Berlin

The Berlin Welcome Centre will help you get started in Germany. There you can get free advice on many important topics. For example, on entry, residence, social benefits or the recognition of professional qualifications from abroad. You can also get help to find a German course, a job, a vocational training programme or a course of study. 

Advice is available in German, English, Polish, Russian, Arabic, Farsi/Dari, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish and Turkish. On site, by telephone or online. The Welcome Centre website is available in German and English.

The Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) is Berlin's central immigration authority. It is responsible for residence permits, visas, naturalisation and other matters relating to residence law.

Under “Find your Immigration Office”, you can find the Immigration Office responsible for you. Enter your postcode, town or address in the search field. The website is available in German and English. 

The Bürgeramt Berlin is your central point of contact for many matters such as registration certificates, ID documents and re-registrations. Under “Find your Bürgeramt” you can find a Bürgeramt nearby. The website is available in German. 

You can make an appointment at any Bürgeramt in Berlin, regardless of your district. Under "Bürgeramt: Find free appointments", you can see where there are currently free appointments. The website is available in German. 

The Employment Agency is the point of contact for the Federal Employment Agency in your area. It will help you if you are looking for work, need advice or want to apply for Unemployment Benefit I (ALG I).

Under “Find your Employment Agency”, you can find the Agency responsible for you by entering your postcode or town in the search field. The website is available in German and English.

Are you looking for the Jobcenter in your area? Under “Find your job centre”, you can quickly find the relevant contact point for “Bürgergeld” and counselling. Simply enter your postcode or town in the search field. The website is available in German and English. You can find out more about the Jobcenter's services on our topic page „Jobcenter“. 

The Social Welfare Office helps you if you cannot work or do not have enough money to live on– and do not receive any benefits from the Jobcenter or Employment Agency.

Under “Find your Social Welfare Office”, you can find the office responsible for you. The website is available in German. 

You can look for the Youth Welfare Office in your area when you need help with your family, for instance, in disputes, parenting or difficult situations. You can also seek support there as a child or adolescent. You can find out more about it on our “Youth Welfare Office” topic page.

Under “Find your Youth Welfare Office”, you can find the office responsible for you. The website is available in German. 

The Tax Office is responsible for your taxes– for instance, for your tax return or if you need a tax number as a self-employed individual.

Under “Find your Tax Office”, you can find the office responsible for you. The website is available in German. 

You can get free information on training, careers and job applications at the Career Information Centre (BiZ). Many services are also available online.

Under “Find your BiZ”, you can find BiZ in your area. Enter the postcode or town in the search field. You will then see the address, opening hours and contact details. The website is available in German and English.

The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) helps you with questions about vocational training, careers and starting a business.

Under “Find your IHK”, you can find the IHK in your area. The website is available in German.

The Chamber of Crafts (HWK) will help you if you have any questions about skilled trades, such as training, master craftsman examinations, or self-employment in the skilled trades.

Under “Find your HWK”, you can find the HWK in your area. The website is available in German.

In Germany, there are various doctors in different areas of health. For general health issues, you should consult a family doctor. A specialist will help you with specific problems.

Under “Find a doctor”, you can search for doctors and psychotherapists in your area. Simply enter the speciality in the search field. Enter the postcode, town or address. The website is available in German.

Under “Find a dentist”, you can find a dentist in your area. The website is available in German.

You can go to a hospital if you have a referral for treatment or in an emergency. In an acute emergency, call the emergency services on 112.

Under “Find a hospital”, you can find a hospital nearby. Enter the postcode or town in the search field. The website is available in German and English.

There are many different degree courses and universities in Germany. The website Hochschulkompass gives you a broad overview. You will also find information about financial support during your studies, such as scholarships or BAföG. You can find more information about studying on our website under ‘Education’.

The Volkshochschule (VHS) offers many courses, for instance, in languages, computers, careers, and health. The courses are often affordable and open to everyone.

Under “Find a VHS course”, you can search for VHS courses in Berlin. Simply enter a topic, a district or a keyword in the search field.

Use the BAMF-Navi to find an integration course from a provider. Enter your postcode, town or address in the search field. The website is available in German and English. You can also learn more about integration courses on our topic page “Integration courses”.

You can also find a course in your area under “Find a VHS course”. For instance, enter “integration course” and the district in the search engine.

Please note: If you would like to attend a German or integration course, you will need a consultation beforehand– use the office hours of the VHS of your choice for this. On our topic page “Learning German”, you can find out where else you can learn German.

You can borrow books, films, newspapers and much more from the library– often for free or a small fee. Many libraries also offer study spaces, internet and events.

Under “Find a library”, you can find the libraries in Berlin. The website is available in German. 

There are many museums and exhibitions in Berlin. On the Museumsportal Berlin website, you can find current exhibitions and information on admission prices. You can also search for topics such as “photography” or “museums for children”. The website is available in German, English, Spanish, French, Italian and Polish.

Are you looking for a swimming pool nearby? Under “Find a swimming pool”, you can filter by district and type of pool– many also offer courses for children and adults.

There is an admission fee, but there are discounts, e.g. for children, pupils, students or people with lower income.

Many sports clubs in Germany offer various sports activities, such as soccer, swimming or dancing. You can actively participate in your favourite sport. You can read more about it on our topic page “Joining a sports club”.

On the “Find a sports club” website, select your sport and your district. The website is available in German. 

At Berlin counselling network for immigrants, you will find many counselling centres to help you with important questions. For instance, on topics such as residence, learning German, work, school, training or financial support. Simply enter a keyword in the search field. You can also filter the counselling centres by district or language. The website is available in German and English.