Are foreigners allowed to participate in BFD, FSJ or FÖJ? What are the legal requirements for the occupation of foreigners (international volunteers) in voluntary services in Germany?
Generally, foreigners are allowed to participate in BFD, FSJ or FÖJ. This applies to all foreigners regardless, whether they come from an EU member state or a third state. However, for young EU citizens there are fewer obstacles to overcome. They can serve a voluntary year in Germany with no difficulty.
Foreigners from Non-EU states require a valid residence title, usually in form of a visa. This title of residence must allow for employment (see § 4 II 2 German Residence Law, AufenthG). That is no problem as generally any foreigners may receive a residence permit according to § 18 AufenthG especially for the participation in voluntary services. This requires no approval of occupation by the Federal Employment Agency according to § 39 section 1 AufenthG in conjunction with §§ 1 and 9 Beschäftigungsverordnung (Employment Regulation): According to § 9 No. 1 Alt. 1 Beschäftigungsverordnung the voluntary social year and the German voluntary service are statutorily regulated voluntary services.
The place of assignment or the responsible institution respectively often offer support for the request of visas.
Also following a stay as au-pair in Germany a voluntary social year is possible. However, the residence permit has to be requested again.