The Documents You Actually Need for Your Ausbildung & Visa
No agent. No middleman. No confusion. Just the real list, explained simply, so you can prepare it yourself — for free.
Getting your documents right is the single biggest reason applications get delayed or rejected. This page breaks down exactly what the German authorities ask for — nothing more, nothing invented by an agency trying to charge you extra.
Documents for Your Ausbildung Application
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
Your full education and work history, in tabular European format. This is what companies see first.
Free templates belowMotivation Letter
A short letter explaining why you want this Ausbildung and why this company should choose you.
1 page maxSchool Certificate
Your highest school-leaving certificate or academic qualification, officially translated if needed.
Translation may be requiredGerman Language Certificate
Minimum B1 level required, from Goethe-Institut, telc, ÖSD, or TestDaF. Most companies prefer B2.
B1 minimumDocuments for Your Visa Application
Once your German embassy or consulate accepts your application, prepare two copies of each of the following:
Valid Passport
Issued within the last 10 years, with at least 12 months validity remaining. Plus a copy of the data page.
Biometric Photos
3 passport pictures following official biometric specifications. Most photo studios know this format.
Training Contract
Your „Ausbildungsvertrag,“ signed by your German employer (and IHK-recognized if applicable). This is your proof of placement.
Most important documentTraining Plan
The „Ausbildungsplan“ — describes what you’ll learn and when, provided by your employer.
Proof of Financing
If your training salary is below the minimum threshold, you’ll need a blocked account or a „Verpflichtungserklärung“ (sponsor declaration).
Health Insurance
Certificate of compulsory health insurance from your German employer, valid from your employment start date.
Submitting all these documents does not guarantee your visa is granted — embassies can request additional documents. But preparing everything correctly the first time is the single best thing you can do to avoid delays. No agency can change the rules — they just charge you to read this same list.
Free Tools to Prepare Your Documents
You don’t need to pay anyone for these:
- 📄 Europass CV — free, official EU template, accepted everywhere: europa.eu/europass
- 🎓 ANABIN Database — check if your school certificate is recognized in Germany: anabin.kmk.org
- 🗣️ Goethe-Institut B1 Test Info — official exam locations and prep material: goethe.de
- 🏛️ Official Visa Checklist — straight from the Federal Foreign Office, always up to date: auswaertiges-amt.de
Your Step-by-Step Order
You Don’t Need an Agency for Any of This
Every step above, you can do yourself — for free. Azubis-Now connects you directly with German companies for just €39/year. No middlemen taking a cut of your future.
Join Azubis-Now — €39/year