Can I do a qualification program in Germany?
Yes, that is possible! If you have completed your training abroad, you can have your qualification recognized in Germany. There are so-called Recognition offices.
But: Sometimes certain content is still missing from your training so that you can work in your profession in Germany. In this case, you can apply for a Qualification program for example, undergo specialist training or a vocational German course.
Example: Amina is a nurse from Tunisia. The recognition office says that she still needs to do a course on medication. Amina comes to Germany for this and takes part in a training course.
To be allowed to come to Germany for the qualification, you need:
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a Visa for entry
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and after entry a Residence permit according to §16d of the Residence Act
Good to know:
If you already have a Job offer in your profession, you can also apply for a residence permit under §16d paragraph 3 apply for. It is important that the work qualified activity is. This applies, for example, to nursing professions or church professions.
You can also obtain a residence permit if you have a "Qualification analysis" or want to take an exam. You will receive this permit for maximum 6 months.
For this you need:
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an invitation to the qualification analysis or examination
- mostly German language skills A2 level (GER)
How do I get a visa for recognition of my professional qualification?
Step 1: You send your documents from your home country to a Recognition body in Germany.
Step 2: The office will check whether you need an additional qualification. If yes - and you German language skills at A2 level you are allowed to come to Germany for qualification.
Where do I apply for a visa?
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If you need a visa: Go to the German embassy or consulate in your country.
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Hand in all the documents there.
Important: Editing can be several months last!
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If you do not need a visayou get in touch after your entry at the Immigration office in your city. You apply for a residence permit there.
What documents do you need?
In addition to the general documents for a national visa, you will need:
Proof from the recognition body: You need a qualification
Proof of your vocational qualification or degree
Registration for a qualification measure (e.g. training, course)
Proof of your German language skills (at least A2)
Proof that you enough money to live on have (e.g. Blocked account with € 1,091 per month or a declaration of commitment)
Example: Pedro from Brazil is a physiotherapist. He shows his degree and registers for a course. He uses a blocked account to prove that he has enough money. He then applies for a visa at the German embassy.
If you are already working during the qualification, you will also need an additional qualification:
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yours Employment contract
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and a letter from your employer that you have completed the qualification at the workplace may do
What happens after entry?
You must within 3 months report to the Foreigners' Registration Office and apply for your residence permit there.
You need:
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the above-mentioned documents
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yours Police registration (Registration confirmation)
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yours Rental agreement
The residence permit is usually valid for up to 24 months. If you need longer (e.g. because you have to repeat an exam), you can extend it by extend up to 12 months.
Important: Your visa is only valid for a short time. Apply for a residence permit as early as possibleso that you don't get into trouble!
Can I work alongside the qualification program?
Yes, you may:
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up to 20 hours per week work on the side
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more than 20 hoursif you already have a concrete job offer in your profession - but only with the consent of the Federal Employment Agency
What happens after completing the qualification?
Once you have successfully completed your program and found a job, apprenticeship or university place, you can:
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one Residence permit as a skilled worker apply for
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or for Training or studies stay in Germany
Important: Submit the application in good time - before your current residence permit expires!
