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Apply for a Residence Permit to Participate in the European Voluntary Service

  • Wahlen, Engagement und Beteiligung
  • Migration und Integration
  • Arbeit

If you would like to participate in a European Voluntary Service program, you can apply for a temporary residence permit.

  • Basic information

    If you are from a third country and would like to participate in the European Voluntary Service (EVS), you can obtain a residence permit. It is valid for the duration of your volunteer service, but for no more than one year. 

    The agreement between you and the organization where you plan to volunteer must include the following information:

    • Description of the activities
    • Duration
    • Working hours
    • Working conditions
    • Supervision
    • Compensation
    • Training, if applicable

    If you are under 18 years of age, you will also need the consent of your parents or legal guardians.

    While participating in the volunteer service, you may not engage in any other employment.

    Requirements

    • Your identity and nationality have been verified.
    • There are no grounds for deportation or entry ban against you.
    • You meet the passport requirement.
    • You entered the country with the required visa. Your stay is lawful.
    • Your primary residence is in the city of Bremen.
    • Your livelihood is secured for the duration of your volunteer service
    • Written agreement between participants and the service provider
    • Age limits
      • Youth Volunteer Service: Participation is open to individuals under the age of 27 who have already completed compulsory education in their country of origin.
      • Federal Volunteer Service: There is no age limit
      • participants must have completed compulsory education in their country of origin.
      • European Voluntary Service: Participation is open to individuals between the ages of 17 and 30.

  • Procedure
    • The application and the required documents can be submitted to us by email or mail. 
    • If necessary, the Immigration Office will request additional documents.
    • If your application is approved, you will receive an appointment to come in for an interview.

    More information

    Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is provided for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

    Starting May 1, 2025, passport photos will only be accepted in digital form. The passport photo must be taken using a registration system on-site at the Office of Migration, at a photo studio, or at a photo service provider. You cannot submit a digital passport photo from your cell phone. For more information, please visit our website. Limited exceptions to the biometric requirements are permitted for infants and young children.

    A residence permit can only be issued for the duration of your national passport’s validity. Please apply for renewal well in advance of your national passport’s expiration date.
    If you do not possess a valid national passport, you must provide evidence of your efforts to obtain one (for example: written confirmation from the embassy, reasons for any delays).

  • Necessary Documents
    • National Passport / Proof of Identity
    • A current biometric passport photo
    • Documentation Regarding Volunteer Service
      • Description of the volunteer service, including details on the duration, working hours, conditions of service, and supervision
      • Information regarding the funds available for living expenses and housing, as well as information regarding an allowance
      • Information regarding any training the foreign national may receive to enable them to properly perform the duties of the volunteer service.
      • Proof of health insurance
      • Consent from legal guardians, if you are under 18 years of age
      • Declaration regarding the employment relationship (to be completed by the employer)
    • If the application is filed by an authorized representative: Power of attorney specifying the subject matter of the proceeding
    • If you already have a residence permit or another German residence authorization for the federal territory: A copy of your residence authorization
    • If you have entered the country and are applying for a residence permit for the first time, you must also:
      • Entry stamps, as well as a visa for entry or a residence permit from another EU country in the passport (if applicable)
    • Proof of primary residence in the municipality of Bremen

  • Competent Department

  • Forms

  • Fees / Costs

    100,00 EUR When a residence permit is issued for the first time as an electronic residence permit
    93,00 EUR When renewing a residence permit as an electronic residence permit
    27,60 EUR For Turkish nationals up to age 24 for initial issuance / for renewal
    46,00 EUR For Turkish citizens aged 24 or older: for initial issuance / for renewal
    56,00 EUR when the residence permit is issued for the first time as a label
    49,00 EUR when renewing a residence permit as a label
    6,00 EUR in addition, for taking a digital passport photo at the on-site self-service terminal

  • Deadlines & processing time

    What deadlines must be paid attention to?

    1 year The residence permit is issued for a maximum of 1 year.
    8 weeks The application should be received by the Foreigners' Registration Office no later than 8 weeks before your current visa expires or before you begin your volunteer service.

    How long does it take to process

    Once we receive your application, we will need some time to process and review it. Once the review is complete, we will get back to you.

  • Legal Bases

  • More Information

This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.

The official information in German is complete and correct.

Updated on 05.09.2026

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