Willkommenszentrum Berlin
Provided by: Willkommenszentrum Berlin
Overview
The Welcome Center supports New Berliners, migrants, and refugees in various areas. Counseling is free and confidential.
Need help with this topic?
Learn about the application process →
▼
Need help with this topic?
Learn about the application process →
📘 Guide: Hardship Application & Commission
Support for people who are actually required to leave but want to stay for urgent humanitarian or personal reasons. The Hardship Commission is not a court but examines petitions for clemency. Chances of success usually exist only with very good integration.
Important Note
Last Chance: Collect all proofs of integration (work, school) immediately; this file status decides!
Required Documents
- Overview of situation (for initial contact)
- Proofs of work, school, and German skills
Steps
- 1Prepare a brief overview for the first contact.
- 2Collect integration proofs before submitting the application.
FAQ
▶What does "Services" mean?
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).
▶What does "Multilingualism & Language Support" mean?
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.
▶How does the hardship commission work?
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.