Applying for a residence permit to participate in the European Voluntary Service

• 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 immigration office. If you apply online, the Foreigners' Registration 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 to the appointment, in the original if possible).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce an electronic residence permit (eAT card). The Foreigners' Registration Office will commission the Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. After completion, you will receive information and can collect the residence permit from the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a notice of rejection.

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

• 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 signed a formal agreement with a reputable organization to carry out the voluntary service.
• There are no statutory grounds for refusal (for example, you should not be a person who enjoys international protection in Germany, who has applied for international protection, whose deportation has been temporarily suspended or who has been granted temporary protection; nor should the organization accepting you have been established solely for the purpose of facilitating the entry and residence of foreigners).
• You have adequate health insurance cover.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
• Visa, if this was required for entry
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Agreement with the host organization on the implementation of the European Voluntary Service with a job description and information on the duration of the voluntary service, working hours, working conditions, supervision, remuneration and any training measures included.
• Proof of health insurance cover
• Before the age of 18: consent of the legal guardian
• In individual cases, the foreigners authority 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

Duration: 6 to 8

Note (for further information on the deadline):

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

maximum 1 year

Note (for further information on the deadline):

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

Time limit type: : 1

Duration approx. 8 weeks

Note for further information on the processing time:

The production of the electronic residence permit by Bundesdruckerei takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

• § 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

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority
• Legal action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance necessary: Yes

02.06.2022