Residency Requirement in the Country
A permanent residence in Germany is generally required to receive Bafög. The applicant must be registered with a German registration office and actually reside in Germany. This condition applies regardless of whether the vocational training (Ausbildung) takes place in the form of dual training or at a purely school-based vocational institution.
Eligibility with Residence Abroad
Under certain circumstances, Bafög can also be applied for with a residence abroad. This particularly applies to trainees who start a vocational training (Ausbildung) abroad, provided that the training is recognized as eligible for funding and there is a close connection to Germany. Examples include training periods abroad that are part of a training (Ausbildung) program begun in Germany or training at German schools abroad.
Special Regulations for Border Residents
For individuals living in a border area abroad who are completing vocational training (Ausbildung) in Germany, there are special regulations. In such cases, Bafög can be granted if the daily commute to the vocational training (Ausbildung) location in Germany is ensured. This primarily affects cross-border commuters living in neighboring countries of Germany.
Proof of Residency
The residency must be proved by a current registration certificate, which can be obtained from the relevant local registration office. This certificate is a mandatory part of the Bafög application and serves to confirm the permanent residence in Germany.
Purpose of the Residency Requirement
The residency requirement for Bafög aims to limit funding to individuals who have their main residence permanently in Germany. This ensures that public funds are targeted specifically at domestic vocational training (Ausbildung) and its participants.
Effects on Funding Period
A change of residence during the training (Ausbildung) period, especially abroad, may impact further funding. In such cases, it must be examined whether the conditions for continuing the funding are still met. Stays abroad without vocational purpose usually lead to the loss of funding entitlement.