Ausbildung Roadmap

What is a Duale Ausbildung?

A Duale Ausbildung combines practical training in a company with theoretical learning at a vocational school (Berufsschule). As an Azubi, you spend part of your week working and learning within the company, and part of it completing the theoretical component at the Berufsschule. You're not simply a student — you're also part of the company, and you receive an Ausbildungsvergütung (training remuneration) for it.

• Practical work experience
• Recognised professional qualification
• Monthly training remuneration
• Combination of theory and practice
• Opportunity to build professional experience in Germany
• Potential long-term career opportunities after completion

Choose the right Ausbildung

Don't start with "Which Ausbildung is easiest to get?" Start with "Which profession can I realistically see myself doing?" Germany offers a large number of recognised training occupations — before choosing, research each shortlisted option properly. The Ausbildung Profession Finder → lets you filter 50 professions by field, work style and German level to build that shortlist.

Create a shortlist of 3–5 occupations rather than applying randomly. A worked example:

Official place to research occupations: Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Ausbildung →

Check if you qualify

This is where it pays to be precise. If you want to work through this properly before you apply, the Ausbildung Eligibility Checklist → covers each requirement in detail with tickable lists you can save.

For a Duale Ausbildung, there's generally no single legally prescribed school qualification that applies to every occupation. Companies decide which qualifications they expect from applicants — one company may ask for a particular school-leaving qualification while another accepts a different educational background.

Depending on the employer and occupation, you may need:

• School-leaving certificate
• Transcripts / marksheets
• Certificates from previous education
• Relevant work experience
• Relevant internships
• Additional qualifications

German is one of the most important factors for international applicants. You need it not only for the visa process, but also to:

Prepare & find your Ausbildungsplatz

This is the application phase. For the full document list and a pre-submit check, see the Ausbildung Application Checklist →

Your application will typically include:

• Lebenslauf — CV
• Anschreiben — cover letter
• School certificates
• Relevant transcripts
• German certificate, where requested
• Internship/work certificates
• Other documents specifically requested by the company

Use multiple sources in parallel rather than waiting on one at a time. Official: Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Ausbildungsplatzsuche →

Don't apply to only one company. Keep an application tracker so nothing falls through the cracks:

Get selected: tests & interviews

Getting an application sent is only the beginning. Depending on the company and occupation, the selection process may include:

Not every company uses all of these stages.

You should be able to answer, in German:

You got the Ausbildungsplatz!

Congratulations — but don't immediately book your flight. Your next important document is the Ausbildungsvertrag, and it should clearly establish the important conditions of your Ausbildung. Before signing, check:

• Ausbildungsberuf
• Start date
• Training duration
• Probezeit (probation period)
• Working hours
• Vacation
• Ausbildungsvergütung
• Training location
• Other contractual conditions

The amount depends on the occupation, employer, and applicable agreements. For vocational training beginning in 2026, the statutory minimum remuneration is:

Visa & moving to Germany

This is one of the biggest concerns for international applicants, so it's worth being precise about the two different routes.

If you're a citizen of the EU/EEA/Switzerland, different freedom-of-movement rules apply and you generally don't need a visa. If you're a third-country national, you'll generally need the appropriate residence permission to undertake your Ausbildung in Germany.

For a company-based Ausbildung, your training remuneration can count toward your livelihood requirement. For vocational training starting on or after 1 September 2025 — which covers new 2026 placements — official guidance treats livelihood as secured where the training allowance is at least:

Your exact checklist depends on your nationality and responsible German mission. Potential documents include:

• Passport
• Visa application
• Ausbildungsvertrag
• Educational certificates
• Language certificate, where applicable
• Proof of financial means
• Health insurance documentation
• Other country-specific documents

Arrive, settle & start your Ausbildung

Once your visa is approved, the process isn't finished — you now need to transition from "future Azubi" to "Azubi in Germany."

• Passport
• Visa
• Ausbildungsvertrag
• Accommodation
• Travel arrangements
• Insurance
• Important certificates
• Digital copies of important documents
• Initial financial reserve

Official sources

This page is a practical planning tool, not legal or immigration advice. For anything time-critical, confirm directly against these official sources.

Eligibility, remuneration, and visa requirements vary by occupation, employer, nationality, and individual circumstances. This guide doesn't replace the official instructions of your training company, your responsible German mission, or your local Ausländerbehörde. Last reviewed: August 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Your complete Ausbildung checklist

Tick these off as you go — it'll remember where you left off if you come back later.