STEPS FOR FOREIGN VOLUNTEERS IN THE REGION
📌 Legal Framework:
Volunteering is regulated by the Law on Volunteering (No. 45/2016).
🔗 Download the law (PDF)
🧭 Who Can Volunteer?
• Albanian citizens and foreigners
• Minors and people with disabilities may volunteer with conditions
🛃 Visa & Residence Requirements:
• Foreigners must follow general visa/residency rules
• Volunteers must be officially registered and insured
📌 Step-by-Step Process:
1️⃣ Find a registered NGO or host organization
2️⃣ Submit your application (CV, motivation letter)
3️⃣ Comply with any background checks
4️⃣ Sign a written volunteer agreement
5️⃣ The host must provide accident/illness insurance
📋 Volunteer Agreement Includes:
• Role, duties, rights and responsibilities, duration, and insurance details
⚠️ Challenges:
• Administrative burden for organizations
• Legal definitions are vague and subject to future revision
STEPS FOR FOREIGN VOLUNTEERS IN THE REGION
📌 Legal Framework:
No dedicated law on volunteering; governed by immigration and labor regulations.
🧭 Who Can Volunteer?
• Citizens and foreigners through NGOs, institutions, and international programs
🛃 Visa & Residence Requirements:
• EU/Schengen citizens – No visa required, up to 90 days
• Schengen visa holders – Allowed entry for up to 30 days
• Others – Need short-term (up to 90 days) or long-term visa
📌 Step-by-Step Process:
1️⃣ Find a volunteering host (NGO, youth center, etc.)
2️⃣ Get an invitation or engagement letter
3️⃣ Apply for visa depending on nationality and length of stay
4️⃣ Register with local authorities if stay exceeds 90 days
5️⃣ Insurance coverage should be provided by host
STEPS FOR FOREIGN VOLUNTEERS IN THE REGION
📌 Legal Framework:
Regulated by the Law on Voluntary Work
🔗 Law on Voluntary Work (PDF)
🧭 Who Can Volunteer?
• Citizens, minors (15+ with consent), foreigners (with visa/residence compliance)
🛃 Visa & Residence Requirements:
• Foreigners must comply with immigration laws for stays
• Volunteer agreement must specify accommodation, travel, training coverage
📌 Step-by-Step Process:
1️⃣ Find a recognized volunteering organization
2️⃣ Sign a formal agreement – mandatory by law
3️⃣ Agreement includes: duties, ID details, working hours, insurance
4️⃣ Standard: Max 25h/week; Professional training: Up to 40h/week
5️⃣ Volunteers under 18 need parental consent
📋 Legal Protections:
• Anti-discrimination guarantee
• Commercial exploitation is prohibited
STEPS FOR FOREIGN VOLUNTEERS IN THE REGION
📌 Legal Framework:
Regulated by the Law on Volunteering and supported by the National Strategy for Volunteerism 2021–2025
📃 Law on Volunteering
🔗 Government Portal
🧭 Who Can Volunteer?
• Citizens and foreigners with appropriate visa or residence permit
🛃 Visa & Residence Requirements:
• Foreigners staying over 90 days need a residence permit
• Volunteers should be officially registered with NGOs
📌 Step-by-Step Process:
1️⃣ Join a recognized organization
2️⃣ Submit ID and any necessary documentation (e.g., background check)
3️⃣ Sign a written agreement
4️⃣ Insurance is typically provided by host
5️⃣ Register with local police if stay exceeds 90 days
📋 Volunteer Agreement Includes:
• Role, responsibilities, timeline, protections
STEPS FOR FOREIGN VOLUNTEERS IN THE REGION
Serbia – Legal & Administrative Volunteering Guide
📌 Legal Framework:
Regulated by national laws governing labor, immigration, and NGOs
🧭 Who Can Volunteer?
