Germany offers multiple entry routes for foreign nationals seeking to gain professional experience and build a long-term career. Among these, the FSJ (Voluntary Social Year) and BFD (Federal Voluntary Service) are often overlooked but can provide a valuable first step. While these programs are primarily intended for short-term voluntary work, participants often benefit from new professional contacts, language skills, and practical experience. This can later open doors to employment in the same organization, a dual vocational training program, or even a dual study program.
“Germany still has hundreds of thousands of open positions across many sectors,” says Dr. Wolfgang Sender, founder of Life-in-Germany.de. “For motivated internationals, FSJ and BFD are more than volunteer programs — they can be strategic entry points. You gain work experience, improve your German, and build relationships that often lead to concrete job offers.”
The FSJ and BFD are open to applicants from outside the European Union and can be completed in a variety of sectors, including healthcare, education, social work, culture, and environmental protection. Participants usually work between six and eighteen months, receive pocket money, accommodation or meals, and are covered by social insurance. The work is full-time and often hands-on, giving participants an authentic introduction to working life in Germany. These experiences can be a strong foundation for further opportunities in the German labor market.
Why FSJ and BFD Can Lead to a Job in Germany
Engaging in an FSJ or BFD not only gives you professional experience but also provides you with the chance to adapt to the German workplace, improve your language skills, and build a professional network. Many organizations prefer to hire people they already know and trust, so completing a voluntary service can be a strategic way to position yourself for future employment.
While these programs do not guarantee a job, they give participants first-hand exposure to German work culture. For motivated candidates, this can be the start of a long-term stay in Germany, especially in sectors where skilled labor is in high demand.
Make Skills Visible – Even Without a Formal Degree
No matter if you enter through FSJ, BFD, or other routes like the EU Blue Card or Chancenkarte, Germany’s labor market requires transparent documentation of your skills. This applies not only to employers but also to educational institutions if you later apply for formal training or studies. For example, if you are applying for a BFD position in a hospital, you could try to demonstrate your nursing-related skills with a certificate, if you don’t already have one. This could give you a real advantage in the selection process. Similarly, if you are applying for an FSJ in the tourism sector, proving IT skills or customer service knowledge with a certificate could help strengthen your application for a job in Germany.
To support this need, Wolfgang Sender has recently launched TopTest.ai, a platform that enables international applicants to prove their skills quickly and effectively. The system offers more than 1,000 short, targeted tests in ten languages, covering areas such as healthcare, logistics, software development, and the latest AI tools. After passing a test, candidates receive a German-issued PDF certificate, which can be attached to job applications or submitted to universities during the admission process. TopTest.ai is designed to help applicants present their skills in a format that German institutions understand, increasing their chances of success in competitive application processes.