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 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 to produce an electronic residence permit (eAT card). The foreigners authority will commission the Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. After completion, you will receive information and can collect the residence permit from the relevant office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

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

• You have a recognised and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute) and, if this was required for entry into Germany, an appropriate visa.
• You have signed a formal agreement with a reputable organisation 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 the granting of international protection, whose deportation has been temporarily suspended or who has been granted temporary protection; nor should the institution receiving you have been established solely for the purpose of facilitating the entry and residence of foreigners).
• 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 this was required for entry
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Agreement with the host organisation on the implementation of the European Voluntary Service with a job description and details of 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 person with parental authority
• In individual cases, the immigration authority may require less or further proof.

• § Section 19e Residence Act (AufenthG)
• § Section 14(1)(1) Employment Ordinance (BeschV)
• 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 programmes, educational projects and au pairing

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

Forms available: Yes

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment Issued for participation in the European Voluntary Service
• Third-country nationals can obtain a temporary residence permit to participate in a charitable project in Germany.
• Participants in the European Voluntary Service (EVS) are granted a residence permit for the duration of their voluntary service, but for a maximum of one year.
• Additional employment is not permitted alongside participation in the voluntary service.
• Responsible: the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence