Instructions for preparing your own application for a German vocational study visa

Apply for a visa to study vocational training in Germany is an important step to realize the dream of studying and working in a leading developed country in Europe. Preparing your own documents can help you save costs and be more proactive in completing the process of applying for a German vocational training visa. However, to increase the visa approval rate from the first time, you need to clearly understand the requirements and prepare all the documents according to the regulations of the Embassy. In this article, SHD Academy will provide detailed information and step-by-step instructions to help you prepare your German vocational study visa application in the most complete way!

>> Reference: 

• Detailed information about German vocational training conditions 2025
• Which major should you choose to study vocational training in Germany? Top 7 hottest majors in 2025
• Summary of information about self-funded vocational study in Germany

Learn more about German visa types 

Germany is one of the countries that attracts many Vietnamese students, workers and tourists. Depending on the purpose of entry, the German government will issue many different types of visas. Below is detailed information about the three main types of German visas:

1. Short-term visa (Visa type C)

The C visa is a short-term visa, allowing foreigners to stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. In other words, within 180 days counted backwards from any point in time, the total number of days you stay in the Schengen area cannot exceed 90 days. For example, if you enter Germany on January 1 and stay continuously until March 30 (exactly 90 days), you are required to leave the Schengen area. You can only re-enter after you have been outside the Schengen area for at least the next 90 days, i.e., June 28 at the earliest.

 This type of visa is usually issued for purposes such as:

• Tourism.
• Visit relatives.
• Work, attend conferences, trade shows.
• Participate in short-term training courses (under 90 days).
• Medical examination and treatment.

2. Long-term visa (Visa type D)

Visa type D is a long-term visa, allowing a stay in Germany of more than 90 days. This type of visa is suitable for those who plan to study, work or settle in Germany. Common D visa categories include:

• German student visa: Applicable to students studying undergraduate, master's or doctoral programs.
• German vocational training visa: For participants in vocational training programs (Ausbildung) in Germany. This type of visa allows for work and study, with the opportunity for permanent residence.
• German work visa: Issued to people with a work contract in Germany.
• Family reunification visa: For people who have relatives living and working in Germany.

3. Transit visa (Visa type A)

The A-type visa is a transit visa that allows foreigners to transit through a German airport when traveling to another country outside the Schengen area without leaving the international transit area of the airport. This type of visa is required for citizens of certain countries if they have a transit flight through Germany on their way to a third country. The characteristics of the A-type visa are:

• Only applicable when transiting at German airports (no entry into German territory) Only valid on the day of transit and while waiting for the connecting flight.
• Short stay, just while waiting for the next flight.
• No exit from the international transit area to visit or visit relatives.

So what type of visa is suitable? vocational training in GermanyOf the three types of visas mentioned above, only visa type D is suitable for applying for a German vocational training visa, allowing international students to stay long-term, study, practice and work legally during their training period in Germany. If you plan to study a profession here, please prepare fully. German vocational study profile as required by the Embassy to ensure smooth completion of procedures. 

>> Reference:

• Study and work in Germany: Summary of detailed information
• Instructions for the discount of German vocational training 2025

Information on German visa

A German visa is an important entry permit, containing a lot of necessary information, used to determine the identity of the holder and the purpose of stay. A normal German visa will include the following information:

• Valid for: Countries or regions where the visa is valid.
• From – Until: The period of validity of the visa, including the start date and expiry date.
• Type of visa: The type of visa issued, corresponding to the purpose and duration of stay. .
• Number of entries: Number of entries allowed, can be single entry or multiple entries.
• Duration of stay: The maximum total number of days you can stay in Germany or in the Schengen area per entry.
• Issued in: Visa issuance location.
• On: Date visa was issued.
• Passport number: Passport number of visa holder.
• Name: Full name of visa holder.

