Administrative services A-Z

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes

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

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

If you have not yet reached the age of 18, you will also need the consent of your legal guardians.

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

• You have a recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute) and if this was required for entry into Germany - an appropriate visa.
• You have concluded a formal agreement with a reputable institution on the performance of the voluntary service.
• There is no legally regulated reason for refusal (for example, you should not be one of the persons enjoying international protection in Germany, who have applied for the granting of international protection, whose deportation has been temporarily suspended or who have been granted temporary protection; also, the institution hosting you should not have been established solely for the purpose of facilitating the entry and residence of foreigners).
• You have adequate health insurance coverage.
• There is no interest in deportation against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Recognized and valid identity document (for example passport or passport substitute)
• Visa, if it was required for entry into the country
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Agreement with the host organization for the implementation of the European Voluntary Service including a description of the activity as well as information on 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 guardians
• In individual cases, the Aliens' Registration Office may require less or further proof.

Fee: 100 EUR

• § Section 45 No. 1 Residence Ordinance - Fees for the residence permit, the EU Blue Card, the ICT Card and the Mobile ICT Card

• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office. In the case of online application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to schedule an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, if possible in original, to the appointment).
• If your application is granted, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eATKarte). The Aliens' Registration Office will order the production of the eAT card from the Bundesdruckerei. After completion, you will receive information and can pick up the residence permit at the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

Duration: 6 weeks to 8 weeks

Remark (for further information about the deadline):

At least 8 weeks before the expiration of your still valid visa or before the start of your voluntary service, the application should be received by the Foreigners' Registration Office.

Period of validity: maximum 1 year

Remark (for further information on the time limit):

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

The following is responsible for processing the application the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence responsible

• § Section 19e of the Residence Act (AufenthG) - Participation in the European Voluntary Service
• § Section 14(1)(1) Employment Ordinance (BeschV) - Other employment
• Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, traineeships, voluntary service, pupil exchange programs, educational projects and au pairing

• Publication of the European Youth Portal on the European Voluntary Service

Ministry of the Interior and for Municipal Affairs of the State of Brandenburg