Applying for a residence permit to take part in the Federal Voluntary Service

• Before entering Germany, you will usually need to 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.
• Once you have entered the country, you must then apply for a residence permit. You must apply for the residence permit before your visa, your visa-free period of stay or your current residence permit expires.
• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If applications can only be made in person, please make an appointment with the Foreigners’ Registration Office responsible for your place of residence. If you are applying online, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will contact you once your application has been received to arrange an appointment.
• During your 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 informing you that your application has been approved and that the Bundesdruckerei has been commissioned to produce your eaT card, or that your application has been rejected.
• You will receive a letter informing you that you can collect your eAT card from the Foreigners’ Registration Office. As the eAT card is linked to an online identity verification function, you must collect it in person.

• You are a national of a non-EU or non-EEA country.
• You can support yourself (including health insurance cover) for the entire duration of your voluntary service without having to rely on state benefits. The fact that the Federal Voluntary Service is subsidised by the federal government does not prevent you from being granted a residence permit.
• There are no grounds relating to public security or public order that would prevent you from staying in Germany. There are no grounds for your deportation.
• In the case of minors: consent to the planned stay has been obtained from the persons authorised to exercise parental responsibility.

• Recognised and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
• If you have recently entered the country: a visa, if this was required for entry
• If you have previously resided in Germany: Current residence permit
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of intended participation in the Federal Voluntary Service (for example, an agreement with the Federal Voluntary Service provider or the Federal Office for Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions)
• Evidence of sufficient means of support (for example, personal assets, proof of income, a blocked account, a pension notice, proof of receipt of benefits such as parental allowance or child benefit, maintenance payments, a declaration of commitment)
• For minors: a declaration of consent from their legal guardians regarding participation in the Federal Voluntary Service

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the foreigners authority may require less or further evidence.

• Section 45(2) of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV)
• Section 50(1) of the Residence Regulation (AufenthV)

• Section 19c(1) of the Residence Act (AufenthG)

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

Forms available: No
Written application required: No
Informal applications accepted: Yes Must be submitted in
person: Yes

• There is no automatic entitlement to be granted a residence permit for the purpose of taking part in the Federal Voluntary Service. Decisions are always made on a case-by-case basis.
• The residence permit is valid only for the purposes of participating in the Federal Voluntary Service. If the purpose of the stay changes, the relevant immigration authority must be notified immediately.
• The proceedings are usually conducted in German. If your knowledge of German is insufficient, it is advisable to attend the hearing with someone 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 request can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be detrimental to the person concerned. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in good time vis-à-vis the immigration authority can result in the cancellation of residence rights that have already been granted, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years or expulsion from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for information purposes only and is not legally binding.

Ministry of the Interior and Municipal Affairs of the State of Brandenburg, Department 21