Ausbildung applications from India involve two separate sets of documents: what you need to apply to a German employer, and what you need for your national visa once you have a signed training contract. Mixing these up, or assuming one list covers everything, is a common source of delay. Here is both lists, based on official sources.
Documents for your employer application
- A tabular CV (Lebenslauf) — see our Lebenslauf guide
- A cover letter (Anschreiben) tailored to the specific employer — see our Anschreiben guide
- Copies of your school leaving certificates (Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets, or equivalent)
- Proof of your German language level, if you already hold a certificate
- Any references, internship certificates, or proof of relevant experience
These do not need to be apostilled or officially translated at this stage — that step matters later, for your visa file.
Documents for the national visa application (vocational training visa)
According to the German Mission in India’s official checklist for the vocational training visa, applicants need:
- A valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages)
- The completed national visa application form
- Biometric passport photos meeting German visa specifications
- Proof of German language skills — at least level A2, or B1 for medical professions — from a recognised provider such as the Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, ÖSD, or telc (or equivalent employer verification)
- The signed training contract (Ausbildungsvertrag) and confirmation of registration
- A motivation letter explaining your training and career goals
- School certificates: Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
- Proof of health insurance valid from the start of your employment in Germany
Optional or situational documents can include a pre-approval from the immigration authority (Vorabzustimmung), pre-approval from the Federal Employment Agency, and any other supporting documents such as prior qualifications or previous visas held.
What is not on this list
The APS certificate required for university admission is not part of the standard Ausbildung visa checklist — see our dedicated explainer on APS and Ausbildung applicants if you’ve seen conflicting claims about this online.
Get certificates ready in advance
Indian school certificates generally need to be apostilled by India’s Ministry of External Affairs and, where required, translated into German by a court-sworn translator before they’re usable in a German visa or employer file. This step takes time, so start early — see our full guide on getting Indian certificates attested and translated for Germany.
Practical submission tips
- The German Mission reserves the right to request additional documents beyond the published checklist — always check the current checklist for your specific mission (Embassy New Delhi, or the Consulates General in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, or Kolkata) before your appointment.
- Submitting incomplete documentation, or missing a scheduled visa interview, can result in rejection or delay — build in buffer time rather than assembling documents at the last minute.
- Keep both originals and copies organised together for your appointment.
For the complete step-by-step process, see how to apply for Ausbildung in Germany from India, and for timing, see our application timeline guide. Browse programmes on our Ausbildung programmes page, or contact us with questions about your specific file.
Where this comes from
This checklist is based on the German Mission in India’s official vocational training visa service page and its published vocational training visa checklist (PDF), and on APS India’s FAQ page regarding APS scope.
