Can a 63 year old non-EU citizen make an Ausbildung

Question

Hello, I am looking for ways to get my old non-EU parents to Germany. I read about the path some people take through Ausbildung and then getting a skilled-worker visa. I have 3 questions:

1. How realistic is it to get an Ausbildungsvertrag when 63 years old?
2. How realistic is it to get a permission from Ausländerbehörde to start an Ausbildung program?
3. I found a few short-term Ausbildung programs (e.g. Desinfektor 4 months duration, for a fee), does it really count as a full-fledged Ausbildung to then become a skilled-worker? Or do only 3+ year programs count from the legal point of view?

Let me know if you know other ways how to bring parents to Germany, maybe by opening a small shop as a business (?)

Answer 1

Hi there, 
the question is a little older, but maybe other have the same question. 

It’s a very good question and you’re right to check carefully before making plans.

In practice, it is very difficult for a 63-year-old non-EU citizen to get an Ausbildung (vocational training) in Germany, even though there is no official age limit. Most employers prefer younger applicants (often between 16–30 years old), since training programs are designed for people at the start of their careers. It would be quite rare for someone at 63 to receive an Ausbildungsvertrag (training contract).

Even if your parent did get a training contract, the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) would most likely not approve a visa for this purpose. They usually **** for long-term career prospects after the training, and at that age, they might not see a realistic employment path.

The short programs like the Desinfektor course (4 months) are not considered full Ausbildungen. Only official training programs that last 2–3 years and are recognized by the IHK or Handwerkskammer count for the skilled-worker visa.

Other possible ways to bring your parents might include:

• Self-employment or business visa – for example, if they want to open a small shop and have a solid business plan and enough financial resources.

• Family reunification – but this is usually only possible in special hardship cases (for example, if your parents are seriously ill or need care that can’t be provided in their home country).

So in short:
- It’s unfortunately not realistic to move your parents to Germany through Ausbildung at that age.
- Only full, recognized training programs count for skilled-worker visas.
- The only other possible paths are humanitarian (care-related) or business/self-employment routes, but both have strict conditions.

I know this may sound discouraging, but it’s better to know the real situation before spending time or money on a plan that probably wouldn’t work.

Warm regards,
Conny