Anyone who wants to integrate into German society and gain career orientation can do so through the Federal Volunteer Service (BFD), among other things. Anyone over the age of 16 (sometimes 15) can participate. The duration of the Federal Voluntary Service is not only 6 to 18 months, but generally 6 to 24 months (often 12; extension to 24 possible). Bufdi positions are offered by hospitals, care facilities, children’s homes, daycare centres, schools, youth facilities, facilities for the disabled, recreation centres, multi-generational houses, self-help groups, sports clubs, museums, cultural institutions, civil protection and disaster control facilities, ecological project sponsors and local authorities, for example. Working hours exceed 21 hours per week. According to the Federal Office for Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions on its website, participants learn about the local work culture, improve their language skills, develop their own strengths and can make new contacts. The placement organisations pay a monthly allowance, which since 1 January 2026 may not exceed €676 per month, but often they pay between €300 and €500 per month. Even those who receive citizen’s income or other benefits from the Jobcentre can participate in the Bufdi programme. Please ask the Jobcentre whether and to what extent it will reduce your benefits. Many employers value the BFD certificate as an expression of social commitment, and it also helps as a waiting period for some degree programmes. An overview of Bufdi positions is available on the website
www.bundesfreiwilligendienst.de/bundesfreiwilligendienst/platz-einsatzstellensuche of the Federal Office for Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions. The Federal Office also has advisors in the regions who can provide information:
www.bundesfreiwilligendienst.de/bundesfreiwilligendienst/beraterinnen-und-berater.html.
More about the Federal Voluntary Service
www.bundesfreiwilligendienst.de/
tun26011201