01DISCOVER
02COMPARE
03PREPARE
04GO
At a glance
TypeFull-time international youth voluntary service
WhoCompulsory schooling completed; under 27 through the end
ResidenceOrdinary residence in Germany
Duration6–18 months; normally 12
DestinationA current recognised provider placement
Programme highlights
✓ A defined non-profit placement abroad✓ Preparation, seminars and pedagogical support✓ Mandatory international insurance✓ Provider-specific costs and allowances
About this programme
Overseas voluntary placements managed through certified German host organizations. Provides comprehensive preparation, intercultural coaching, travel support, and social insurance for young people serving in social or ecological initiatives worldwide.
Eligibility criteria
- Age and schoolingYou must have completed compulsory full-time schooling before departure and remain under 27 until the service ends. A provider decides whether it can send applicants under 18.
- Residence and nationalityYou must be ordinarily resident in Germany. German citizenship is not required. Current guidance adds a three-year German-residence and valid-status condition for non-German nationals; depending on the residence title, prior approval may be needed.
- DestinationA non-German applicant cannot be sent to their home country. The destination must belong to the selected provider’s current recognised offer and pass applicable security checks.
- Qualifications and languageNo higher-education qualification is required by the IJFD framework. The provider and live placement may set role-specific language, experience or safeguarding requirements.
- DurationService lasts 6–18 months and is normally 12 months.
- Costs and supportThe provider agreement sets pocket money, accommodation, meals, travel and any reasonable personal contribution. International insurance, pedagogical support and seminars are mandatory.
Important to know
A country in the official provider directory does not prove that a place is currently recruiting. Confirm the provider’s live project, deadline, residence rule, destination restriction, costs and visa conditions before applying.
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