You can apply for an extension of your residence permit if you wish to continue participating in the Federal Voluntary Service.

In principle, the same conditions apply to the extension of the residence permit as to its initial issuance.

The residence permit will be extended for the duration of your participation in the Federal Volunteer Service, but for a maximum of 18 months in total. In exceptional cases, an extension of up to 24 months is possible if this can be justified within the framework of a special educational concept.

The same requirements apply to the renewal of a residence permit as to the initial granting of a residence permit, i.e.:

• You are a citizen of a non-EU or non-EEA country.
• You are already performing federal voluntary service, the originally agreed duration of which was limited to less than 24 months.
• You have agreed with the host institution to extend your service and can justify the need for this if the total duration of your service exceeds 18 months.
• 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 of the federal voluntary service is not an obstacle to the granting of 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 continuation of your stay.

• You must apply for a residence permit before your current residence permit expires.
• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to apply online or provides 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 are applying online, please follow the instructions provided by the immigration office to make 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 recorded 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 be informed when you can pick up the 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 an extension of the residence permit for participation in the Federal Voluntary Service. Each case is decided on an individual basis.
• The residence permit is only valid for participation in the Federal Voluntary 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 good time by the immigration authorities can result in the withdrawal 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 current residence permit expires.

Period of validity: When extended, the residence permit will be renewed for the planned duration of the Federal Voluntary Service, usually for a maximum of 18 months. In exceptional cases, the residence permit may be extended for up to 24 months if this can be justified within the framework of a special educational concept.

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.

In principle, the same documents are required for the renewal of your residence permit as for the initial issuance:

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of your intention to continue participating in the Federal Voluntary Service (e.g., extended agreement with the Federal Voluntary Service provider). If you intend to participate for a total period of more than 18 months, you must provide specific reasons for the extension.
• Proof of secure livelihood (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 to continue 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):

• 96.00 euros for an additional stay of up to three months
• 93.00 euros for an additional stay of more than three months

Comments:

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