• Citizens, EU/EEA nationals, and most foreigners
🛃 Visa & Residence Requirements:
• Up to 90 days: EU and many non-EU citizens can volunteer visa-free
• More than 90 days: Must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit
• Health insurance is mandatory
📌 Step-by-Step Process:
1️⃣ Find a host organization
2️⃣ Sign a written volunteer contract
3️⃣ Apply for residence permit if staying more than 90 days
4️⃣ Insurance must be arranged
5️⃣ Participate in host-led onboarding or training
📋 Volunteer Contract Includes:
• Scope of work, rights, obligations, and duration
STEPS FOR FOREIGN VOLUNTEERS IN THE REGION
📌 Legal Framework:
Regulated under labor and migration law; guidance from the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy
🔗 MROSP Volunteering Portal
🧭 Who Can Volunteer?
• Croatian citizens and foreigners (with required documentation)
🛃 Visa & Residence Requirements:
• Work Registration Certificate is mandatory, even for unpaid volunteers
• Residence Permit is needed for stays over 90 days
📌 Step-by-Step Process:
1️⃣ Identify a registered volunteer host
2️⃣ Obtain an invitation letter and draft a contract
3️⃣ Apply for visa/residence with:
📋 Volunteer Agreement:
• Similar to work contracts but adapted for non-paid volunteer engagement
STEPS FOR FOREIGN VOLUNTEERS IN THE REGION
📌 Legal Framework:
No specific volunteering law. Volunteering is governed by general NGO and labor laws.
🧭 Who Can Volunteer?
• Kosovar citizens, foreign residents, and international youth
🛃 Visa & Residence Requirements:
• Foreigners may need visa or residence permit based on nationality and stay length
📌 Step-by-Step Process:
1️⃣ Secure a volunteering position (e.g., through TOKA, PEN, LENS)
2️⃣ Request an official invitation from the host organization
3️⃣ Apply for a visa or residence permit if needed
4️⃣ Sign a written volunteering agreement
5️⃣ Ensure valid health insurance and background checks if working with minors
🔗 Kosovo Volunteers Platform
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
📌 Legal Framework:
Volunteering in Slovenia is regulated by the Volunteering Act (ZProst).
🌐 Volunteering Act (ZProst) – gov.si
🧭 Who Can Volunteer in Slovenia?
• Slovenian citizens
• EU/EEA citizens
• Non-EU/EEA citizens
• Foreigners granted international protection
📝 Note: You must volunteer through a recognized voluntary organization listed in the Register of Voluntary Organizations
🛃 Visa & Residence Requirements
EU/EEA Citizens
For Non-EU/EEA Citizens
📌 Step-by-Step Process for Non-EU/EEA Citizens
1️⃣ Identify a Volunteer Opportunity
• Contact a registered organization offering volunteering roles
2️⃣ Request an Invitation Letter
• The host organization should issue a letter confirming the nature and duration of your engagement
3️⃣ Apply for a Visa or Residence Permit
• Short-term volunteering (up to 90 days):
➤ Apply for a Schengen Visa at the Slovenian embassy/consulate
• Long-term volunteering (over 90 days):
➤ Apply for a Residence Permit for volunteering purposes
➤ Submit the application at a Slovenian diplomatic mission before arrival
🔗 Slovenian Ministry of Interior – Residence Permits Info
4️⃣ Prepare Required Documents
• Valid passport
• Completed application form
• Passport-sized photos
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of sufficient financial means
• Invitation letter from the Slovenian organization
• Clean criminal record (if required)
5️⃣ Submit Your Application
• Lodge the visa/residence permit request at your nearest Slovenian embassy or consulate
• 🔗 Directory of Slovenian Missions Abroad
6️⃣ Register Your Residence
• Upon arrival (if staying over 90 days), register with the local administrative unit (Upravna enota) within 3 days
🔗 How to Register Your Address
📝 Volunteer Agreement (Mandatory)
A written agreement between the volunteer and the organization must include:
✔️ Role and task description
✔️ Duration of the engagement
✔️ Rights and responsibilities
✔️ Insurance coverage
✔️ Code of conduct & work conditions
📜 Required by the Volunteering Act (ZProst)
🧑🏫 Orientation & Training
📋 Compliance & Reporting