Internship in Germany: Germany Internship and Visa Requirements

By Writer Last updated Feb 16, 2022

So what is it all about studying in Germany? what are the things you stand to gain as a scholar in Germany? can I easily secure an internship in Germany? what are the study and visa requirements to study in Germany as international students?? all these and many more are the questions scholars ask before they set out to apply for an internship in Germany. However, this article will give you an overview of what you need to know about German studies and internships.

Thinking about internship abroad, there are a lot of things to consider. Germany is an affordable choice that allows interns to gain professional skills while also offering low-cost housing options, delicious and cheap street food.

The question is: What are the main industries in your chosen country? What kind of work experience can you expect to gain? Will you get college credit?

However, internships can be very different: either paid or unpaid, short-term or long-term, sometimes useful or, unfortunately, completely useless.

The process of becoming an intern, is pretty simple, the idea of the internship is to provide practical experience within a certain area or field.

The situation in Germany on the other hand is that there is no secret that German universities have a very strong relationship with the national and international business.

FAQs on Internship in Germany

What is the duration of an internship in Germany?

The standard duration of an internship in Germany is between 2-3 weeks and a full year even though there is a chance that it is entirely based on the experience.

There are other possibilities that can include financial income, like the range of €250-€500 per month. However, the outcome of most internships in Germany is either a full-time contract at the given company or even substantially increased career opportunities.

How do I find an internship in Germany?

This is quite easy when the students follow the right rules. Students or graduates search independently for available internships in Germany.

Career fairs are also a good way to get closer to a potential employer. Contact them by phone or email to schedule an appointment for a personal interview at their offices.

Cost of living in Germany

An average one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about €500 – €750 per month, if you are interning full-time at a company, you might receive a small salary each month.

If you’re looking for an internship, Germany is great for international students who want to gain work experience and stay in favorable environments.

Is it easy to get an internship in Germany?

Depending on your skills and visa type, you can easily gain that work experience during a summer program in the location of your choice.

Can international students do internships in Germany?

Students from EU countries other than Germany can complete a mandatory internship in Germany as part of their studies. This also applies to international non-EU students who are enrolled at a German university.

Can I extend my Germany Training/Internship Visa?

You will need to present a very strong reason on which you will base your application. At the end of your internship, if the company or institution where you were engaged wants to hire you, you will have to return to your home country, and from there apply for a working visa in order to be allowed to work as a regular employee.

What Type of Visa Do I Need to Attend an Internship in Germany?

If your internship or training programme is going to last less than 3 months, you need to apply for a type C visa (Schengen visa).

However, if your internship or training programme is going to last more than 3 months, then you should apply for a type D visa, known as the German National Visa.

DOs and DON’Ts of Your Internship in Germany

Be polite and friendly
Dress appropriately
Be punctual
Show enthusiasm and ask as many questions as possible
Take the initiative and shape your internship.
Work diligently on your tasks
Meet deadlines
Keep the excitement for new tasks

What Are the Requirements for a Germany Internship Visa?

Talking about the requirements, You should make sure you have all the required documents before applying for your visa.

The required documents for a Germany internship visa are:

No-Objection/Deputation Letter: Through this letter, the university or organization confirms you are their student/employee.
Letter of Approval: The German company offering the internship/training must provide a Letter of Approval mentioning the conditions of your stay as well as the payment.
Evidence of Qualification: This should come in form of degree certificates, mark sheets, or any diploma.
Health insurance: Submit a confirmation letter from the health insurance company you registered with. It should have minimum coverage of at least €30,000 throughout the Schengen territory.
Application form: Make sure you fill out the application form carefully and with precision which requires you print it twice and sign each one of the copies.
Two passport photographs: Make sure you submit two identical photographs in passport size.
Valid national passport: The passport shouldn’t be older than 10 years and it must have at least one empty page.
Previous passports: In case you have a previous passport, make sure to submit that as well, in addition to your current one.
Marriage certificate (if applicable).
ZAV consent letter from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit: This is a type of work permit that allows you to work in Germany. The company or organization offering the internship must provide it for you.
Proof of financial means: You can provide one of the following or a combination:
- Bank statement showing you have enough money to fund yourself in Germany.
- Blocked bank account in Germany.
- Payment statement from the company you’re doing the internship with.
- Letter of commitment/Letter of declaration showing someone is going to fund your stay in Germany.
Proof of contract and income: If you are employed, you need to provide your contract as well as the income statement of the last three months.
The Proof of ownership and income: For a self-employed person, you should provide proof of ownership and income.
Proof of ticket reservation: It Depends on the means of transportation you choose.
Proof of accommodation: Here Depends on where you will be staying, it could be a hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter if you’re staying at a friend’s house.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Proof you have paid the visa application fee

Steps to Apply for a German Internship Visa

Follow these steps to apply for a German internship visa:

- Review the necessary documents: You can check with the website of the German embassy in your country and see the list of all the required documents. You can acquire detailed information regarding the documents when you set an appointment as well.
- Be prepared and on time for the interview: There are numerous tips online concerning the most common questions asked in visa application interviews. Take a look at them and make sure you go prepared and on time.
Set an appointment with the German embassy/consulate: You should go to the German embassy in your country to set an appointment for a future date. Alternatively, if there is no German embassy in your country, you should set an appointment at an embassy or consulate in a neighbouring country.

Apply early: Make sure to apply at least 3 weeks before, because one can never calculate the processing time with precision since it depends on external circumstances, such as the country you live in, the centre you apply to, or the workload the embassy is receiving at the time.

Fill in the application form: Make sure to fill in the application form carefully and with precision. Print it twice and sign both copies.

Pay the application fee: Finally, here you can pay a specified fee which can be A total of 75€.