The Federal Volunteer Service is performed as predominantly practical assistance in institutions oriented toward the common good, particularly in social, cultural, or ecological institutions in Germany. These include, for example, kindergartens, schools, care facilities, emergency services, forestry offices, theaters, museums, sports clubs, and many more.

The Federal Volunteer Service lasts for a minimum of six and a maximum of 18 months. As a rule, it is performed for twelve consecutive months. In exceptional cases, it can be extended to a duration of up to 24 months if this can be justified within the framework of a special educational concept.

You will receive pocket money for performing voluntary service (as of 2024: €453.00 per month).

• You are a national of a non-EU or non-EEA country.
• You can support yourself (including health insurance coverage) for the entire duration of your volunteer service without relying on public benefits. Federal funding for the Federal Volunteer Service does not preclude the issuance of a residence permit.
• There are no grounds related to public safety or public order that would prevent your stay in Germany. There is no basis for deportation against you.
• If you are a minor: consent to the planned stay has been obtained from the persons authorized to exercise parental care.

• Before entering Germany, you must generally apply for a national visa for Germany in your home country. In addition to EU and EEA citizens, nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and the United States of America do not require a visa.
• After entering Germany, you must then apply for a residence permit. You must apply for the residence permit before your visa, your visa-free stay period, or your current residence permit expires.
• Find out whether your local immigration office allows you to submit your application online or provides a special application form.
• If applications can only be submitted in person, make an appointment with the immigration office responsible for your place of residence. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to schedule an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be verified (please bring your original documents to the appointment). In addition, your fingerprints and signature will be taken for the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• You will receive a notice by mail informing you that your application has been approved and the Federal Printing Office has been commissioned to produce the eAT card, or that your application has been denied.
• You will receive a notice by mail informing you that you can pick up your eAT card at the Foreigners’ Registration Office. Since the eAT card is linked to an online ID function, you must pick it up in person.

• There is no automatic entitlement to a residence permit for participation in the Federal Volunteer Service. Decisions are always made on a case-by-case basis.
• The residence permit is valid only for participation in the Federal Volunteer Service. If the purpose of the stay changes, the competent immigration office must be notified immediately.
• The procedure is generally conducted in German. If your German language skills are insufficient, it is recommended that you bring someone with you who can act as a translator.
• All information provided to the immigration office should be accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that the matter can be processed without significant delays.
• Inaccurate or incomplete information can slow down the process and be detrimental to those involved. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not supplemented or corrected in a timely manner with the Foreigners’ Registration Office may result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or deportation from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is provided for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

• File an appeal against the decision of the Immigration Office within one month of its notification
• Lawsuit before the court specified in the notice of decision on the appeal, if the appeal is not granted

Application deadline: The residence permit should be applied for at least 6 to 8 weeks before your visa, visa-free stay, or valid residence permit expires—but in any case well in advance of the start of your voluntary service.

Period of validity: The residence permit is issued for the duration of the federal voluntary service, which can last between six and 18 months.

Approximately 6 to 8 weeks

The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the immigration office. It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

• A recognized and valid identification document (such as a passport or passport substitute)
• If you entered the country recently: a visa, if one was required for entry
• If you have previously resided in Germany: Current residence permit
• Current biometric passport-sized photo (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of intended participation in the Federal Volunteer Service (e.g., agreement with the Federal Volunteer Service provider or the Federal Office for Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions)
• Proof of sufficient means of support (e.g., personal assets, proof of income, blocked account, pension notice, proof of receipt of benefits such as parental allowance or child allowance, alimony payments, letter of commitment)
• For minors: A declaration of consent from the legal guardians regarding participation in the Federal Volunteer Service

The documents and information must generally be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Foreigners’ Registration Office may require fewer or additional documents.

Fee amount (fixed):

• 100.00 euros for adult applicants
• 50.00 euros for applicants under the age of majority

Note:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as an electronic proof of identity.

The timing and method of fee collection and payment vary depending on the agency.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be available (for example, for persons entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply to Turkish nationals.

Forms available: No
Written application required: No
Informal application accepted: Yes
Must appear in person: Yes