Step-by-step guides
How-to guides for Germany
The practical parts of moving to Germany, done in the real order they happen — from opening a blocked account to writing an Ausbildung application. Written for applicants from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.
Pick your country on each guide for embassy, attestation and cost details.
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What do you need to do?
Each guide gives you the generic steps plus a country-specific block once you pick where you're applying from.
How to open a blocked account
A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a German bank account that proves you can support yourself. You deposit roughly one year of Germany's official subsistence minimum; the bank releases a fixed amount each month. It is a required proof-of-funds step for student visas. Open it online with a licensed provider before your visa appointment.
Free tool: Blocked account calculatorRead it for your country
How to apply for a student visa
A German student visa (national D visa) lets you enter Germany to study. You apply at the German mission in your country after you have university admission, proof of funds via a blocked account, and health insurance. The biggest delay is usually getting an appointment, so start assembling documents and booking as early as you can.
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How to find an Ausbildung
An Ausbildung is paid German vocational training that ends in a recognised qualification. To find a place, reach the German level your field needs, target high-demand occupations, search official vacancy databases, and apply broadly with a German-style application. The goal is a signed training contract (Ausbildungsvertrag) — that contract is what your visa file is built on.
Free tool: Ausbildung eligibilityRead it for your country
How to attest your documents
Attestation is the official verification of your certificates so German authorities accept them. You get your academic documents attested by the right body in your home country, add certified translations into German (or English where accepted), and order enough copies for your file. Requirements differ by country, so confirm the exact chain before you pay for anything.
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How to learn German for Germany
For most Ausbildung and German-taught programmes you need a recognised German certificate — usually B1 or B2 from Goethe-Institut or telc, not IELTS. Set your target level, take a structured course, practise daily, then pass the official exam. Language is the single biggest factor in Ausbildung and German-taught study, so start it before anything else.
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How to write an Ausbildung application
A German Ausbildung application is a short, formal package: a one-to-two page German CV (Lebenslauf) and a tailored motivation letter (Anschreiben), plus your certificates. Employers judge structure and German as much as content. Address the right person, keep it concise and specific, proofread hard, and follow up. Presentation is what separates a reply from silence.
Free tool: CV & motivation templatesRead it for your country