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

• Find out whether your immigration office makes it possible to apply online or provides a special application form.
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. In the case of online applications, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receipt of your application to make an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and your documents will be checked (please bring your documents, if possible in the original, to the appointment).
• If your application is granted, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card). The Foreigners' Registration Office commissions Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. After completion, you will receive information and can pick up the residence permit at the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

• You have a recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport replacement) and - if this was necessary for entry into Germany - a suitable visa.
• You have concluded a formal agreement with a reputable institution on the implementation of the voluntary service.
• There is no legally regulated reason for refusal (for example, you should not be one of the persons enjoying international protection in Germany who have applied for international protection, whose deportation is temporarily suspended or who have been granted temporary protection; nor should the institution hosting you have been established solely for the purpose of facilitating the entry and residence of foreigners).
• You have sufficient health insurance coverage.
• There is no interest in expulsion against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or adversely affect the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport replacement)
• Visa, if required for entry
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Agreement with the host body for the implementation of the European Voluntary Service with 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 coverage
• Before the age of 18: Consent of the persons entitled to custody
• In individual cases, the Foreigners' Registration Office may require less or more evidence.

Duration: 6 weeks to 8 weeks

Remark (for more information on the deadline):

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

Period of validity: maximum 1 year

Remark (for more information on the deadline):

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

The duration of the application process depends on the local conditions as well as on the factual accuracy of the information in the application as well as the completeness of the application documents.

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes

• Appeal against the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office
• Action before the court referred to in the notice of opposition if the opposition is not complied with

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior and Sport