granted a work permit. If you hold a “standard” temporary residence permit under Section 60a of the Residence Act (AufenthG) that includes permission to work, this does not, however, grant you long-term protection against deportation during the period of your vocational training, nor does it grant you the special rights associated with a temporary residence permit for vocational training.
• If you successfully complete your vocational training, you may be eligible for a residence permit for two additional years (“3+2” rule). If you are not hired by the training company, you will initially be granted a temporary residence permit for six months to look for work.
• If you terminate your apprenticeship or end it early, your temporary residence permit for vocational training will expire. You may receive a one-time six-month temporary residence permit to search for a new apprenticeship position. Training companies and educational institutions are required to notify the Foreigners’ Registration Office within two weeks of the termination of your apprenticeship.
• You are not permitted to travel abroad while holding a training permit.
• The training temporary residence permit expires if you are convicted of a crime, or if an expulsion order or deportation order is issued against you to avert a specific threat, particularly a terrorist threat.
• The proceedings are generally conducted in German. If your German language skills are insufficient, you are advised to bring someone with you who can act as a translator.
• You must provide all information to the Foreigners’ Registration Office truthfully and completely, to the best of your knowledge and belief, so that your case can be processed without significant delays.
• Providing incorrect or incomplete information may slow down the proceedings and be to your disadvantage. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that you have provided and failed to complete or correct in a timely manner with the Foreigners’ Registration Office may result in the revocation of residence rights already granted to you, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years, or deportation from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is provided for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

You may appeal against the decision of the immigration authorities within one month of notification.

Rejected asylum seekers should submit their application for a training permit as soon as possible after receiving their rejection notice.

Holders of temporary residence permits should submit their application to the immigration office in good time before the start of their training, but no earlier than seven months before the start of their vocational training.

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The validity of the training permit is based on the duration of the training specified in the training contract and is usually granted for the entire period of training.

If the training has not yet begun, the training permit will be issued at the earliest six months before the start of vocational training.

The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the immigration office. Since the training permit is issued by the immigration office, it is generally possible to receive it during the appointment.

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for issuing the residence permit. In rural districts, this is the district administration, and in independent cities, it is the city administration.

• Valid identification document (for example, passport, passport substitute, official photo ID, official documents from the country of origin such as a military ID, driver’s license, consular card, laissez-passer, service ID, or civil status certificate with a photo)
• Current biometric passport-sized photo (45 x 35 mm)
• Notice of denial of asylum or temporary residence permit
• For company-sponsored vocational training:
  • Vocational training contract
  • Proof that the training contract has been entered in the register of vocational training relationships (e.g., confirmation from the relevant Chamber of Crafts regarding the registration or the application for registration)
  • For assistant or support staff training programs, a commitment to provide a training position from the training company or educational institution for the subsequent qualified vocational training
• For school-based training: Contract or letter of acceptance from the educational institution specifying the occupational field of training
• If the applicant is a minor: Consent from the legal guardian(s) for the planned stay (declaration of consent)

The documents and information must generally be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Foreigners’ Registration Office may require fewer or additional supporting documents.

Fixed cost:

• 58.00 for the training permit as an adhesive label
• 62.00 for the training permit as a pre-printed form

Note:

The Foreigners’ Registration Office may charge a fee for issuing a training permit. The timing and method of fee collection and payment vary depending on the office.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be granted (for example, if the applicant cannot cover their living expenses without relying on public assistance).

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes