You have heard about Ausbildung. You know it is possible. But looking at the full process from where you are right now — still in the Philippines — to actually sitting in a German Berufsschule can feel overwhelming.
This guide is your master roadmap. We have broken down the entire journey — from your first decision to your first day of training — into clear, manageable stages. Bookmark this page. This is the blueprint.
Overview: The 6 Stages of Your Journey
Stage 1: Decision and Direction (What do you want? Can you do this?)
Stage 2: Language (The key that unlocks everything)
Stage 3: Employer and Contract (Your legal anchor in Germany)
Stage 4: Documents and Visa (The official process)
Stage 5: Departure and Arrival (The big move)
Stage 6: Ausbildung and Your Future (The reason you did all of this)
Stage 1: Decision and Direction
Before you invest months of effort, ask yourself honestly:
- Am I genuinely motivated to live and work in Germany for at least 3–5 years?
- Am I willing to learn German seriously — not just casually?
- Do I have a high school diploma or higher education background?
- Am I between 18 and 40 years old?
- Which industry am I interested in: healthcare, IT, hospitality, logistics, elderly care?
💡 Pro Tip: Talk to Filipinos already doing Ausbildung in Germany. Their first-hand experience will give you more realistic insight than any website. Look for Filipino trainee communities on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Stage 2: Language — The Key That Unlocks Everything
German is not optional. Without at least B1 — and ideally B2 — you cannot get the visa, you cannot understand your workplace, and you cannot pass your Berufsschule exams.
Your Language Roadmap
A1 (Beginner): Basic greetings, simple sentences. 3–4 months.
A2 (Elementary): Simple conversations, daily tasks. 3–4 months.
B1 (Intermediate): Independent communication, workplace basics. 4–6 months.
B2 (Upper-Intermediate): Professional fluency, required for healthcare. 4–6 months.
Where to Study in the Philippines
- Goethe-Institut Manila (most widely recognized, prepares you for the official exam)
- Language schools in Metro Manila, Cebu, and other cities offering Goethe or telc prep courses
- Online platforms: DeutschAkademie, Lingoda, italki
- Self-study: Netzwerk Neu, Menschen, Schritte Plus textbooks
🌍 Culture Check: Filipinos often have a natural advantage in German pronunciation because Tagalog and Filipino languages share similar vowel sounds with German. Use this to your advantage and do not be afraid to speak — even imperfectly.
Stage 3: Employer and Contract — Your Legal Anchor
Finding a German employer willing to sign an Ausbildungsvertrag with you is the most critical single step. Without this contract, there is no visa.
How to Find an Employer
Option A – Placement Agency: Work with a specialist like AusbildungForFilipinos who has established relationships with German employers. Fastest and most reliable route.
Option B – Direct Application: Apply independently through German job portals: Ausbildung.de, Azubiyo.de, Indeed.de, Stepstone.de, LinkedIn.
Option C – Company Websites: Many German hospitals, care homes, hotels, and IT companies post Ausbildung positions directly on their career pages.
⚠️ Watch Out: Never pay an employer to give you an Ausbildung contract. In Germany, the employer pays the trainee. Any arrangement requiring you to pay for a placement is a red flag or a scam.
Stage 4: Documents and Visa — The Official Process
Step 1: Authenticate Your Philippine Documents
- Get your diplomas authenticated by DepEd or CHED
- Have the DFA apply the apostille stamp to all authenticated documents
- Hire a certified German translator to translate all Philippine documents
Step 2: Prepare the Complete Visa Application Package
- Completed national visa application form
- 2 biometric passport photos
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Signed Ausbildungsvertrag (original + copy)
- B1/B2 language certificate (Goethe, telc, or ÖSD)
- Apostilled and translated educational documents
- Proof of financial resources (training salary or Sperrkonto)
- Proof of health insurance in Germany
- Employer cover letter (recommended)
Step 3–5: Book VFS → Attend Appointment → Wait for Decision
Book your VFS appointment as early as possible — slots fill up 4–8 weeks in advance. Attend your appointment with your complete package. Processing typically takes 6–8 weeks.
💡 Pro Tip: Book your VFS appointment slot as soon as you have your signed contract — then complete the remaining documents during the waiting period. The slot is the bottleneck.
Stage 5: Departure and Arrival
Before You Fly
- Book your flight to arrive at least 7–10 days before your Ausbildung start date
- Confirm accommodation with your employer or arrange a shared flat (WG)
- Arrange travel insurance for your first 30 days
- Bring €500–€1,000 cash for your first 2 weeks before your first salary payment
- Print copies of all important documents
Your First Two Weeks in Germany
- Week 1: Anmeldung — Register your address at the Einwohnermeldeamt within 14 days of arrival.
- Week 1–2: Bank Account — Open a German bank account (DKB, N26, or Deutsche Bank).
- Week 1–2: Health Insurance — Get your statutory health insurance card (employer sets this up).
- Week 2: Ausländerbehörde — Convert your entry visa into a full residence permit if needed.
🌍 Culture Check: Your first days may feel very quiet, especially on a weekend. Germans observe Sundays strictly — most shops are closed. Do not be alarmed. By Monday, life resumes its normal rhythm.
Stage 6: Ausbildung and Your Future
At your Betrieb (company): 3–4 days per week of hands-on practical training.
At the Berufsschule (vocational school): 1–2 days per week of theoretical classroom learning.
Monthly salary: €600 – €1,400 depending on year and profession, paid to your bank account.
After Your Ausbildung
- Stay with your employer as a fully qualified professional
- Use your 18-month job-seeking right to find a new employer
- After 2 years of qualified employment: apply for permanent residency
- After 8 years in Germany: apply for German citizenship
- Send remittances home — because this was always part of the plan
Magandang buhay, Kabayan. That is what you are building.
Download the Full Roadmap PDF
Want a printable version of this complete roadmap? Our team at AusbildungForFilipinos has created a detailed PDF you can download, print, and use as your personal action plan — with checkboxes for every step.