Would you like to come to Germany to do volunteer work and get to know the country? That’s possible. Some organizations have placements for international volunteers and can provide housing.
However, there are only a limited number of spots available. The number of applications from abroad far exceeds the number of available positions. Demand is sometimes so high that it’s not always possible to respond to every application. If you want to apply, it’s best to do so about a year in advance.
Requirements for Volunteer Service in Germany
How old do I have to be?
- Volunteers from abroad must be of legal age (at least 18 years old).
- A Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) and a Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ) are available to those up to age 26.
- There is no age limit for the Bundesfreiwilligendienst (BFD). However, there are far fewer spots available for incoming volunteers aged 27 and older.
Do I need to know German?
Yes. It’s important that you already understand and speak some German. Language skills corresponding to approximately levels A1 to B1 are recommended.
Do I need a visa for Germany?
- If you live in the European Union (EU), you generally do not need a visa.
- For all other countries, a national visa is usually required for volunteer service. Tip: Apply for a visa as early as possible. Processing can take several months.
- The requested period must match the agreed-upon duration of the volunteer service. This is usually six to twelve months.
What does “volunteer service” mean?
Volunteer service programs in Germany are offered as the "Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr" (FSJ / Voluntary Social Year), the "Freiwilliges Ökologisches Jahr" (FÖJ / Voluntary Ecological Year), or the Bundesfreiwilligendienst (BFD). Many people in Germany participate in volunteer service. People from abroad who are interested can also participate in volunteer service. This is called “incoming volunteer service.”
When you participate in volunteer service, you typically work for one year at a social, environmental, or cultural organization in Germany. You’re contributing to a good cause. A volunteer service is like an internship. It’s a learning experience, not a full-fledged job. A volunteer service helps you explore career options and grow personally. You don’t receive a salary, just a small allowance.
Arranging a volunteer placement costs nothing!
Never pay anyone in your home country who promises you a volunteer placement in Germany! Our organizations do not work with agencies or language schools abroad. You must always apply directly and in person to our partner organizations.
WHAT KIND OF BENEFITS DO INCOMING VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE?
- HOUSING:
The organization usually provides housing for international volunteers. This is often right at the placement site, and sometimes with a host family.
- POCKET MONEY:
International volunteers receive pocket money every month. The exact amount depends on your personal situation. Some organizations, for example, provide a meal allowance or cover transportation costs. Pocket money is not a salary, but it’s usually enough to cover living expenses in Germany.
- INSURANCE:
The organization pays for health insurance and liability insurance for volunteers in Germany.
- VACATION:
Volunteers are entitled to vacation time during their volunteer year (approximately 30 days for 12 months). During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to travel, for example.
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
There are free seminars for volunteers. These are workshops designed to help you grow both professionally and personally. You’ll get to know other volunteers, make friends, and share experiences.
What you usually have to pay for yourself:
- You’ll generally have to pay for your own travel expenses and visa fees.
- Language courses are not usually part of a volunteer program. However, there’s often the option to take a language course locally.
Typical Areas of Work for Volunteers
In Germany, volunteer opportunities are available in a variety of fields. Tip: Larger organizations in the nursing and care sectors often offer positions with housing for incoming volunteers. If you’re interested in working in nursing, elder care, or supporting people with disabilities, you’ll have better chances.
- Peace and Development:
Projects promoting coexistence, education, and social justice
- Refugees:
Support with integration and assistance with daily life
- Trades and Technology:
Repairs, building maintenance, workshop work
- Children and Youth:
Supervision, recreational activities
- Church and Community:
Assisting with social and cultural programs offered by church congregations
- Culture:
Museums, events, theaters, libraries
- Medicine and Care:
Hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation
- People with Disabilities:
Daily living assistance, recreational activities, care
- Nature and the Environment:
Nature conservation, ecological projects, agriculture, zoos
- Politics and Administration:
Citizen initiatives, educational outreach, public relations
- School:
Assistance, tutoring, support in the classroom
- Seniors:
Daily living assistance, care, support
- Services:
Housekeeping, organization
- Social Services:
Counseling centers, support services, social work for people in need
What Volunteer Service in Germany Is:
- Learning and gaining practical experience
- A time for personal growth
- Helping others and contributing to a good cause
- Living and working as part of a team
- Getting to know a new language and culture
What a volunteer program is NOT:
- Not an automatic right to stay in Germany after the program ends
- Not a regular job with a full salary
- Not a language course: Learning German happens naturally as part of daily volunteer life; sometimes there are accompanying courses
- Not just travel or tourism
- Not vocational training, but good preparation for it
How do I apply for a volunteer program in Germany?
Where can I do a volunteer program in Germany? How do I apply? We'll walk you through it step by step.
Step 1:
Find a host organization and placement in Germany
You’ll need to find an organization in Germany that offers volunteer programs for international volunteers. These organizations are also called “host organizations.” The host organization coordinates the volunteer program. You’ll need to apply directly to each organization. Check the host organizations’ websites to find out the application deadlines. You can find contact information for our incoming host organizations using the map on this page.
