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Humanitarian stays
Voluntary departure
Voluntary departure refers to your departure from the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany and returning to your home country or a country in which you are permitted to stay for a longer period of time.
Reasons for voluntary departure often include your lack of a right to reside in Germany, with the result that you are obliged to leave, or your desire to return because, for example, you have completed your education in Germany and would like to take up a profession in your home country or support your family. Perhaps life in Germany has not lived up to your expectations, or you would like to spend your final years back in your home country.
There are doubtless many other reasons why you may want to leave Germany for your home country.
If you do not have a right to reside, have not been granted an Exceptional Leave to Remain and are under an enforceable obligation to leave Germany, we strongly recommend that you discuss a voluntary return to your home country with us. Otherwise, the foreign nationals office is legally obliged to deport you. We would like to avoid this. Send us an appointment request to avoid deportation and discuss your situation in terms of the law concerning foreigners, including residence prospects, a return to your home country and possible options for re-entry into Germany.
This page contains an initial summary of some relevant information.
How can I plan my voluntary departure?
If you need assistance with planning your voluntary departure, we will be happy to help you and answer any questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact us. You are of course free to plan your departure on your own.
Will I receive support with my departure?
If you are entitled to asylum, are currently engaged in the asylum procedure or are subject to an enforceable obligation to leave the country, support options are usually available. Organisational, financial and/or medical support exists. There are also various programmes that can help you reintegrate in your home country.
The type and amount of support depends on your nationality and other factors and is adjusted regularly.
You can find an initial overview of the types and amounts of support currently available on the website of "Returning from Germany".
You are also welcome to contact the social welfare office of the city of Münster to find out more about financial support options.
Furthermore, you can also contact the following offices to find out about the support options that may be available to you:
German Red Cross (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz) Münster,
Hamannplatz 38,
48157 Münster
Tel.: +49 (0)251 37 88 41
Gemeinnützige Gesellschaft zur Unterstützung Asylsuchender e.V. Münster (GGUA) (non-profit association supporting asylum seekers in Münster)
Hafenstraße 3 – 5 (2. Etage),
48153 Münster
Tel.: +49 (0)251 14 48 60
Which documents do I need?
For voluntary departure, you need a passport or a passport replacement document that allows you to enter your home country. As a rule, the diplomatic missions of your home country in Germany (embassy or consulate) will also issue you with a document entitling you to enter your home country once. Please contact the responsible diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) of your home country in Germany to obtain a passport or corresponding replacement document.
What if I have medical restrictions?
If you suffer from a medical condition that does not restrict your departure, a departure is usually possible. If you are not able to travel without restrictions but would still like to leave the country, you can apply for appropriate return travel assistance, which will give you additional help with your return journey.
If you are pregnant and want to travel back to your home country, you may need proof from your gynaecologist that you are medically fit to travel.
Where can I find more information?
If you are thinking about leaving Germany voluntarily, please contact us. We can then arrange a consultation appointment with you.
You can also find further information here