Step-by-Step Guide to Ausbildung Visa Checklist and Requirements 2025
September 12, 2025Step-by-Step Guide to Ausbildung Visa Checklist and Requirements 2025
September 12, 2025
Choosing the right Ausbildung profession in Germany can feel overwhelming — after all, there are over 300 vocational training programs (Ausbildungsberufe) to choose from! The German Ausbildung system is one of the best ways to start a career, whether you are a school leaver, a career changer, or an international applicant looking to work in Germany.
In this detailed Ausbildung career guide, we will walk you through how to pick the best profession for your skills and goals, explore the most popular Ausbildung professions in 2025, and even share insights about the highest paid Ausbildung professions.
What Is an Ausbildung and Why It Matters
An Ausbildung is a vocational training program that combines classroom learning at a vocational school (Berufsschule) with practical, hands-on training at a company. Most programs last between two and three and a half years.
Why it matters:
- You earn a salary during training (called Ausbildungsvergütung).
- You gain real work experience, increasing your employability.
- Many companies hire you full-time after successful completion.
Whether you’re aiming for one of the best Ausbildung courses in Germany or simply want job security, picking the right profession is a decision that can shape your entire future.
Step 1: Assess Your Interests and Strengths
Before looking at lists of the most popular Ausbildung professions 2025, start with self-reflection. Ask yourself:
- Do you enjoy working with people, technology, or numbers?
- Do you prefer physical work or office-based tasks?
- Are you creative, analytical, or hands-on?
Use Career Tests
Websites like Planet-Beruf.de or the Federal Employment Agency’s (Berufsberatung) tools can help you find a match. A good fit will make your training enjoyable and help you succeed.
Example:
- If you love caring for others → consider Nursing (Pflegefachkraft).
- If you like solving technical problems → consider Mechatronics Technician (Mechatroniker).
- If you enjoy business tasks → consider Office Management (Kaufmann/-frau für Büromanagement).
Step 2: Research the Most Popular Ausbildung Professions (2025)
Every year, the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education (BIBB) publishes data about which training programs are most in demand. Here are some of the most popular Ausbildung professions 2025:
- Salesperson (Verkäufer/in) – always in demand in retail.
- Office Management Clerk (Kaufmann/-frau für Büromanagement) – great for administrative careers.
- IT Specialist (Fachinformatiker/in) – booming in software development and system integration.
- Industrial Mechanic (Industriemechaniker/in) – perfect for those who like hands-on technical work.
- Nurse (Pflegefachkraft) – a secure job with high demand due to aging population.
These professions are popular because they offer stability, career growth, and in many cases, good pay.
Step 3: Explore the Highest Paid Ausbildung Professions
While passion matters, salary is also an important factor. If you’re wondering which Ausbildung is best paid in Germany, here are some of the top-paying options:
| Profession | Average Monthly Salary During Training (2025) |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Fluglotse) | €6,000+ (after training, very selective) |
| Pilot Training (Verkehrsflugzeugführer) | €5,500+ |
| Mechatronics Technician (Mechatroniker) | €1,200–€1,300 |
| Industrial Mechanic (Industriemechaniker) | €1,100–€1,200 |
| IT Specialist (Fachinformatiker) | €1,100+ |
| Bank Clerk (Bankkaufmann/-frau) | €1,050–€1,200 |
These are considered among the highest paid Ausbildung professions and often lead to well-paying jobs after completion.
Step 4: Understand Requirements
Different training programs have different entry requirements:
- Language: Most Ausbildung programs require German at B1–B2 level.
- Education: Some need only Hauptschule (basic school), while others (like IT or banking) prefer Realschule or Abitur graduates.
- Additional Requirements: Some fields require physical fitness, background checks, or specific licenses (e.g., driver’s license for logistics).
Make sure you check these before applying.
Step 5: Consider Future Career Prospects
When choosing the right Ausbildung profession, look beyond the training years. Consider:
- Job security: Healthcare, IT, and skilled trades will remain in demand.
- Career growth: Many professions allow you to do a Meister or Technician course later.
- Flexibility: Some Ausbildungsberufe open doors to self-employment or further study at university.
Step 6: Explore the Best Ausbildung Courses in Germany
Here’s a quick list of best Ausbildung courses in Germany for 2025 based on demand, pay, and career opportunities:
- Fachinformatiker/in (IT Specialist) – Excellent for tech lovers, high demand.
- Mechatroniker/in (Mechatronics Technician) – Great pay, future-proof.
- Pflegefachkraft (Nurse) – Secure job with increasing demand.
- Industriekaufmann/-frau (Industrial Clerk) – Combines business and industry knowledge.
- Elektroniker/in (Electronics Technician) – Important for green energy projects.
These options offer a good balance between job satisfaction and earning potential.
Step 7: Talk to Current and Former Azubis
Networking is key! Speak with people currently in training or who have recently completed their Ausbildung. They can give you insights about:
- Daily work life
- Challenges and rewards
- Career paths after training
You can find them through Facebook groups, LinkedIn, or even local meetups.
Step 8: Apply and Prepare for Interviews
Once you have chosen the right Ausbildung profession, prepare strong application documents:
- CV (Lebenslauf) – clear, professional, and tailored to the position.
- Cover Letter (Anschreiben) – explain why you are motivated and why the company should choose you.
- Certificates (Zeugnisse) – attach relevant school or work certificates.
Practice common interview questions and, if required, get ready for entrance tests.
Final Tips for Choosing the Right Ausbildung Profession
- Don’t rush: Take your time to explore multiple options.
- Think long-term: Choose a profession with growth potential.
- Balance passion and pay: The ideal profession should be something you enjoy AND offers financial security.
- Seek guidance: Use career counseling services or mentors to refine your decision.
Choosing the right Ausbildung profession is an investment in your future. With proper research and planning, you can find a career that matches your skills, offers stability, and gives you opportunities to grow.
FAQ
You Can Find All Answers Here
There is no single “easy” Ausbildung, as it depends on your interests and skills. However, many consider retail salesperson (Verkäufer/in) or warehouse logistics (Fachlagerist/in) easier to enter because they require basic education and have a shorter training duration (around 2 years).
Yes! Non-EU citizens can apply for Ausbildung in Germany. You will need:
- A recognized school-leaving certificate
- German language skills (B1 or higher recommended)
- Visa for vocational training (if required)
Many companies actively hire international applicants due to skill shortages.
Some of the highest paid Ausbildung professions include:
- Air Traffic Controller (Fluglotse)
- Pilot Training (Verkehrsflugzeugführer)
- Mechatronics Technician (Mechatroniker/in)
- IT Specialist (Fachinformatiker/in)
These offer strong salaries during and after training.
According to recent data, the most popular Ausbildung professions 2025 include:
- Office Management Clerk (Kaufmann/-frau für Büromanagement)
- IT Specialist (Fachinformatiker/in)
- Nurse (Pflegefachkraft)
- Industrial Mechanic (Industriemechaniker/in)
- Salesperson (Verkäufer/in)
Yes. You receive a monthly training salary (Ausbildungsvergütung). The amount depends on your profession, industry, and year of training. For example, IT specialists may earn over €1,100/month in later years, while healthcare professions can earn €1,200+.
Start by assessing your strengths and interests, research popular professions, and check requirements. Attend career fairs, talk to current trainees, and compare salaries and job prospects to make an informed choice.