IMPORTANT:
Do not pay any money in your home country to agencies or individuals who claim to arrange volunteer placements in Germany and guarantee you a spot. You can only apply directly and in person to our host organizations. Our organizations do not work with agencies, language schools, or external intermediaries abroad! There is no guarantee of a spot in the volunteer program.
Step 2:
Get Informed and Apply Early
Plan ahead for volunteer service in Germany. It’s best to apply a year in advance. The application process can take some time, especially if you need a visa for Germany.
You can find information about visas and how to apply for one for Germany on the website of the German Embassy in your home country. Sometimes you’ll have to wait weeks or even months for an appointment. The visa costs money. You’ll have to pay for the visa and travel expenses yourself. If you’ve received a confirmation from a host organization in Germany, you can apply for the visa yourself with their help. You don’t need an agency for this.
Step 3:
Gather your application documents
When applying, you’ll usually need the following documents:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Transcripts
- Copy of your passport
- Proof of German language proficiency (A1/B1)
- Sometimes also proof of vaccinations or a health certificate
Tip: Make sure your copies are clearly legible.
Step 4:
Apply Strategically
Send your application to the organizations of your choice. Check the organizations’ websites to see what documents you need to apply. This can vary from organization to organization. Tip: Try to stand out from the crowd. Tailor your application to organizations that offer opportunities for international volunteers. Your chances of success are better if you address the specific organization in your statement of purpose and cover letter and demonstrate a personal interest.
Step 5:
Introductory Video Interview
After you submit your application, it may take a while to hear back. The organizations often have to review and respond to a large number of applications. If you’re lucky, the organization will contact you and invite you to an online interview. You’ll get to know each other and discuss the next steps.
Step 6:
Acceptance and Getting Started in Germany
If you are accepted into the volunteer program, the staff will help you with the paperwork. They will arrange housing for you and support you as you get started at your placement.
Is your country part of the EDYN network?
Some countries are part of the European Democratic Youth Network (EDYN). This is an ecumenical and Christian network. In these countries, there are staff members who can provide you with information and advice about volunteer opportunities in Germany. They will help you with your application.
EDYN member countries are:
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Germany
- France
- United Kingdom
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Poland
- Norway
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Ukraine
- United States
More information:
https://edyn.org
In Germany, the term “incoming” is often used to refer to volunteer programs for volunteers from abroad. The term is derived from English: “incoming” means “coming in” or “inbound.” If you’re applying from abroad for a volunteer program in Germany, you can often recognize opportunities for international volunteers by the term “incoming.”
Anyone who participates in a volunteer service program in Germany—such as a Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr (FSJ) or Bundesfreiwilligendienst (BFD)—receives a stipend. This also applies to international volunteers. The amount of the stipend often depends on the volunteer’s personal situation, the placement, and the sponsoring organization.
Volunteers from abroad are provided with housing. They are often housed directly at their placement site, and sometimes with host families.
You are generally responsible for paying for your round-trip travel and visa costs yourself.
International volunteers receive health insurance and liability insurance, which the sponsoring organization pays for. This covers you against the biggest risks.
Your German doesn't have to be perfect. However, it's important that you already understand and can speak some German. We recommend a level of German roughly equivalent to A2 or B1. A basic vocabulary will make it easier for you to settle in Germany. With a foundation of knowledge, you can improve your German skills much more easily and quickly through practical use in everyday life.
Some host organizations may be able to arrange language courses. However, this is usually the exception. Volunteers have no legal right to a language course, as it is not part of the volunteer program. In Germany, however, there are numerous opportunities to take private language courses or learn German online. As a rule, you’ll have to cover the costs yourself.
During your volunteer service in Germany, you’ll always have a contact person at your placement site and at the sponsoring organization. Often, there are several volunteers working at the placement sites, and you can become friends with them and do things together in your free time. You’ll also attend regular seminars where you’ll get to know other volunteers. So you’re not alone.
Volunteers are entitled to vacation time. If you’re doing a year of volunteer service, you can take a total of about 30 days of vacation. You can schedule your vacation days as you see fit, in consultation with your placement organization. You’ll usually have weekends off as well. This gives you the opportunity to travel throughout Germany and Europe.
You’ll usually receive a response within a few days. However, it may take longer, as applications are carefully reviewed and evaluated. Our organizations are currently receiving a large number of applications from abroad. If you haven’t heard back after three to four weeks, please contact the organization to check on the status of your application.
There is no central application process for volunteer programs in Germany. You must always apply directly to the individual organizations. Application processes may vary, so be sure to contact the organizations directly to find out how to apply.
Whether an FSJ or a BFD can be recognized and credited as an internship varies depending on the country and the educational goal. Check with the relevant authorities, organizations, schools, or universities in your home country.
Yes, this may be possible if the sponsoring organization and the authorities agree. An FSJ or BFD typically lasts twelve months. A service period can be shortened to six months or extended to a maximum of 18 months
Most volunteer programs begin in the summer (August/September). Some organizations also offer start dates in the spring or flexible start dates throughout the year.