>> Reference:

• Summary of the highest paying occupations in Germany 2025
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Documents needed to prepare when applying for a visa to study vocational training in Germany

To apply for a German vocational training visa (type D visa), you need to prepare a complete and accurate set of documents according to the requirements of the German Embassy. Below is a detailed list of the necessary documents:

• Passport: Passport valid for at least 6 months, including 1 original and 1 copy.
• Profile photo: Size 3.5 x 4.5 cm, white or gray background, taken within the last 3 months, no glasses, jewelry and dressed appropriately.
• Birth certificate: Notarized copy, translation available upon request.
• Academic performance report card: High school transcript, highest degree (College/University) – including 1 original and 2 copies.
• German language certificate: Minimum B1 level, awarded by prestigious organizations such as Goethe, Telc, TestDaF.
• Certificate of participation in German language course: Proof that you have studied German for at least 6 months in Vietnam, clearly stating the time and number of lessons.
• Self-introduction letter: A personal statement outlining your reasons for choosing your major, your study plans, and your career goals.
• Apprenticeship Contract & Admission Letter: Contract for vocational training in Germany signed by the training institution in Germany and Certificate of registration at the vocational school.
• Prior approval (Vorabzustimmung): A certificate from the German Immigration Office or the German Labour Office authorizing you to participate in an apprenticeship program.
• Health insurance: Certification health insurance in Germany minimum 3 months
• Other documents (if any): Depending on the case, you may need to provide additional documents as required by the German Embassy.

Note: Some requirements such as marriage certificate, criminal record, Embassy interview may be waived, depending on the latest policy.

The process of preparing documents for a German vocational study visa can be complicated and prone to errors. To help students overcome these obstacles, SHD Academy not only accompanies students in preparing complete documents according to the Embassy's requirements, but also organizes interview training for German vocational study visas with a team of experienced experts right from when students start studying German at level A2. This helps students become more confident, increase their visa approval rate and get closer to their dream of studying in Germany.

>> Reference:

• German language certificates you need to know when studying vocational training in Germany
• Guide to effective German learning path from A1 to B1
• Top 10 prestigious and quality German teaching centers in Ho Chi Minh City. HCM

Application review time  

The processing time for a German vocational training visa application usually lasts from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the number of applications submitted to the Embassy. However, if the application is incomplete or the information is unclear, this process can take up to 8-12 weeks. 

>> Reference: Does studying in Germany need financial proof?

Steps to apply for a German vocational study visa

Step 1: Determine the type of visa you need to apply for

First, you need to determine the purpose of applying for a German vocational study visa. Each visa has different characteristics and requirements, so determining the right type of visa from the beginning will help you save time and prepare more accurate documents.

Step 2: Prepare visa application

Next, you need to prepare the documents required by the German Embassy or VFS Global. The documents include passport, photo, German language certificate (B1/B2), vocational training contract, admission letter, health insurance and approval letter (Vorabzustimmung). 

Note: All documents must be translated, notarized and arranged in the correct order to avoid additional requests.

Step 3: Submit application and pay fee

Once your application is complete, you will need to go to VFS Global or the German Embassy to submit your application, fill out the form and pay the visa application fee. In some cases, you may be asked to attend an interview to verify the information in your application. Questions are usually related to the reasons for choosing your career, your study plan, your plans to work after graduation, your financial capacity, etc.

Step 4: Receive appointment letter and wait for approval

After submitting your application, you will receive an appointment to receive the results. Visa processing time is usually from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on each case. If additional documents are needed, you will be notified to complete the application on time.

Step 5: Receive visa results

If your application is approved, you will be issued a visa to begin your vocational training journey in Germany. When you receive your visa, you will need to bring your receipt and identification documents. In case of rejection, you can request a review of your application or additional documents as required.

>> Reference: 

• Free vocational study abroad program in Germany, high salary
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Frequently asked questions when applying for a German vocational study visa 

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions related to applying for a German vocational study visa:

Where to submit application for German vocational study visa?

Applications for a German vocational training visa are accepted at VFS Global or the German Embassy depending on the area of residence. If you are in the North, submit your application at the German Embassy in Hanoi (for residents from Da Nang to the North).

• Address: 29 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
• Website: https://vietnam.diplo.de
• Business hours: Monday – Friday, appointment required

If you are in the South, you can submit your application at the German Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City (for residents from Quang Nam to the South).

• Address: 33 Le Duan, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Website: https://vietnam.diplo.de
• Note: Appointments must be made in advance through the online system.

When submitting your application, you need to make an appointment in advance on the VFS Global system or the German Embassy to avoid waiting time.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa to study vocational training in Germany?

The cost of applying for a German vocational training visa is currently about 75 Euros (equivalent to 2.1 million VND). The costs may change over time, so you should update the information on the official website of the Embassy or VFS Global center before submitting your application.

