If you are studying abroad and would like to come to Germany for an internship, then you have to apply for a visa for your internship at the German Embassy in your home country.
The above is valid if you are not a national of an EU state or a resident in an EU state.
Apart from the offer for an internship from a company in Germany, you will also need the approval of the Federal Employment Agency (BA).
Once you have both documents – the offer for an internship and the approval of the BA, you can apply for a visa at the competent Embassy or Consulate before travelling to Germany.
Some internships do not require the agreement of the BA. These include internships under EU-funded programmes (Leonardo, Socrates, Erasmus, etc.). Internships funded by international intergovernmental organisations are also exempt from approval.
At the local Visa Application Centre or German Mission, you’ll be given a list of documents you have to attach to your application form.
Normally required documents for an Internship Visa are
– Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and with at least 3 months validity left after the scheduled return)
– Application form & declarations duly signed
– 1 copy of your passport’s data page (A4 size copy)
– Travel health insurance
– Personal covering letter explaining the purpose of your training/internship
– Deputation/no-objection letter of your local employer
– Approval letter from German company confirming conditions of your stay in Germany, including payment
– Consent letter from “Bundesagentur für Arbeit” (Federal Employment Agency/ZAV), if applicable
– Proof of qualification (diploma, academic degree certificate or marksheets)
– Flight reservation, rail tickets, others
– Proof of accommodation for your entire stay in the Schengen area
– 2 passport pictures according to biometric specifications, not older than 6 months
Internship in Germany cannot last more than 12 months and can only be extended in exceptional cases.
Further information about internships in Germany for students from abroad can be obtained from the International and Specialized Services (ZAV) by clicking here.