Bundesfreiwilligendienst

• Gesetz über den Bundesfreiwilligendienst (Bundesfreiwilligendienstgesetz, BFDG)

The Federal Volunteer Service is an opportunity for people of all ages to get involved for the common good outside of work and school - in social, ecological and cultural areas or in the fields of sport, integration and civil defence and disaster control. As a rule, the Federal Volunteer Service lasts twelve months, with a minimum of six and a maximum of 18 months. In exceptional cases, it can last up to 24 months. The BFD can be completed full-time or part-time.

Placements are offered by non-profit organisations. As a volunteer, you can contact the respective organisation directly.

You conclude the assignment contract with the Federal Office of Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions (BAFzA).

Duration

The standard duration of a Federal Volunteer Service programme is twelve months. However, it can also be agreed or extended for a period of between six and 18 months. As part of a special educational concept, the duration can also be up to 24 months.

Remuneration

Volunteers receive an appropriate amount of pocket money. Currently, the maximum amount of pocket money is 644 euros per month (8% of the contribution assessment ceiling for general pension insurance as of January 2025). In addition, you may be provided with accommodation and meals (or equivalent substitute benefits).

You will be entitled to child benefit until you reach the age of 25 (subject to a corresponding statutory regulation). If you receive a pension or basic security benefits (e.g. citizen's allowance), you can obtain further information from the pension fund or other competent body about the deduction of pocket money from these benefits. The social security contributions (health insurance, nursing care insurance, pension and unemployment insurance and accident insurance) are paid by your assignment location.

If a medical examination or special work clothing is required for the voluntary service, your assignment location will bear the costs incurred.

The documents required for the application or performance of the service must be agreed with the organisation and the assignment location.

• You must have completed compulsory full-time schooling.
• As a foreigner, you must have a residence permit that allows you to work in Germany.
• An occupational health examination may also be required for some services. The place of employment will provide you with details.

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Once you have found a place, you should seek dialogue with the relevant assignment location. Once you have reached an agreement with this organisation about your placement, you will conclude a contract with the Federal Office of Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions. Your assignment centre will support you in this.

• If you have any problems, you can also contact your regional advisor at the Federal Office.

Educational support

• The Federal Volunteer Service is accompanied by educational counselling. Volunteers under the age of 27 are required to attend 25 seminar days over a twelve-month period of service.
• Volunteers aged 27 and over attend an appropriate number of seminar days. You can arrange more details with your assignment location. Attending the seminars counts as a period of service.
• The concept of the Federal Volunteer Service provides for the acquisition of so-called vocational skills. If necessary, the service can also be recognised as an internship.
• At the end of your period of service, your placement centre will issue you with a certificate and a reference. This contains information about the type, duration and professional qualifications of the service.

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Please note! However, some assignment locations and organisations may have set fixed deadlines for applications and starting work.

The first six weeks of service are considered a probationary period. The service can be cancelled during this period with two weeks' notice.

After the probationary period, the notice period is four weeks, to the 15th or the end of the month. In addition, the employment relationship can also be terminated prematurely for good cause - for example, due to the start of vocational training or studies.

During the period of service, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Youth Employment Protection Act as well as the provisions of the Federal Leave Act apply. For example, if you serve for twelve months, you are entitled to 24 days' holiday.

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