As a participant in the European Voluntary Service, you will be granted a residence permit for the duration of your voluntary service, but for a maximum of one year.

The agreement between you and the host organization must contain the essential details (job description, duration, working hours, working conditions, supervision, remuneration, and, where applicable, training measures).

If you are under 18 years of age, you will also need the consent of your legal guardian.

You are not permitted to take up additional employment while participating in the voluntary service.

• You have a recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute) and, if required for entry into Germany, an appropriate visa.
• You have concluded a formal agreement with a reputable institution regarding the performance of voluntary service.
• There are no legally regulated grounds for rejection (for example, you should not be one of those persons who enjoy international protection in Germany, who have applied for international protection, whose deportation has been temporarily suspended, or who have been granted temporary protection; nor should the institution hosting you have been founded solely for the purpose of facilitating the entry and residence of foreigners).
• You have adequate health insurance coverage.
• There is no interest in expelling you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to apply online or provides a special application form.
• If you can only apply in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. 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 documents, preferably the originals, with you to the appointment).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card). The immigration office will commission the production of the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can collect your residence permit from the relevant office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authorities
• Action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

Duration: 6 to 8

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The application should be received by the immigration office no later than 8 weeks before your current visa expires or before you start your voluntary service.

: maximum 1 year

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The residence permit is issued for a maximum of 1 year.

Deadline type: : 1

Duration approx. 8 weeks

Note for further information on processing time:

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 is responsible for processing the application .

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute)
• Visa, if required for entry
• Current biometric passport-size photo (45 x 35 mm)
• Agreement with the host organization for the European Voluntary Service, including a description of the activities and details of the duration of the voluntary service, working hours, working conditions, supervision, remuneration, and any training measures included.
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Before reaching the age of 18: consent of the legal guardian
• In individual cases, the immigration office may require less or more evidence.

Fee: EUR 100

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes