How to Volunteer in Germany

Volunteering in Germany is a great opportunity to broaden your horizons, help those in need, and make a difference in the world. There are a wide variety of worthwhile volunteer options in Germany, from helping kids and animals to environmental causes and community development.

From summer camps in nature to English teaching in urban centers, there’s an opportunity to volunteer in Germany waiting for you.

If you’re wondering how to volunteer in Germany, we’ll go over it here—and it’s a lot easier than you think. Find out if you need a visa to visit Germany and whether or not you may serve there for free. Then, take the next step in beginning your new volunteer adventure in Germany.

Volunteering in any part of Germany will provide you with the opportunity to learn about and engage with a new culture. As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with local NGOs and make real contributions to programs that not only boost your professional standing but also the quality of life for people from all over the world.

Can I volunteer in Germany for free?

It is possible for an intern to volunteer in Germany for free. However, there are some regulations that must be followed on the part of the organization and the intern in question. These regulations are in place to protect both parties.

The law in Germany restricts the duration of an unpaid internship to a maximum of three months or ninety days per year, whichever comes first. In addition, the training and experience gained by the intern should be the focus, rather than any benefit to the organization.

Before collaborating with any volunteer program, it is important to do extensive research on the organization and have a clear understanding of how to volunteer in Germany and what the associated fees will cover. Volunteers who are in need of financial assistance or scholarships due to their inability to cover the costs of the program may be eligible to get assistance from certain organizations.

What kind of visa do I need to volunteer in Germany?

If you aren’t an EU citizen and want to remain in Germany beyond 90 days, you will be required to have a residence permit in order to volunteer in Germany. A German residence permit lets you remain longer than 90 days. You can study, work, or do other things in the country.

However, if you only want to visit Germany briefly, you don't need a residence permit. Before visiting Germany, you might also be required to have a visa, although that will depend on your country of origin and how long you plan to remain there.

It is in your best interest to confirm the exact requirements with the German embassy or consulate in the country where you now reside. In addition to a Germany volunteer visa, several volunteer programs may need additional documents from applicants, such as a check of their criminal history or evidence that they have health insurance.

3 other requirements for volunteering in Germany

Research your chosen program’s requirements—you’re well on your way to finding the perfect fit!

Volunteering in Germany offers opportunities of various kinds that can be found in every major city in Germany. There are many different organizations that could greatly benefit from your aid. However, there are some varying requirements to note while considering how to volunteer in Germany:

• Age: To be eligible to volunteer in Germany, you need to be at least 18 years old. It is best to get in touch with the organization in question to confirm whether or not there are any additional age requirements.
• Registration: After arriving in Germany and before leaving the country, you are required to register with the local authorities. This will make it easier for you to obtain a tax ID number, which is something that certain forms of volunteer work may require of you.
• Language skills: It is possible that having a solid understanding of German will be necessary for you to participate in certain types of volunteer work, but this will depend on the organization. There are a number of organizations that need their volunteers to have at least a fundamental understanding of German, while others may provide chances for volunteers who are fluent in English.

How to volunteer in Germany

Looking for more guidance on how to volunteer in Germany? Here are the next steps to take ASAP to make it happen!

1. Do your homework and get ready

To begin, you should look into the many organizations and volunteer programs in Germany. Find credible organizations that make a positive impact on the community and that correspond with your interests and skills.

Ask yourself what kinds of skills you have to offer as well as what kinds of opportunities your skills are compatible with, and then go from there. It is also essential to give serious thought to the part of the country where you would like to serve as a volunteer!

2. Inspect and narrow down cities

Germany is a vast and diverse country, but there are many factors that you may want to consider when choosing a city in Germany to volunteer. Be mindful of the tendencies in each city as they relate to your interests because different cities have more opportunities for certain types of volunteering. For example, environmental projects or projects working with refugees and migrants may be more prevalent in cities like Berlin or Munich.

3. Choose a program

You know your interests and the skills you can contribute. It’s time to pick your program in Germany!

Choose an endeavor that you feel strongly about and wish to help further. The fields of education, conservation, health care, and community development are all rich with opportunities for volunteer work in Germany.

Think carefully about your motivations for volunteering abroad and the talents you may provide to the cause. That’s why picking a mission isn’t always tied to picking a final destination, and vice versa.

Think about what issues are most important to you when participating in a volunteer initiative during your investigation time. That should help you zero in on the right options.

4. Apply

After you have discovered a volunteer opportunity that meets your expectations, the organization will provide you with directions on how to submit your application. This can involve sending in your resume along with a cover letter and any references.

There are some organizations that might request a background check or charge a fee for volunteers. Find out whether or not you will require a visa for the duration of your stay, as well as the process that must be followed to apply for one. If it is necessary, get paperwork together and submit your visa application as soon as you can.

5. Book a flight and check off requirements

Make sure to plan and prepare for your trip to Germany. This includes booking your flight, getting any necessary vaccinations, obtaining travel insurance, and packing appropriately.

Although they should notify you, don’t rely on the airline to give you all of the requirements for your specific journey. It’s always a good idea to prepare yourself for the unexpected, and do not forget to consider the seasons in Germany and pack accordingly!

6. Keep an open mind

Participating in volunteer work in an entirely different country may be an experience that is both taxing and humbling. Maintain an open mind, show proper respect, and be eager to pick up new skills from the people in the surrounding community.

Take part in the activities of your host community as much as you can. When traveling, it is usually more meaningful to participate in genuine cultural exchanges with the locals.

Talk to our FREE Online Advisor and get matched with 5 volunteer programs in Germany

3 volunteer opportunities in Germany to consider

1. Volunteer as a Summer Camp Counselor in Europe

• Highlights: As a summer camp counselor in Germany, you can collaborate with Camp Europe. This program is meant to let college students travel to Europe, meet like-minded people from different countries, get first-rate outdoor education training, and get a few certifications along the way while acquiring teaching experience by curating fun and safe activities for children.
• Location: Bavaria, Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover, Munich
• Read Camp Europe reviews

2. Affordable Volunteer Projects

• Highlights: Join Volunteers For Peace and other foreign volunteers on a meaningful community service project with local partners who design, plan, and host it. Meet individuals from around the world and work on reasonably priced projects. Project types vary but include environmental conservation, historical preservation, language learning, and more. Each project is unique, yet they all bring people together for the most essential travel experience!
• Location: Varies
• Read Volunteers For Peace reviews

3. Volunteer to Teach English & Study German

• Highlights: Short-term volunteers in Germany will teach one-on-one conversational English classes to small groups of two to five students. Students range from 12 to 70 years old and come from several backgrounds. However, most students will be Arab migrants or their children. Halle (Saale) volunteers will teach and represent their own nation as cultural diplomats, so you’ll help enhance cross-cultural contacts through community activities.
• Location: Halle
• Read Excellence Center in Europe reviews

Can’t pick? Sign up for MyGoAbroad and compare these programs side-by-side for FREE

Volunteering in Germany will be an amazing way to experience the country

Now that you know how to volunteer in Germany, you’re on the road to a meaningful adventure.

Volunteering in Germany just may be the fulfilling and transformative experience you’ve been waiting to pursue. By working as a volunteer, interns can also build up their professional network and increase their chances of finding future job opportunities.

In addition, many companies offer flexible hours and allow interns to work part-time while studying or pursuing other activities. This flexibility makes it easier for individuals to balance their personal and professional responsibilities. Given the vast number of destinations and opportunities, there is without a doubt a volunteer program that matches your interests and skills.