Volunteer Service Visa (FSJ/BFD)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 548 days
- Processing time
- 6-12 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 75
- Validity
- 6-18 months, tied to voluntary service agreement duration (typically 12 months)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Under Section 19e AufenthG in conjunction with Section 19c(1) AufenthG, third-country nationals can obtain a residence permit to participate in recognized voluntary service programs in Germany, including the Federal Voluntary Service (Bundesfreiwilligendienst/BFD) and the Voluntary Social Year (Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr/FSJ) or Voluntary Ecological Year (Freiwilliges Oekologisches Jahr/FOEJ). FSJ/FOEJ is for ages 16-26; BFD has no upper age limit. Volunteers receive pocket money (up to EUR 473/month in 2025), free board and lodging, and social insurance contributions. The visa is not a work visa; employment beyond the voluntary service is not permitted.
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
Must have an accepted placement in a recognized German voluntary service program (FSJ, FOEJ, or BFD)
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Age
FSJ/FOEJ: Must be between 16 and 26 years old. BFD: No upper age limit, minimum 16 years old.
Min age: 16
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Criminal record
Must not pose a threat to public safety or order. Clean criminal record required.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Biometric, 35x45mm, white background, not older than 6 months
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Voluntary service agreement showing compensation, or parental support declaration; Minimum amount: Covered by voluntary service organization (pocket money + board/lodging), or proof of supplementary financial support from parents/sponsors
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National Visa Application Form for Voluntary Service; Form url: https://digital.diplo.de
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://digital.diplo.de; Location: German embassy or consulate
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Language proficiency
Accepted tests: Goethe-Institut, TestDaF, telc, or equivalent; Minimum score: B1 (recommended, not always mandatory; varies by program)
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Sponsorship certificate
Certificate name: Voluntary service agreement (Freiwilligenvereinbarung or FSJ/BFD agreement); Sponsor type: Recognized voluntary service organization in Germany
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Private health insurance
Coverage territory: Germany; Minimum coverage: Equivalent to German statutory health insurance (usually provided by the organization)
How to apply
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Document gathering
Secure a placement with a recognized voluntary service organization in Germany. Obtain the signed voluntary service agreement (Freiwilligenvereinbarung). Gather language proficiency certificate, financial proof, and health insurance.
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Online application
Complete the national visa application via the German Consular Services Portal
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee of EUR 75 (may be waived for scholarship holders or by bilateral agreement)
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Document submission
Submit all documents including passport, photos, voluntary service agreement, motivation letter, language certificate, financial proof, and health insurance
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the embassy appointment
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Processing wait
Wait for the visa decision. Processing typically takes 6-12 weeks.
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Visa collection
Collect your visa from the embassy. After arrival in Germany, register at the local registration office and apply for the residence permit at the foreigners authority.