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 citizen of a non-EU or non-EEA country.
• You can cover your living expenses (including health insurance) for the entire duration of the voluntary service without claiming public benefits. The federal government's subsidy for the Federal Voluntary Service does not prevent you from being granted a residence permit.
• There are no reasons of public safety and order that would prevent you from staying in Germany. There is no interest in expelling you.
• If you are a minor: the persons entitled to care for you have given their consent to the planned stay.

• 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 the country, you must then apply for a residence permit. The residence permit must be applied for before your visa or visa-free stay expires or your current residence permit expires.
• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If the application 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 arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your original documents with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints and signature will also be taken for the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• You will receive a letter by mail informing you that your application has been approved and that the Federal Printing Office has been commissioned to produce the eAT card, or that your application has been rejected.
• You will receive a letter 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 entitlement to a residence permit for participation in federal voluntary service. Each case is decided on an individual basis.
• The residence permit is only valid for participation in the Federal Volunteer Service. If the purpose of the stay changes, the responsible immigration office must be notified immediately.
• The procedure is usually conducted in German. If your German language skills are insufficient, it is advisable to bring someone with you who can act as a translator.
• All information provided to the immigration office should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that the matter can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be detrimental to those affected. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time to the immigration office can result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or expulsion from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification
• Action before the court specified in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

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.

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute)
• For recent entry: visa, if required for entry
• If you have previously stayed in Germany: current residence permit
• Current biometric passport-size photo (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of intended participation in the Federal Voluntary Service (e.g., agreement with the Federal Voluntary Service provider or the Federal Office for Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions)
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses (e.g., equity capital, proof of income, blocked account, pension notice, proof of receipt of benefits such as parental or child allowance, maintenance payments, declaration of commitment)
• For minors: Declaration of consent from the legal guardian for participation in the Federal Volunteer Service

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the immigration office may require less or more evidence.

Fee amount (fixed):

• €100.00 for applicants of legal age
• 50.00 euros for applicants who are minors

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 electronic proof of identity.

The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

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

Forms available: No
Written form required: No
Informal application possible: Yes
Personal appearance required: Yes