Guidance & Support in Germany
Find the right help, right when you need it.
Germany can feel like a land of forms, rules, and mysterious abbreviations. But you don’t have to walk it alone. From visas to housing, family matters to finances, recognition of qualifications to bullying support — this page gathers the most trusted Beratungsstellen across the country.
A compass for newcomers. A steady hand for long-time residents.
Visa, Documents & Starting Out
Migrationsberatung für Erwachsene (MBE)
Free, confidential support for adults arriving in Germany. Usually offered by Caritas, AWO, Diakonie, and other recognised organisations. They help with:
- Visa and residence questions
- Appointments with local authorities
- German courses and integration steps
- Housing, work, and family matters
Welcome Centres (Stadt & Bundesland)
Many cities have “Welcome Centres” that act as a one-stop shop for newcomers. They assist with:
- Registration
- Work and career advice
- Recognition of qualifications
- Business start-up guidance
- Local services and integration programmes
BAMF Integration Support
Information on integration courses, language support, and official programmes to help newcomers settle.
Jobs, Careers & Professional Support
Bundesagentur für Arbeit
For job seekers and career changers. Services include:
- Job listings
- Career counselling
- CV and application guidance
- Recognition and training advice
- Support for employers hiring foreign workers
Jobcenter
Helps with employment, financial assistance, and job integration services
Netzwerk IQ (Integration through Qualification)
Excellent for foreign professionals needing support with:
- Recognition procedures
- Extra training
- Bridging courses
- Coaching for job entry
Recognition of Foreign Degrees
Anerkennung in Deutschland' Portal
The official starting point to learn:
- Whether your degree needs to be recognised
- Which office is responsible
- What documents you need
- How long it takes
IHK & Handwerkskammer
For trade and industrial professions (teachers, engineers, mechanics, chefs, etc.).
They advise, process recognition, and offer qualification programmes.
ZAB / Anabin Database
Used to compare foreign university degrees with German standards — crucial for visa and job applications.
Housing & Tenant Support
Mietervereine (Tenant Associations)
Membership is inexpensive and often includes legal support.
Local tenant unions provide:
- Help with contract problems
- Rent increases
- Deposit disputes
- Nebenkosten
- Landlord conflicts
Deutscher Mieterbund (DMB)
Umbrella organisation to find your local Mieterverein and check your rights as a tenant.
Money, Debt & Financial Advice
Schuldnerberatung (Debt Counselling)
Offered by Caritas, Diakonie, AWO, and municipal offices.
They help with:
- Budget planning
- Negotiating with creditors
- Avoiding or managing debt
- Consumer insolvency
- Crisis support
Verbraucherzentrale
Great for contract questions (mobile phones, internet, energy, subscriptions), scams, and everyday consumer rights.
Family, Children & Parenting Support
Jugendamt (Youth Office)
Supports families with:
- Childcare options
- Parenting counselling
- School and behavioural issues
- Protective measures
- Financial aid (when applicable)
Verbraucherzentrale
Great for contract questions (mobile phones, internet, energy, subscriptions), scams, and everyday consumer rights.
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