At the Willkommenszentrum, counseling is available both with and without an appointment. We can only provide counseling if you have a connection to Berlin.
In urgent cases, we recommend coming to our drop-in counseling hours. You do not need an appointment. Simply take a queue number.
For questions about residence permits , visas, naturalization, LEA, asylum, Duldung, Jobcenter , Bürgergeld, child benefit (Kindergeld), parental allowance (Elterngeld), and more.
Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For questions about recognition of qualifications (academic or professional), job search, apprenticeship, employment law, higher education, starting a business, German courses, and more.
Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
We open at 8:30 a.m. in the morning and at 1:30 p.m. in the afternoon. From those times onward, you can take a waiting number. Registration for counseling starts at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. respectively.
Many people come to us. Often, people are already waiting before we open. On many days, all waiting numbers are taken quickly. If you are unable to get a waiting number, unfortunately we will not be able to offer you counseling on that day. We cannot guarantee that you will receive counseling on the same day.
If your matter is not urgent or if you cannot wait for a long time during the week because of work or school, we recommend making an appointment.
By email: Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de
By phone: 030 9017 23172 (Monday and Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
At the moment, the earliest appointment we can offer is approximately three weeks after your request. Alternatively, you can visit us during our drop-in counseling hours.
Tip: Many questions can be clarified by email or on the phone.
Please bring all documents relevant to your question to your counseling appointment. For example, documents related to your residence status, letters from authorities, and similar documents. Otherwise, we may not be able to answer your questions fully.
Have you visited the Willkommenszentrum before? If so, you can request a follow-up appointment directly from your counselor. Alternatively, you can provide your counselor’s name at the reception desk or in your email.
We and our partners will advise you on various topics.
We provide counseling on entry to Germany, residence, asylum, and naturalization.
When? Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Who? We provide counseling on this topic ourselves.
If you are required to leave Germany, we can advise you on whether your situation may qualify as a hardship case.
When? Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Who? We provide counseling on this topic ourselves.
We support you with general questions about settling in and explain where to find different services and support offers in Berlin.
When? Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Who? We provide counseling on this topic ourselves.
We help with questions about housing benefit (Wohngeld), child benefit (Kindergeld), social aid (Bürgergeld), and other social issues.
When? Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Who? We provide counseling on this topic ourselves.
We support you with getting your professional qualification from abroad officially recognized.
When? Tuesday
Who? Our partners from the IQ Network provide counseling at the Willkommenszentrum:
Club Dialog
La Red
TBB
We show you how and where to find work in Berlin, support you with the application process, and explain different career paths.
When? Tuesday
Who? Our partners provide counseling at the Willkommenszentrum:
EURES – Agentur für Arbeit
JOB POINT - GesBiT
Bridge – Berliner Netzwerke für Bleiberecht
We provide counseling on apprenticeships, internships , job applications, and German courses.
When? Tuesday
Who? Our partners provide counseling at the Willkommenszentrum:
Beratung zu Bildung & Beruf (BBB) - GesBiT
Bridge – Berliner Netzwerke für Bleiberecht
We explain your rights regarding employment, contracts, wages, and dismissal.
When? Tuesday
Who? Our partner provides counseling at the Willkommenszentrum:
Faire Integration – Arbeit und Leben
We provide counseling if you would like to start your own business or become self-employed.
When? Tuesday
Who? Our partner provides counseling at the Willkommenszentrum:
Lotsenstelle – GUWBI
We provide counseling on choosing a degree program, financing your studies, and university admission requirements.
When? Tuesday
Who? Our partner provides counseling at the Willkommenszentrum:
Garantiefonds Hochschule – AWO/CJD
We offer our counselling / advice in several languages. Check below to see if you need an appointment for counselling / advice in your language.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We always offer counseling in this language. You can simply come to our drop-in counseling hours. When our staff member calls your number, let them know which language you would like to receive counseling in.
Please note the information about our opening hours.
We can only offer counseling in this language by appointment. Please send us an email at Beratung@IntMig.Berlin.de and ask for an appointment for counseling in this language. An interpreter will join the counseling session by phone.
You can reach the Willkommenszentrum by bus, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, or train. The shortest walking route is from the bus stop (Potsdamer Brücke). If you arrive via (S+U Potsdamer Platz), you can take bus M48 or M85 from there. The buses are generally accessible and equipped with ramps.
You can also take the U1 or U3 to Kurfürstenstraße station. The station has an elevator, and many U-Bahn trains offer accessible boarding.
To plan an accessible trip to the Willkommenszentrum, visit the website of the (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG)). We do not recommend coming by car, as parking in the area is very limited.
