Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)
Ausbildung combines paid on-the-job training with vocational school. It is a strong, lower-cost route to living and working in Germany. A signed training contract is the heart of the application.
Step by step
Reach German level B1–B2
6–12 monthsMost Ausbildung positions require at least B1, often B2. Study at the Goethe-Institut in Beirut and take an official exam — your certificate is essential for both employers and the visa.
Find an Ausbildung position
1–3 monthsSearch company and job portals and apply directly to employers. You need a confirmed training place before you can apply for the visa.
Certify and translate your documents
2–4 weeksYour baccalaureate must be legalized by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then by VFS (on behalf of the German Embassy). Then have it, your transcripts, and your language certificate officially translated into German by a sworn translator. A minimum baccalaureate average of 12/20 is required.
Sign the training contract (Ausbildungsvertrag)
VariesOnce an employer accepts you, you sign the Ausbildungsvertrag. This contract and its stated salary are central to the visa application.
Prove your finances
1–2 weeksIf your training contract salary is enough to cover the required living costs, it serves as sufficient proof on its own — no Sperrkonto or Verpflichtungserklärung is needed. If the salary falls short, cover the gap with a blocked account (Sperrkonto) or a declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a guarantor. Confirm the current threshold with the embassy.
Get health insurance
A few daysArrange German-recognized health insurance. As a trainee you are usually covered through public insurance once you start.
Book and attend the visa appointment (German Embassy Beirut)
3–6 months waitThe vocational-training visa is applied for directly at the German Embassy in Beirut (not VFS). Book as early as possible and attend with all documents. The fee is €75.
Receive your visa and start your Ausbildung
4–8 weeksAfter 4–8 weeks you receive the visa. Travel, register your address, enroll at the Berufsschule, and begin training.
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