So you have made up your mind. You want to move to Germany, do your Ausbildung, build a career, and create a better life for yourself and your family. Kabayan, that decision alone puts you ahead of most people.
But knowing what you want and knowing exactly how to get there are two different things. This guide walks you through every single step — from your very first decision to your first day at work in Germany.
What Does ‘Legally Moving to Germany for Ausbildung’ Actually Mean?
Moving to Germany for Ausbildung is not like a tourist trip or a student exchange. It is a structured immigration pathway with specific legal requirements:
- Getting a signed training contract (Ausbildungsvertrag) from a German employer
- Reaching the required German language level (usually B1 or B2)
- Applying for and receiving a national visa (Type D) under §16a
- Registering in Germany and completing your training (2–3 years)
- After training: transitioning to a long-term work permit or permanent residency
When you follow that process correctly, moving to Germany legally is absolutely achievable. Kayang-kaya!
Phase 1: Preparation (Months 1–6)
Step 1 – Decide on Your Field
Germany offers over 325 officially recognized Ausbildung professions. The most in-demand for Filipino applicants include:
- Healthcare and nursing (Pflegefachmann/Pflegefachfrau)
- IT and technology (Fachinformatiker)
- Hospitality and gastronomy (Hotelfachmann, Koch)
- Elderly care (Altenpfleger)
- Logistics, retail, and commerce
💡 Pro Tip: Choose a field where your existing skills give you a head start. Hospital, care home, hotel, or IT experience from the Philippines all matter.
Step 2 – Start Learning German Immediately
German is not optional. You need at least B1 — but B2 is strongly recommended, especially for healthcare. Language levels and realistic timeframes:
| Level | What You Can Do | Time from Zero |
|---|---|---|
| A1–A2 | Basic communication and daily tasks | 3–6 months |
| B1 | Independent conversation, workplace basics | 9–12 months |
| B2 | Professional fluency — required for nursing | 14–18 months |
Step 3 – Find a German Employer and Sign Your Contract
This is the most important step. Without a signed Ausbildungsvertrag, there is no visa. Ways to find employers:
- Placement agency like AusbildungForFilipinos (fastest and most reliable)
- German job portals: Indeed.de, Stepstone.de, Ausbildung.de, LinkedIn
- Direct applications to German company career pages
- Virtual job fairs for international applicants
Phase 2: Application and Visa (Months 6–12)
Step 4 – Prepare Your Documents
- Signed Ausbildungsvertrag (original + copy)
- Valid Philippine passport (6+ months validity)
- 2 biometric passport photos
- Completed national visa application form
- B1/B2 language certificate (Goethe, telc, or ÖSD)
- Apostilled Philippine school certificates + certified German translations
- Proof of health insurance in Germany
- Proof of financial means (training salary from contract)
Step 5 – Book and Attend Your VFS Appointment
Book your appointment at the German Embassy Manila via VFS Global as early as possible — slots fill up 4–8 weeks in advance.
🌍 Culture Check: Germans value punctuality above almost everything else. Arrive at your embassy appointment at least 15 minutes early. Being even 5 minutes late can cost you your slot.
Step 6 – Wait for the Visa Decision
Processing time: typically 4–12 weeks. Do not book flights yet. Stay reachable and respond quickly if the embassy requests additional documents.
Phase 3: Arrival and Registration in Germany
Step 7 – Anmeldung (Address Registration)
Within 14 days of arriving in Germany, register your address at the local Einwohnermeldeamt. You will receive a Meldebescheinigung — needed for everything else.
Step 8 – Ausländerbehörde
Visit the local immigration office to convert your entry visa into a full §16a residence permit.
Step 9 – Bank Account and Health Insurance
Open a German bank account (DKB, N26, or Deutsche Bank are popular). Your statutory health insurance (Krankenversicherung) is set up automatically by your employer.
💡 Pro Tip: TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) and AOK are the two most popular statutory health insurers for international trainees. Both have English-language support.
Phase 4: Your Ausbildung (Years 1–3)
| Component | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Betrieb (company) | Practical, hands-on training 3–4 days per week |
| Berufsschule (vocational school) | Theoretical lessons 1–2 days per week |
| Monthly salary | €600–€1,400 depending on profession and year |
| Final exam (Abschlussprüfung) | Written + practical — results in your Berufsabschluss |
Your Future After Ausbildung
- Stay with your employer as a qualified professional
- 18-month job-seeking visa to find a new position
- After 2 years of qualified employment: apply for permanent residency
- After 8 years in Germany: apply for German citizenship
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Our team at AusbildungForFilipinos has guided hundreds of Filipinos through every step of this journey — from choosing a profession to landing in Germany.