Are you from Rwanda and aiming for a professional career in Germany? A German apprenticeship (Ausbildung) gives you a paid training contract, a nationally recognised qualification, and a clear legal path to long-term residency – without paying thousands to recruitment agencies. Azubis-Now connects you directly with German employers. This guide gives you everything you need to know about the visa process – accurate, official, and up to date for 2026.

Where Do Rwandan Candidates Apply for Vocational Training Germany Rwanda?

Rwanda has a German Embassy located in Kigali (KN 27 St No. 5, Kiyovu). For the national long-term visa – which includes the Vocational Training Visa (§ 16a AufenthG) – Rwandan nationals apply directly at the German Embassy in Kigali. No travel to Nairobi is required for this visa type.

Important note: Since August 2025, short-stay Schengen visas (up to 90 days) are processed via Nairobi – but this does not apply to the Ausbildung visa, which is a national long-term visa.

Appointments must be booked online in advance via the Consular Services Portal of the German Embassy Kigali. Appointments are only available for 4-week windows – check regularly and book as early as possible.

Essential Document Requirements for Rwandan Candidates for Vocational Training Germany Rwanda

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Germany.
• Two recent passport photos meeting German visa photo requirements.
• Completed visa application form – filled out accurately and completely online via the Consular Services Portal.
• Educational Certificates: Original Rwanda National Examination Board (REB) certificates – O-Level (S3 or S6) or A-Level. Certified translations into German or English are required where documents are not in those languages.
• Training Contract: Original signed Ausbildungsvertrag from your German employer.
• German Language Certificate: B1 level minimum – accepted certificates include Goethe-Institut, telc, or other ALTE-standard institutions. The Goethe-Institut has a presence in Rwanda – start your course early.
• Proof of Finance: Approximately €934 per month (€11,208 per year) must be secured. If your training salary covers this, a blocked account may not be necessary. If not, a blocked account (Sperrkonto) or a Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor in Germany is required.
• Health Insurance: Travel health insurance for the initial period upon arrival; statutory German health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) after enrollment in your training program.
• Motivation Letter: A personal, signed statement explaining your choice of profession and career goals in Germany.
• CV: Complete and gap-free education and work history.

Fast-Track Procedure (§ 81a) – Strongly Recommended

Appointment availability at the German Embassy Kigali can be limited. We strongly recommend asking your German employer to initiate the Accelerated Procedure for Skilled Workers (§ 81a AufenthG). For a fee of €411, your employer starts the process at the local German immigration office (Ausländerbehörde), which then obliges the embassy to prioritise your visa appointment – reducing waiting times significantly.

Official information: Make it in Germany – Vocational Training Visa

Final Checklist Before Departure from Rwanda