Applying for a residence permit to take part 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 Foreigners' Registration 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, preferably in the original).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card). The Foreigners’ Registration Office commissions the Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can collect your residence permit from the relevant office. As a general rule, you must collect the eAT card in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

The immigration authority responsible for the applicant’s place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

• You hold a recognised and valid identity document (for example, a passport or a passport substitute) and, if this was required for entry into Germany, a suitable visa.
• You have entered into a valid agreement with a reputable organisation regarding the undertaking of voluntary service.
• There is no legally defined ground for refusal (for example, you must not be one of the 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 host organisation have been established solely for the purpose of facilitating the entry and residence of foreign nationals).
• You have adequate health insurance cover.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• Their stay does not jeopardise or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Recognised and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
• Visa, if required for entry
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• An agreement with the host organisation regarding the European Voluntary Service, including a description of the role, as well as details of the duration of the voluntary service, working hours, working conditions, supervision, remuneration and any training provided.
• Proof of health insurance cover
• Before reaching the age of 18: consent of the legal guardians
• In individual cases, the Immigration Authority may require less or more supporting documentation.

• Section 45(2) of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV)

• Section 19e of the Residence Act (AufenthG) – Participation in the European Voluntary Service
• Section 14(1)(1) of the Employment Regulation (BeschV) – Other forms of 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, a traineeship, voluntary service, school exchange programmes or educational projects, and to work as an au pair

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

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes