Willkommenszentrum Berlin

Residence & Social Law: Support with residence permits, visas, asylum procedures, toleration status (Duldung), and social benefits (Bürgergeld). Hours: Mon, Wed (8:30–13:00), Thu (8:30–13:00 & 13:30–17:00). Work & Education: Advice on recognizing foreign qualifications, job hunting, vocational training, university studies, and start-ups. Hours: Tue (8:30–13:00 & 13:30–17:00).

Counseling is generally provided in German and English. Additionally, interpreters are available for the following languages at specific times: Arabic, Farsi, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, Turkish, Vietnamese, etc. Telephone interpretation via hotline can be arranged for many other languages.

People who are enforceably required to leave the country but have urgent humanitarian or personal reasons to stay in Berlin can contact the Hardship Commission. The Willkommenszentrum is a member of the commission. Procedure: If a commission member classifies your case as a hardship case and registers it, deportation measures are usually suspended for the duration of the proceedings. The commission reviews the case and can recommend granting a residence permit under § 23a AufenthG.