Advisory services

Anyone who comes to Germany from another country in order to live and work here is often faced with a multitude of challenges: how can I get access to jobs, schools, nurseries, the health service or to welfare services? Where can I learn German? Which authorities or other facilities do I have to contact?

The bodies that fund the Migration Advisory Service for Adult Immigrants (MBE) and the Youth Migration Service (JMD) are competent contacts when it comes to dealing with these and other migration-related issues. They act on behalf of the federal government to provide counselling on all topics relating to settling down in Germany.

The services provided by the JMD are specially tailored to the needs of teenagers and young adults up to the age of 27 who are no longer obliged to attend school. This organisation provides age-appropriate support to help young people settle into their new home and living conditions. In contrast, the MBE specialises in issues that affect women and men, families, single parents and elderly people.

The advisory service invariably focuses on the respective living circumstances. Frequently, one counselling session is enough to achieve a result; however, assistance may also be required for several months in exceptional situations. Contact is established with competent authorities or specialised counselling centres (regular services) if this seems warranted.

The MBE and JMD are funded by Arbeiterwohlfahrt, Caritas Germany, Diakonie (the social welfare organisation of Germany’s Protestant churches), Deutsche Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband, the German Red Cross, Zentralwohlfahrtsstelle der Juden in Deutschland and Bund der Vertriebenen. The advisory service is provided free of charge.

Many cities and municipalities also have central contacts dealing with matters relating to integration and integration officers. In most cities and municipalities, there are also so-called integration managers. These municipal contacts can provide information about local integration projects, suitable services and valuable tips. The contact details are usually published on the website of the respective city, municipality or rural district office (Landratsamt).

Release note

The German original version of this text was drafted in close cooperation with the relevant departments. The Sozialministerium released it on 04.04.2019. Only the German text is legally binding. The Federal State does not assume any liability for the translated texts.

In cases of doubt or if you have any questions or problems, please contact the relevant authorities directly.