Destination · Germany
Discover programmes available in Germany, from local opportunities to international schemes.
Key arrival formalities, timelines and the authorities to contact.
Your mandatory first step is the Anmeldung (address registration) at the local Bürgeramt within two weeks of moving into housing (including shared flats). You must bring a signed confirmation from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). Completing your Anmeldung automatically triggers the mailing of your personal Tax ID (Steuer-ID). Ensure your name is clearly printed on your building mailbox, or official government mail will be returned.
Taxable income up to ~€12,348 is tax-free, after which progressive income tax applies (14% to 42%, plus a 45% top bracket for high earners). Taxes and social security are withheld directly from salary. Note that declaring a religious affiliation during registration triggers a Church Tax (Kirchensteuer, 8%–9% of income tax). Every household receives a mandatory monthly TV/Radio fee bill (Rundfunkbeitrag of €18.36/month). A German IBAN or Girocard-compatible account remains essential, as many local businesses do not accept credit cards.
Joining a statutory public health fund (Krankenkasse, e.g., TK, AOK, Barmer) is mandatory for employees earning under the high-income threshold. The statutory health contribution is split 50/50 with your employer (your share is roughly 8.2%–9% of gross salary, including additional fund rates). Going to your primary doctor (Hausarzt) is free at the point of care (€0 copay). Almost all residents also purchase a cheap private personal liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung, ~€4–€8/month).
Tenants set up their own electricity and internet contracts online; internet installation can take 2–6 weeks, so apply early. For public transit, the nationwide Deutschlandticket costs €63/month and covers unlimited travel on all local/regional buses, trams, subways, and regional trains across Germany. EU driving licenses remain valid indefinitely without exchange.
VOLUNTEERING Adult Association Volunteering | Volontariat Associatif Public-interest missions hosted by approved non-profits or foundations, specifically tailored for adults aged 25 and over. Offers a legal framework with…
View programme →A destination-specific cultural exchange combining childcare, accommodation, meals and pocket money.
View programme →VOLUNTEERING Austrian Abroad Service | Gedenkdienst, Friedens- & Sozialdienst Specialized international service pathways focusing on Holocaust remembrance (Gedenkdienst), peace-building, or social development work across the globe. Serves as…
View programme →VOLUNTEERING Civic Service Germany | BFD · FSJ · FÖJ Diverse placements in social, cultural, or environmental fields across Germany only. Includes statutory health insurance and a monthly…
View programme →VOLUNTEERING Civic Service Luxembourg | Service Volontaire Multi-track service for young adults under 30, spanning local community projects, cross-border exchanges in neighboring regions, or global development missions. Requires…
View programme →Reduce the cost of a first independent holiday through a means-tested French youth scheme.
View programme →German–Greek Youth Encounters bring together partner groups from Germany and Greece for a shared project such as sport, creative work or another youth-led theme.
View programme →German–Polish Youth Encounters enable balanced partner groups to learn and act together through arts, sport, history, society, language or another shared theme.
View programme →Develop a business project alongside an experienced entrepreneur abroad.
View programme →European company mobility organised through a participating French CFA for apprentices and eligible recent graduates.
View programme →Learning mobility through an eligible adult-education provider, with formats from 2 days to 12 months.
View programme →DiscoverEU awards travel passes to eligible 18-year-olds so they can explore Europe during a defined travel window.
View programme →Vocational group or individual mobility organised through an eligible VET sending organisation.
View programme →Two-to-six-month supported placement abroad through a participating French employment or mobility operator.
View programme →Five-to-21-day non-formal learning exchange through a youth organisation or eligible informal group.
View programme →Choose Eurail if you live outside Europe or Interrail if you live in Europe, then plan travel days and mandatory reservations separately.
View programme →Paid traineeships for eligible 18–35-year-olds living in a participating European region. Country-level residence alone does not establish eligibility.
View programme →Volunteer for two weeks to twelve months through a funded European Solidarity Corps project.
View programme →Take part in a shorter funded solidarity project with an international team.
View programme →Join a team of 12 facilitators travelling across Germany during the 2026–2027 school year.
View programme →Join a recognised social, ecological, cultural, educational or peace-building placement abroad with structured preparation and support.
View programme →Short international group volunteering arranged through a sending organisation and a live host project.
View programme →Complete an independent internship in France or Germany outside formal studies.
View programme →Complete a recognised public-interest mission abroad with a monthly allowance.
View programme →Choose one named project and site in an official annual call, then apply through the Italian public-service platform.
View programme →Tandem coordinates multiple German–Czech youth exchanges; each live call or partner project sets its exact age, residence, dates, cost, language and selection rules.
View programme →Tremplin Langues – BIJ combines language immersion with volunteering in a non-profit host organisation for eligible French-speaking residents of Wallonia or Brussels.
View programme →International UN Volunteer assignments selected against a live Description of Assignment.
View programme →Annual UNESCO-selected heritage action camps with applications handled by each implementing organisation.
View programme →Complete a structured professional assignment abroad with French public support.
View programme →VEFA – Franco-German Ecological Voluntary Service is a Franco-German mobility route with programme-specific language, partner, placement or residence conditions.
View programme →Franco-German Voluntary Service – VFA is a Franco-German mobility route with programme-specific language, partner, placement or residence conditions.
View programme →Apply to an approved German sending organisation for a defined partner project, with preparation, support and public funding.
View programme →Arrange a defined exchange of help for accommodation and agreed meals; this is not employment or a funded programme.
View programme →Participate in organic farming and ecological life in exchange for meals and accommodation; no money is exchanged.
View programme →No programmes in this category are currently listed for Germany. Select the category again to see all programmes.
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