Applying for a residence permit to search for qualified vocational training

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• You have a recognised and valid passport or passport replacement and - if required for entry - an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in deportation against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have not yet reached the age of 25.
• You can present a school-leaving certificate which entitles you to admission to higher education or a certificate from a German school abroad.
• You can provide evidence of German language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• Your livelihood is secured for the duration of the training place search.

• Forms: Forms can be obtained from your foreigners authority, possibly they are also offered online.
• Online procedure possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance necessary: yes

• Valid passport
• Current biometric photo
• Visa, if required
• Proof of livelihood (e.g. letter of commitment, blocked account at a bank, proof of parents' income or similar)
• Tenancy agreement
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of German language skills at level B2
• Proof of an appropriate school leaving certificate

Issue of residence permit: EUR 100,00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be considered.

The residence permit must be applied for at the aliens' registration office responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your concerns, it may be possible to apply via the internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for the residence permit.
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Aliens' Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• In the case of an electronic application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• If your application is accepted, the Aliens' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
• After about six to eight weeks you can collect the eAT card from the Aliens' Registration Office.
• The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• There are fees for the issuing of the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

• The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry of your visa, which is still valid.

about six to eight weeks

• Portal of the Federal Government for Skilled Workers from Abroad
  https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/visum/arten/studieren/
• You can also get free advice on the topics of entry, residence and work from the "Hotline Working and Living in Germany" of the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
  Phone: 030 1815-1111
  Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Section 17 (1) Residence Act

• Aufenthaltsgesetz

• An appeal against a negative decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office can be brought before the competent administrative court.
• A preliminary procedure (opposition) does not take place in Lower Saxony.
• Detailed information can be found in the rejection notice.