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Internship Visa

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All information about the visa for interns in Germany

Here you learn ...

  • what types of visas are available for internships in Germany

  • which internship visa is right for you

  • how to apply for a visa for internship purposes

  • Difference between internship, exchange program and observation

Author

Attorney

Reading Time

8 Min.

Release Date

18.02.2025

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Table of Content

1. Internship visa Germany


2. Study-related internship EU


3. Internship in Germany while studying abroad


4. International exchange programs


5. Internships


6. Holiday job


7. FAQ Internship Visa

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1. Internship visa Germany

A visa for an internship in Germany is required for many international students and prospective professionals who want to gain practical experience in German companies or research institutions. The requirements, the duration of the internship and the application process depend on the nationality and the type of internship. In this article, you will learn which documents you need, how to apply for the visa and which deadlines you should observe in order to successfully start your internship in Germany.


In order to apply for an internship visa for Germany, applicants must first be clear about what type of internship they are applying for. Different requirements apply to all internship visas.


There are the following practical residence permits for completing an internship in Germany:


  • Study-related internship EU (§ 16e AufenthG)

  • Internship in Germany while studying abroad (§ 15 No. 6 BeschV)

  • International exchange programs (Section 15 No. 4 BeschV)

  • internships (§ 7 AufenthG)

  • holiday employment (Section 14, Paragraph 2 of the Employment Ordinance)


There are also other types of internships (see Section 15 of the Employment Ordinance), which are not covered in this article as they are less relevant to practice.

2. Study-related internship EU (§ 16e AufenthG)

Under certain conditions, international students and university graduates are entitled to a residence permit for an internship in accordance with Section 16e of the Residence Act for up to 6 months. This residence permit is intended to enable students to acquire practical knowledge and experience in a professional environment and to supplement their theoretical studies.

In order for a residence permit to be issued for a study-related internship in the EU, various requirements must be met. The internship must primarily serve as training and may not be interpreted as just regular employment. A written agreement with the host institution is required. This must contain detailed information about the educational objective, the duration, the general conditions and the supervision of the intern.

Another key requirement is that the applicant has either completed a university degree within the last two years before submitting the application or is currently studying. The internship must also correspond in terms of subject matter and level to the university degree or current degree. The host institution must also submit a declaration of commitment. This includes covering all costs that public bodies may incur for living expenses or a possible deportation of the intern up to six months after the internship has ended.

3. Internship in Germany while studying abroad (§ 15 BeschV)

International students who wish to complete a course-related internship in Germany require a residence permit, depending on their country of origin. A residence permit can be issued in accordance with Section 16a of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 15 No. 6 of the Employment Ordinance if the internship is part of a course of study at a foreign university, the applicant has already completed at least four semesters or six trimesters and a certificate of enrollment or comparable proof is presented.


Any educational institution abroad that offers a university degree that is comparable to a German university degree is considered a university. The ANABIN database is used for the verification, whereby only universities with the status H+ or H+/- are recognized. A separate verification of the specific degree sought is not necessary.

4. International exchange programs

A residence permit for an international exchange program in Germany can be issued under certain conditions. Students who are currently studying abroad and graduates who graduated no more than 18 months ago can complete such an internship. Recognized exchange organizations that operate in this context include:

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  • German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

  • AIESEC

  • International Association of Agricultural Students (IAAS)

  • German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ)

  • Federal Association of Medical Students in Germany (bvmd)

  • universities and their exchange institutions

An internship in Germany as part of an international exchange program represents a valuable opportunity for students and graduates to gain professional experience and expand intercultural skills.

5. Internships

The completion of an internship must be strictly distinguished from the so-called “sit-down”. Legally, the sit-down is not employment, but serves solely to gather knowledge and experience in a field of activity. It takes place without a contractual specification of tasks , without an obligation to perform work and without actual integration into the company. Therefore, there is no employment within the meaning of Section 7 of the Social Code Book IV. The decisive factor in the distinction between an internship and a sit-down is the concluded sit-down contract. If this contains work duties, such as an obligation to be present (e.g. 40 hours/week), the assumption of fixed tasks, remuneration or an obligation to provide services, it is no longer a sit-down, but an internship or employment. Long contract periods of several months also speak against a sit-down.

This regulation is particularly relevant for foreign doctors who visit a hospital for days or weeks as part of conferences or training courses. As long as no medical practice is being carried out and no permit is required under Section 10 of the Federal Medical Examination Act, this is not employment. In these cases, a residence permit (but not a visa) is possible under Section 7 of the Residence Act. In order to classify an internship in a legally secure manner, a detailed review of the contract content is therefore necessary in order to avoid problems with the residence permit and possible classification as unauthorized employment.

6. Holiday job

Holiday employment offers international students the opportunity to work and earn money in Germany during the semester break. However, the focus is not on training or further education, but on the earning potential . According to Section 14 Paragraph 2 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV), taking up holiday employment does not require approval if the job was arranged through the Federal Employment Agency (BA) and the duration does not exceed 90 days within twelve months. The BA's placement certificate must be presented during the visa process. If there are any doubts about the accuracy of the placement certificate - e.g. regarding local holiday times - the Federal Employment Agency (AMZ Team 231 or 232) should be contacted before making a decision.

7. FAQ Internship Visa

Is approval from the immigration authorities required for an internship?

The involvement of the immigration authorities is generally only necessary in the case of relevant previous stays, since this is usually a stay for employment purposes that does not require the approval of the immigration authorities (Section 31 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 No. 2 Letter c) Alt. cc) Residence Ordinance).


Will I be paid for the internship?

The statutory minimum wage generally applies to internships, unless there is a statutory exception under the Minimum Wage Act (MiLoG). Compulsory internships and orientation internships in particular are considered exceptions to the minimum wage.


How long are internship visas valid?
Internship visas are usually issued for the duration of the internship. The maximum duration is 12 months.


Do parents have to agree to apply for an internship visa?

If the foreigner has not yet reached the age of 18, the persons authorized to care for the foreigner must consent to the application (Section 80 Paragraph 5 of the Residence Act).


Does writing a thesis count as an internship?

Students who only write their thesis in a company do not complete an internship.

Further Information

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