FSJ as a foreigner in Germany: A comprehensive guide with legal principles
The Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) offers young people around the world (for example from the Philippines) the opportunity to gain valuable professional and personal experience in Germany. The FSJ is a particularly popular way for foreigners from non-EU countries to familiarise themselves with Germany and gain a foothold here.
1 What is the Voluntary Social Year (FSJ)?
The Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) is a voluntary service programme for young people aged 16 to 27. It lasts between 6 and 18 months in social organisations and serves to promote personal development and career orientation. The FSJ is regulated by the Youth Volunteer Service Act (JFDG). International applicants benefit in particular, as an FSJ is recognised as a visa purpose under certain conditions (§ 18 of the Residence Act, AufenthG).
2 What are the advantages of the FSJ for international applicants?
The FSJ offers many advantages to both German and foreign participants. In addition to personal development and the strengthening of social skills, the FSJ offers foreign applicants:
- Linguistic integration: The opportunity to improve your German language skills.
- Professional network: Contacts with potential employers.
- Easier career entry: A bridge to vocational training or a degree programme.
International applicants can also benefit from the visa for voluntary services in accordance with § 16b AufenthG, which regulates residence for the duration of the FSJ.
3. what interesting FSJ positions are there for foreigners?
There are a variety of areas of work that are of interest to international applicants. These range from social institutions such as hospitals and care homes to cultural institutions and kindergartens. The FSJ positions must be offered by a recognised assignment location, which is regulated by the Youth Volunteer Service Act (JFDG). Popular areas for FSJ positions are
- Care and health: Hospitals, retirement homes, mobile care services.
- Education: Kindergartens, schools, youth work.
- Culture and administration: Theatre, museums, secretarial work.
An important legal aspect here is that the assignment must take place in a recognised facility in accordance with the JFDG.
4 FSJ as a foreigner in Germany: Requirements
The most important requirement for international applicants who would like to do an FSJ in Germany is proof of sufficient German language skills (usually A2 to B1). As a rule, they must also have completed a school education. Foreign applicants from non-EU countries require a visa, which they must apply for before entering the country (Section 18 (4) AufenthG).
5 FSJ for foreigners: visa and legal requirements
A visa for the FSJ is issued in accordance with § 16b AufenthG and requires an agreement with a recognised assignment location. The application is made via the German embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country. Further requirements include:
- Blocked account: Proof of financial means is often required, e.g. in the form of a blocked account.
- Health insurance: International applicants must provide proof of adequate health insurance.
- Proof of contract: The FSJ contract with an assignment centre must be available when applying for the visa.
6 Is an FSJ worthwhile for foreigners?
The FSJ offers a number of advantages, but international applicants should also consider the financial aspects. The pocket money is at least 320 euros per month (§ 5 JFDG). Accommodation and meals are often organised or subsidised by the placement location. For many foreign FSJ participants, however, the financial aspect is less important than the opportunity to integrate linguistically and professionally in Germany. In the long term, the FSJ can be the first step towards a professional career in Germany, as regulated in § 16d AufenthG.
7 FSJ as a foreigner: alternatives and other options
For international applicants over the age of 27, the Federal Voluntary Service (BFD) is an interesting alternative. There is also the Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ), which offers similar conditions to the FSJ, but focusses on environmental protection and nature conservation. Applicants with sufficient German language skills (at least A2) also have the opportunity to start vocational training in Germany (§ 16a AufenthG).
Conclusion: An FSJ as a stepping stone to Germany
The Voluntary Social Year offers international applicants an excellent opportunity to familiarise themselves with Germany and its culture, build professional networks and prepare for a future career in Germany. The legal framework, as set out in the JFDG and AufenthG, creates clear conditions and opportunities for this.
The FSJ can therefore not only be a valuable personal experience, but also the first step towards a long-term career in Germany.
Example: How a Filipino can come to Germany to work in the care sector via an FSJ
Juan is a 20-year-old young man from the Philippines who is interested in volunteering in the social sector in Germany. He has successfully completed school and is thinking about starting an apprenticeship or working in the care sector in Germany in the long term. In order to gain initial experience and familiarise himself with the language and culture in Germany, he decides to apply for a Voluntary Social Year (FSJ). Here is the story of how Juan finds his way to Germany via the FSJ:
1. research and application:
Juan starts looking for FSJ positions in the care sector in Germany. Using various job portals and websites, such as those of the German employment agency or private organisations, he comes across several offers in the field of geriatric care. He applies for a recognised FSJ placement in a care home in Munich. He submits his school education and his CV.
2. knowledge of German and preparation:
In order to successfully prepare for the FSJ, Juan has already attended a German course in the Philippines and achieved level A2. As most FSJ placements in the care sector expect German language skills of at least A2 to B1, Juan plans to improve his German further during the application process. He eventually passes the B1 test, which increases his chances of being accepted.
3. contract with the FSJ organisation:
After a successful application, Juan receives a contract for his FSJ at the care home. The contract includes a detailed description of the activities he will carry out at the care home, as well as information about his monthly pocket money, accommodation and meals. The FSJ organisation also helps him to find suitable accommodation.
4. visa application:
With the signed FSJ contract, Juan contacts the German embassy in Manila to apply for a visa in accordance with § 16b AufenthG. As the payment during the FSJ is often not sufficient to cover all living expenses, Juan opens a blocked account into which he pays the required amount in order to prove his financial security in Germany. He also takes out health insurance to cover him during his stay in Germany.
5 Arrival in Germany and start of the FSJ:
After Juan receives his visa, he travels to Germany and starts his FSJ in a care home. He is integrated into the day-to-day running of the care home right from the start and supports the carers in looking after the elderly. At the same time, he takes the opportunity to further improve his German language skills and familiarise himself with the German working culture.
6. future prospects after the FSJ:
After a year in the FSJ, Juan has not only significantly improved his language skills, but has also gained valuable experience in care. During the FSJ, he makes contact with his employer and learns that there is an opportunity to start training as a geriatric nurse after his voluntary service. Due to his good performance and positive feedback, Juan decides to take up this opportunity. He successfully applies for a training place in the care home and receives a training visa in accordance with Section 16a of the Residence Act.
Thanks to the FSJ, Juan has not only found an introduction to nursing care in Germany, but also long-term career prospects in a systemically relevant field in which skilled workers are urgently needed.
Conclusion:
This case shows how a young Filipino can find his way into a professional future in Germany with targeted preparation and the FSJ. The Voluntary Social Year offers an ideal opportunity to integrate linguistically and professionally while gaining valuable experience that paves the way for training or employment in Germany.