>> Reference: Total cost of vocational study in Germany latest 2025

Comprehensive consultation and support on vocational study in Germany – SHD Academy 

With the trend of global integration, choosing a reliable training and career orientation center is a key factor, helping students access quality job opportunities for sustainable development. SHD Academy is proud to be the leading unit in the field of consulting, orientation and connecting Vietnamese human resources with the German labor market, providing comprehensive and optimal solutions. With four core strengths, SHD Academy constantly strives with the mission of supporting and accompanying students throughout the process of studying and building a career in Germany:

1. Connecting cooperation

• SHD Academy builds close cooperative relationships with local authorities in Vietnam, representatives of German states, leading educational institutions and businesses in Germany. From there, it not only opens up attractive job opportunities with guaranteed output for students but also commits to full benefits of accommodation, support for administrative procedures and necessary conditions, helping students feel secure in studying and developing a long-term career in Germany. 
• Thanks to a network of partners with more than 40 German enterprises and constantly expanding, SHD Academy confidently commits to providing students with jobs immediately after graduation with attractive income, helping young people confidently enter the international labor market and develop their future careers.
• Honored to be recognized by the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City as an excellent non-public educational institution for two consecutive school years (2022-2023 and 2023-2024), affirming top quality service.
• In addition, SHD Academy is the pioneer in bringing Vietnamese leaders to Germany to visit and work, demonstrating the care and concern of local leaders and SHD team for young human resources, strongly affirming the commitment to comprehensively accompany students from Vietnam to Germany. At the same time, affirming SHD's leading reputation in connecting international cooperation. 

2. Pioneer in financial support

• SHD Academy is proud to be a pioneer in providing practical financial solutions for students. By officially signing a cooperation agreement with Shinhan Bank to implement the "Companionship Tuition" program, SHD Academy opens up opportunities to help students access preferential loans more easily.
• In addition, thanks to close coordination with the authorities of the Mekong Delta provinces, SHD Academy has implemented financial loan packages from 150 to 200 million VND through the Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) and reputable credit institutions such as the Social Policy Bank to support students in provinces such as An Giang, Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, Soc Trang.
• This solution not only helps reduce the financial burden for parents and students but also opens up opportunities for students to realize their dream of studying vocational training in Germany.

3. Comprehensive ecosystem

• Comprehensive ecosystem with German language training services, TELC test coordination, career orientation, interview training with businesses, visa interviews and legal support for students until graduation and stable jobs in Germany. 
• Transparent design process with clear costs, close connection between services, helping students have a seamless, uninterrupted learning and working experience.
• SHD Academy is committed to accompanying students on their journey to conquer their career goals, helping young people easily integrate into the international environment and build a sustainable career in Germany.

4. Personalize your learning and career path

• SHD Academy provides vocational training courses, helping students gain practical experience and discover themselves. Through this, students will recognize their strengths and identify fields that match their passion, thereby strengthening their choice of suitable majors.
• Based on individual abilities and labor market trends in Germany, SHD Academy orients and advises on personalized learning paths for each student. Thereby, students are supported to maximize their strengths, while meeting the human resource needs of the international market.
• Understanding that “integration” is the key to success, SHD organizes exchange sessions and activities to explore German culture, from customs, cuisine to daily life skills. These experiences not only help students get acquainted with the new environment but also understand how to communicate and work with Germans. Thanks to that, students feel more confident when entering life in Germany, ready to build a long-term career in a promising international environment.
• Up to now, more than 99% students of SHD Academy have successfully integrated in Germany, quickly adapted and demonstrated the ability to study and work effectively, receiving high appreciation from businesses. This once again affirms the outstanding quality in consulting, career orientation and cultural and skill preparation for students of SHD Academy.

>> Reference:

• TOP 10 most prestigious German vocational study centers today
• TOP 9 prestigious, free vocational training schools in Germany 2025

Hopefully the above article has helped you understand the requirements, procedures and steps to prepare your application. Ask for German vocational training visa. SHD Academy We are always ready to accompany you throughout the process of applying for a German vocational study visa, from providing information to detailed instructions on the application steps. If you need further advice or encounter any difficulties during the visa application process, do not hesitate to contact us via hotline 0336 760 276 for detailed instructions and support!