Education & Childcare

Any provider offering distance learning courses (Fernlehrgänge) in Germany must obtain approval from the Central Office for Distance Learning (Staatliche Zentralstelle für Fernunterricht, ZFU) under the Distance Learning Protection Act (FernUSG). This applies to all courses where instructor and learner are predominantly separated and the provider monitors learning progress. Online courses, correspondence courses, and blended learning programmes all fall under this requirement.The ZFU reviews the course content, pedagogical concept, instructor qualifications, contract terms, and advertising materials. The aim is consumer protection: ensuring courses meet quality standards and that participants receive fair contractual conditions. Approval is unlimited in duration but the ZFU conducts quality reviews every three years. Offering unapproved distance learning courses is illegal and can result in contracts being void and fines.

Issued by: State Central Office for Distance Learning (ZFU)

Any company that wants to train apprentices in Germany's dual education system must be officially recognised as a training establishment (Ausbildungsstätte) under the Vocational Training Act (BBiG). Both the company and the designated trainer must meet suitability requirements set by the responsible chamber, either the IHK (industry and commerce) or HWK (skilled trades).The company must have the equipment and work processes to cover the training curriculum. The trainer needs relevant professional qualifications and must pass the instructor aptitude exam (Ausbildereignungsprüfung, AEVO). You apply through your local chamber, which sends a training advisor to assess suitability. Once approved, the company is entered into the training register.

Issued by: Chamber of Industry and Commerce / Chamber of Crafts

Operating a childcare facility (Kindertageseinrichtung) in Germany, including nurseries, kindergartens, and after-school centres, requires a license from the state youth welfare office (Landesjugendamt) under Section 45 SGB VIII. The facility may not open until the license has been granted. This applies to all facilities where children are cared for full-time or part-time.The licensing process takes at least three months. The Landesjugendamt reviews the care concept, staffing plan, qualifications of the staff, room layout, outdoor space, hygiene standards, and child protection measures. Premises are inspected on-site. The staffing ratio must meet state requirements, and the facility director needs recognised qualifications in early childhood education. Once licensed, the facility is subject to ongoing supervision with regular inspections.

Issued by: State Youth Welfare Office

Opening a driving school in Germany requires a driving school license (Fahrschulerlaubnis) under the Driving Instructor Act (Fahrlehrergesetz, FahrlG). The license is personal and non-transferable. You must hold a valid driving instructor license for the vehicle classes you intend to teach and have worked as a full-time driving instructor for at least two years.Additional requirements include being at least 25 years old, completing a 70-hour course on driving school business management, having suitable classroom premises with proper teaching equipment, and owning or leasing appropriate training vehicles. You must also provide a police clearance certificate and tax compliance confirmation. The license is issued by the road traffic authority of your state (Straßenverkehrsbehörde). Separate branch licenses are needed for each additional location.

Issued by: Road Traffic Authority (under state law)

Operating a substitute school (Ersatzschule, a private school that replaces public schools and awards recognized diplomas) requires formal approval from the school supervisory authority (Schulaufsichtsbehörde), typically the district government (Bezirksregierung). Supplementary schools (Ergänzungsschulen) such as language schools or tutoring centers only need to file a notification.For substitute schools, the authority reviews the educational concept, teacher qualifications, facilities, and financial viability. The school must meet standards equivalent to public schools in terms of curriculum and teacher training. Requirements vary by state, as education is a state-level responsibility. Approved substitute schools may receive public funding after a waiting period, usually three to five years depending on the Bundesland.

Issued by: School Supervisory Authority / Ministry of Education