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Summary: Ausbildung is Germany’s dual vocational training: about 60 to 70 percent of the training takes place in the company and the rest at a vocational school (Berufsschule). The programme usually lasts 2 to 3.5 years, pays a salary from the first month (at least €724 per month in the first year for 2026 contracts) and is a direct path to employment and permanent residence, even without a university degree.
What is Ausbildung and who is it suitable for?
The dual training system (Duales Ausbildungssystem) is one of the reasons for the strength of the German economy. There are more than 300 recognised occupations, from nursing (Pflegefachkraft) and electrician (Elektroniker) to plumbing, heating and air-conditioning (Anlagenmechaniker SHK), car mechanic, IT specialist (Fachinformatiker), office management clerk and cooking and hospitality. It is very suitable for young people with a school-leaving certificate, people who want to change careers and people whose university degree is not recognised in Germany.
Ausbildung pay in 2026
The minimum training pay (Mindestausbildungsvergütung) for contracts starting on 1 January 2026:
- First year: €724 per month
- Second year: €854 (18% more)
- Third year: €977 (35% more)
- Fourth year: €1,014 (40% more)
Many fields pay much more under collective agreements (Tarifvertrag), for example nursing, banking and the metal and electrical industries.
Requirements for applicants from Iran
- Educational qualification: usually a high-school diploma (for some fields a pre-university certificate or equivalent) with an official translation.
- German language: in most cases at least level B1; for nursing usually B2.
- An Ausbildung contract with a German company registered with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) or the Chamber of Crafts (HWK).
- Securing your living costs: if the training pay is less than the amount required for the visa, you must cover the difference with a Sperrkonto or a declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung).
- Approval from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), which the embassy usually requests.
How to find an Ausbildung place?
- The Federal Employment Agency’s job exchange (Jobbörse der Bundesagentur für Arbeit) – the largest database of Ausbildung positions.
- IHK and HWK websites (Lehrstellenbörse) for industrial and technical occupations.
- Make it in Germany – the government’s official portal for foreign professionals.
- Contacting companies directly: especially small and medium-sized companies in technical occupations with a shortage of workers, who often welcome direct applications.
The best time to apply is 10 to 12 months before the programme starts; most programmes start on 1 August or 1 September.
Application documents (Bewerbung)
- Cover letter (Anschreiben) in German
- Tabular CV (Lebenslauf) with a photo – German style
- Transcripts and diploma with translation
- German language certificate (Goethe, telc, ÖSD)
- If available: internship certificate or work experience
Visa for seeking an Ausbildung place
People under 35 with German at level B1 and a school certificate that gives access to university or vocational training in Germany can obtain a visa to look for a training place (maximum 9 months) and in that time do trial placements and limited side jobs. Ask the embassy for the exact conditions.
What happens after Ausbildung?
- Residence permit for up to 12 months to find a related job
- Skilled worker residence (Fachkraft mit Berufsausbildung)
- Possibility of permanent residence after several years of work and pension contributions
- Further education: Meister, Techniker or even university
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ausbildung salary in 2026?
At least €724 per month in the first year for contracts that started in 2026; more in many fields under collective agreements.
Is there an age limit for Ausbildung?
There is no legal age limit for Ausbildung itself, but the visa for seeking a training place is usually for people under 35, and for people over 45 the residence requirements are stricter.
Can I do an Ausbildung with an Iranian bachelor’s degree?
Yes. Many graduates whose degrees are not recognised in Germany, or who want to enter a practical profession, choose this route. Sometimes the programme is shortened.
Which fields are most popular among immigrants?
Nursing, plumbing/heating/air conditioning (SHK), electrician, car mechanic, IT, logistics and hospitality; these occupations have a shortage of workers and good chances of being hired.
Do you have an Iranian company in Germany that takes on trainees? Register your business for free or look for employers in the directory of Iranian businesses.
This article is not legal advice; check visa conditions with the embassy and official sources. Last updated: September 2026.
