The statutory minimum training allowance in 2025 is at least €682 gross in the first year of training. Many companies pay significantly more - good industries get €900-1,200. Whether the salary is enough to live on depends heavily on where you live. This page shows the real numbers.
Minimum training allowance
Since 2020, there has been a statutory minimum training allowance in Germany. It increases annually and is considered the lower limit. Collective bargaining companies and larger companies usually pay significantly more.
What the law guarantees – and what companies actually pay
| year of teaching | Minimum remuneration gross | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year of training | 682 € | Underlying value |
| 2nd year of training | 802 € | + 18 % |
| 3rd year of training | 868 € | + 27 % |
| 4th year of training (if available) | 909 € | + 33 % |
If the training allowance is below €538 gross per month (minimum income limit), There are no health and nursing care insurance contributions for trainees. With higher remuneration The regular rates apply - trainees pay the employee share of social security contributions. Income tax is generally not due for gross remuneration of less than €1,300, because the basic allowance (2025: €11,784 annually) is not reached.
Industry comparison · 1st year of training
The range is large. Those trained in industry or banking earns significantly more than in retail or in the catering industry – sometimes twice the legal minimum.
680 – 850 €
gross / month, 1st year of training
800 – 1.100 €
gross / month, 1st year of training
1.000 – 1.300 €
gross / month, 1st year of training
All information is a guideline based on collective and usual remuneration for 2025. The actual remuneration is stated in the training contract and may vary depending on the company, region and collective bargaining agreement.
From gross to net
Two example calculations for the first year of teaching - a low and a medium gross. Health, nursing care, pension and unemployment insurance are borne half by the trainee. Income tax does not apply to these amounts.
€682 gross
Legal minimum, 1st year of training 2025
€1,000 gross
Medium compensation, e.g. B. IT specialist, 1st year of training
Cost of living
The honest answer: It depends on the training occupation, the company and where you live. In the minimum range it is scarce - especially in cities like Munich or Frankfurt. It can work in smaller cities and with company-sponsored accommodation.
What is realistically incurred per month - and where buffer is possible
| Edition | Small town / rural | Big city |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared room) | 300 – 500 € | 500 – 900 € |
| Food | 180 – 250 € | 220 – 300 € |
| Health insurance | legally, included in the salary | |
| Public transport / travel costs | 50 – 100 € | 80 – 120 € |
| Telephone & Internet | 30 – 50 € | 30 – 50 € |
| Clothing, leisure, other | 100 – 150 € | 120 – 180 € |
| Total approx. | 660 – 1.050 € | 950 – 1.550 € |
Some companies provide trainees with cheap accommodation or pay travel costs. Anyone who is trained in a vocational school with a residential facility (e.g. in certain... Nursing professions or in the trades) can significantly reduce the rent.
Trainees are also entitled to Vocational training allowance (BAB) the federal agency for work if the training allowance is not enough to cover living expenses and they are not can live with parents. Special requirements apply to international trainees – Advice recommended by the Federal Agency.
perspective
The training allowance is temporary. The salary after graduation is another – and so is the perspective of your stay.
With a German training qualification, your salary immediately increases significantly. Typical starting salaries after graduation – depending on the profession and region:
Anyone who successfully completes the training can go on § 18a Residence Act one Apply for a residence permit for employment – without leaving the country again and without new visa procedure. This is one of the most direct routes to permanent residency in Germany.
Training is not an end point. Technicians, masters, further training in business administration or studying (even without a high school diploma, with training and professional experience) is possible. The German vocational training system enables gradual career advancement after graduation.
Next steps
You now know the real numbers.
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As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.