The Willkommenszentrum is located on the ground floor. The counseling center is open and accessible to everyone. All signage, both outside and inside, is multilingual and available at least in German and English.
Free WiFi is available on-site.
The entrance is step-free. During counseling hours, you can open the outer door automatically using the wheelchair-accessible button located on the right side of the entrance. All rooms are located on the ground floor, allowing you to move around the center easily and without barriers.
The waiting area has plenty of chairs so you can sit while waiting. There is also a small play corner for children. You will find a water dispenser and glasses on-site.
The Willkommenszentrum has several restrooms, including one that is wheelchair-accessible but does not have an automatic door. If you need help opening this door, please speak to a member of staff. The wheelchair-accessible restroom also includes a changing table for people with children. For individuals with hearing impairments, an inductive hearing system is available.
The counseling rooms are separate from the waiting area. Some rooms have doors.
At the Willkommenszentrum, we place great importance on treating everyone with respect. Hate, violence, and discrimination of any kind have no place here. If you feel uncomfortable or experience discrimination during your visit, please speak to a member of staff. We are here to help.
The Willkommenszentrum team is committed to reducing barriers and making our services accessible to everyone. We welcome your feedback. If you have suggestions or concerns about how we can improve our services on-site, please let us know.
We are the Willkommenszentrum Berlin, the counseling center of the Commissioner for Participation, Integration and Migration of the Berlin Senate. We provide information and guidance to people who are new to Berlin or who already live here and need support. Our counseling services are available to all people without German citizenship, people with a migration background, and their family members.
We provide counseling on residence matters, naturalization, education and further training, and the labor market. We offer guidance in difficult life situations and explain which solutions and forms of support, including financial assistance, may be available. We are a public institution, but our counseling is independent, confidential, and always focused on the interests of the people seeking advice. As an ombuds office (Ombudsstelle), we are bound by confidentiality.
Everyone should have access to their rights, regardless of their origin, residence status, language, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or social status. Many people experience discrimination or barriers in their daily lives. We want to help reduce these barriers.
This also means explaining information in a simple and accessible way. We use clear language and explain options and processes step by step. At the same time, we are transparent about limitations, for example when decisions are made by other authorities or when legal requirements leave little room for flexibility.
We strive to create a place where people can ask questions without fear. We listen, take concerns seriously, and treat everyone with respect. Our goal is to empower people seeking counseling so they can make informed decisions for themselves.
Our counseling is professional, thorough, and transparent. Our team includes lawyers, social workers, and administrative staff with extensive experience. We explain what a person’s current situation means and outline the options available to them. The people seeking counseling decide for themselves which path they want to take.
We know that we cannot do everything. We cannot represent people in court. We do not fill out every form on their behalf, but instead explain how they can do it themselves. If we do not provide counseling on a particular topic, we explain where appropriate support is available. And when we cannot answer a question ourselves, we seek support from our colleagues.
Our team has expertise in immigration law, social law, the labor market, and many other areas. We regularly take part in further training, discuss complex cases as a team, and support one another. Mistakes can happen. What matters to us is that we talk about them openly and learn from them.
We work closely with many organizations and public institutions in Berlin. We help people get in touch with authorities such as Jobcenters , Social Welfare Offices (Sozialamt), and the State Office for Immigration (LEA). This enables us to provide targeted support for the questions and challenges people bring to us. We only contact other organizations or authorities if the person seeking counseling wants us to do so.
We also work closely with other counseling centers. Every Tuesday, partner organizations and the Federal Employment Agency ( Agentur für Arbeit ) provide labor market counseling at the Willkommenszentrum. This allows us to answer even more questions under one roof.
At the same time, we are both a counseling center and part of the Berlin administration. We take this responsibility seriously. We learn from our counseling work, identify recurring issues, and share suggestions for structural improvements with the relevant institutions. In this way, we help improve existing systems and address problems at an early stage.
Our services are free of charge and open to anyone with a connection to Berlin. We are also here for people who do not have documents.
At the same time, we know that barriers exist: fully booked counseling hours, long queues, or waiting times for appointments. All counselors at the Willkommenszentrum do their best to support everyone who comes to us. However, we also have limits. Counseling sessions may occasionally be canceled due to illness or other reasons. There may be days when we are unable to offer counseling to everyone who seeks it. We are continuously working to reduce these barriers. This includes providing clear and accessible information, improving appointment scheduling, and further developing our services, including digital services.
We appreciate your feedback.
How did you find it?
If you would like to give us personal feedback or file a complaint, please feel free to send us an email:
Marie-Sophie Deuter (Operational Management)
