German Internship Visa Made Easy: Step-by-Step Application Guide

Eligibility Criteria for the Internship Visa

Before applying for the German internship visa, you need to make sure you meet the eligibility conditions. The requirements may vary depending on your nationality, education level, and the nature of the internship itself.

Who Can Apply?

The internship visa is primarily for non-EU or non-EEA citizens who want to complete an internship in Germany. It applies to:

• University students currently enrolled outside Germany who have an internship arranged in Germany.
• Recent graduates (up to 2 years) seeking work experience related to their field of study.
• Non-EU citizens who need official permission to stay and work temporarily in Germany.

Current students must demonstrate that the internship forms part of their degree programme or significantly improves their field of study.

Mandatory vs Voluntary Internships

Internships in Germany can be either mandatory(required by your university) or voluntary (self-arranged for work experience).

• Mandatory internships are often integrated into degree programmes and usually do not require Federal Employment Agency (“Bundesagentur für Arbeit”) approval.
• Voluntary internships, on the other hand, may require approval from the Employment Agency and may have additional documentation requirements, especially if they last longer than 3 months.

Additionally, while a voluntary internship is still eligible for the internship visa application, you might need stronger justification showing how the training aligns with your studies or recent degree and contributes meaningfully to your career development.

Required Documents for the Internship Visa Application

To apply for the German internship visa, you’ll need to prepare a range of documents that confirm your identity, purpose of stay, and eligibility. Gathering the correct documentation is the most crucial step in your application process, as missing or incomplete paperwork will result in delays or refusal.

The German embassy or consulate will require documents from both you as the applicant and your prospective host organisation in Germany.

Applicant Documents

You'll need to prepare the following personal documents for your German internship visa application:

·       Valid passport: Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages and remain valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Germany.

·       Completed visa application form: The national visa application form must be filled accurately and signed.

·       Biometric photographs: The photos must be recent and meet German specifications (45mm x 35mm, light background, neutral expression).

·       Health insurance: You must provide proof of health insurance valid in Germany, covering the entire duration of your stay with adequate coverage levels.

·      Financial proof: Documentation showing proof of financial means to support yourself during the internship period, either through a Blocked Account, sponsorship, or internship salary.

Host Organisation Documents (Offer Letter, Training Plan)

Your German host organisation must provide documentation to support your application:

·       Formal internship offer letter: The letter must be on company letterhead and clearly state your role, responsibilities, duration, and any remuneration offered.

·       Detailed training plan: This document should outline the skills you'll acquire, learning objectives, and explain how the internship relates to your studies or recent qualification.

·      Labour market declaration: In some cases, the company must provide a declaration explaining why they cannot fill the position with an EU citizen.

Federal Employment Agency Approval (BA-ZAV)

The Federal Employment Agency (“Bundesagentur für Arbeit – Zentrale Auslands- und Fachvermittlung” or “BA-ZAV”) must approve most internship placements before visa issuance. Your host company typically initiates this process, though you'll need to submit proof of the approval with your visa application. The BA-ZAV assesses whether the internship:

·      Meets fair working conditions.

·      Disadvantage the German labour market by replacing a local employee.

·      Contributes to your education or career development.

How to Apply for a German Internship Visa

The application process requires careful planning and attention to timelines, as you'll need to schedule appointments well in advance and allow sufficient processing time. Understanding where and how to apply will help you avoid common pitfalls that delay many first-time applicants.

Where to Apply

You will need to submit your application at the German embassy or consulate responsible for your country of residence, not your nationality. If there are multiple German missions in your country, check which one covers your specific region or city.

Some German embassies outsource initial application processing to external service providers like VFS Global or TLScontact. However, the final decision is always made by German authorities.

Step-by-Step Procedure and Appointment Booking

Follow these steps to complete your visa application process:

• Book your appointment: Schedule your visa appointment online through the embassy or consulate's official website, ideally weeks or months in advance depending on demand in your location.
• Gather all documents: Collect all required documents, including those from your host organisation and BA-ZAV approval, ensuring everything is complete and meets specifications before your appointment date.
• Attend in person: Visit the embassy or consulate at your scheduled time to submit your application, provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph), and pay the visa fee. Remember to bring original documents along with copies as specified.

Processing Time and Visa Fee

Processing typically takes between 6 to 12 weeks from your visa appointment date. However, complex cases or additional document requests can extend this timeframe.

The standard visa fee is €75 for most applicants and is typically paid during the visa appointment. Make sure to apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date to account for potential delays and give yourself enough time for travel preparations.

Internship Conditions in Germany

Internship rules in Germany are well-structured to protect both interns and employers. It is easier for you and your host company to stay compliant if you are aware of these conditions.

Working Hours and Allowed Duration

Generally, internships last between 3 months and 12 months, depending on the company and study programme, if it is a mandatory internship. Interns typically work 35 to 40 hours per week, like regular full-time employees.

Your visa will be issued for the specific duration stated in your internship contract, and you cannot work beyond the dates specified in your residence permit.

Remuneration and Minimum Wage Rules

Whether your internship is paid or not depends on the type and duration of it:

·      Mandatory internships linked to your university study programme may be unpaid.

·      Voluntary internships lasting longer than 3 months must usually comply with Germany’s minimum wage laws.

As of 2025, the minimum wage in Germany is €12.82 per hour. This amount is set to increase to €13.90 per hour from January 1, 2026.

After the Internship Ends

Completing your internship doesn't necessarily mean you must leave Germany immediately. In some cases, there are options to extend your stay or transition to other residence permits.

Make sure you plan your next steps before your internship ends so you have the best chance of remaining in Germany legally. Understanding your options early allows you to gather necessary documentation and meet deadlines without rushing.

Possible Visa Extension

You may apply for an extension of your residence permit if you wish to continue the internship at the same host company and if the first residence permit was issued for a duration of shorter than 6 months.

Be sure to start the application process for the extension well before your current residence permit expires. You will be required to provide the same documents you initially submitted when applying for the residence permit. The extension must also be justified by your host company.

Switching to Employment or Job Seeker Visa

After completing your internship, you might qualify to apply for a work permit without having to leave Germany, especially if your host company has offered you a full-time position. In some cases, your local Foreigners’ Authority (“Ausländerbehörde”) might approve you to switching to an 18-month job seeker visa. This would enable you to legally stay in Germany to search for qualified employment.