People can go to Germany to participate in or complete an internship thanks to the Germany Training/Internship Visa. Before you fly to Germany to do an internship or training programme, there are a few questions you should be asking yourself. These include whether you qualify for the programme and whether you require a visa.

Anyone interested can complete an internship or training in Germany in their area of interest, regardless of their age, gender, or religious beliefs. The company or organisation offering the internship will determine the requirements for participating in it. Some of them may demand that you speak German fluently. In contrast, others may be satisfied with you being able to communicate with them simply by using basic German.

However, finding an internship or training before your journey to Germany is a key requirement, especially if you are the owner of a passport from a nation where residents must acquire a visa to be authorised to enter and stay in this country.

Opportunities for training and internships in Germany can be found online. Not all businesses and institutions in this country pay their interns, so carefully consider whether the company you plan to work for as an intern or trainee will pay you or not. You should be aware that living here comes with costs, so even if you were paid, it would be challenging to pay for everything with an intern payment.

You must submit certain documents to the German Consulate or Embassy in your home country when you apply for an internship or training visa. These documents must attest to your identity, background, and why you travel to Germany. They also must attest to your financial ability to support yourself while you are there.

• Application form
• Two passport photographs 
• A passport must be valid and current and not more than ten years. 
• One copy of the data page (A4 size copy) from your passport 
• Old passport (if any)
• Health Insurance: You must present a letter of proof from the insurer confirming that you have obtained travel medical insurance.
• Proof of financial resources: You must provide documentation demonstrating your financial capability to support your stay in Germany.
• Evidence of civil status, such as a marriage licence, children's birth certificates, a spouse's death certificate, etc.
• Flight Itinerary

Specific Requirements for Training/Internship Visa

• Interns must possess a ZAV consent letter from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, a permit to work in Germany, for their employment at any company to be legitimate. The organisation or business where you will be working as an intern or trainee is responsible for getting it for you. This document is not necessary for all internships financed by EU programmes (such as Leonardo, Socrates, Erasmus, etc.).
• Letter of deputation or no-objection letter confirming employment or enrollment at the organisation from your local employer or the university you are attending.
• A letter of approval from a German institution or enterprise outlining the terms of the applicant's stay in Germany also includes payment.
• Evidence of eligibility (mark sheets, academic degree certificate or diploma).

The German visa application is easy. You need to carefully adhere to the step-by-step instructions provided on this website for applying for a visa. You must submit your application to the German Consulate or Embassy in your nation of residence.

When to Apply
To avoid any delays, it is highly advised that you submit your application at least three weeks before your anticipated departure for Germany.

Visa Processing Time
The processing time is different for every case, but it generally takes 10 to 15 days to process a German visa application. Because of their circumstances, some applicants might obtain a reply to their application within a week, while others would wait weeks. 

In some cases, the processing period may be prolonged by a few days due to the enormous volume of applications the embassy is currently receiving.

Duration
An internship/training visa may be given for 12 months. Your internship's duration will determine how long your visa will be valid. The embassy will provide you with the required four months, plus an additional few days or weeks before your training or internship starts and a few more after it ends if it is four months long. 

When you receive your visa sticker, double-check it to ensure that it is still valid and that the length of stay is as stated.

Fees
For stays longer than 90 days, a German visa costs 75 EUR. Per the embassy-approved exchange rates, the charge may be paid in local currency. You must present a receipt at your interview to show that you have paid the visa fee, which is required for your application to be approved. 

Please be aware that the pricing is subject to change at any time and that the visa fees will not be refunded if the application is denied.

Suppose you decide to seek a visa extension. In that case, you must provide a compelling justification for your request. One situation might be if the organisation or institution you are interning or receiving training from wants you to continue for longer than originally planned. 

If the organisation or firm where you interned wishes to recruit you once your internship is over, you will need to return home and apply for a working visa there to be able to work as a regular employee.

Extension
You can get an extension if you have a valid reason.

Dependants
Your family can get a tourist or visitor visa if you are in Germany on an internship or training visa and you wish them to visit you. They cannot, however, apply for a Family Reunion Visa.

Work
On Training/Internship Visa, you cannot work or get employed.

Study
You cannot enrol in an educational course or university with this visa.