Coming to Berlin
Visa and residence permit
Your roadmap to Berlin · free · 9 languages
Coming to Berlin. Arriving here.
Visa, job, training, housing, recognition: we show you step by step what to do. Free, in 9 languages.
Nothing found? Ask your question here! · Search by life situation
Life situations: what's coming up for you?
Pick your situation and jump straight to the right topic.
Just arrived
The first weeks
Work and career
Job, qualification, rights
Training and studies
Finding a place, visa, process
Family and children
Reunification, daycare, school
Staying longer
Extension, permanent residence, citizenship
Housing and daily life
Flat, mail, driving licence, ticket
Help and protection
Doctor, lawyer, discrimination, violence
Your situation isn't listed? Write to us, we'll help you further.
Ask your question here!Read it yourself
Every topic with deadlines, responsible offices and sources. Free, no sign-up.
Tools
Find contact points and referralsVerified directory: authorities, counselling centres and support in Berlin – filterable by topic, district and language.
What do you need?Tick what is on your plate – the page shows matching contact points from the directory.
WayfinderA few questions, then a general orientation on possible paths and contact points in Berlin.
DistrictsWhat's available locally in your district: citizens' office, youth office, social welfare office, counselling, language courses – by life situation.
Find your communityAdvice in your language, meeting people, media, job search – by community.
Education searchApprenticeships, degree programmes and courses in Berlin – live from the Federal Employment Agency and DAAD.
German at workLearn job-specific German with short exercises, by occupation.
Job searchFill in a profile, find matching jobs in Berlin – from the Federal Employment Agency's job board.
Guides by country of origin21 guides in English and your language: India, China, Vietnam, Turkey, Ukraine, Brazil, Nigeria, Poland and more.
Current topics
EU Blue Card: new salary thresholds from 2027
The thresholds rise every year on 1 January. 2026: 50,700 euros, 45,934.20 euros in shortage occupations. We'll enter the 2027 values as soon as they are official.
Naturalisation: what applies after the end of the 3-year rule
5 years of residence, German B1, secure livelihood. Dual citizenship remains allowed.
Opportunity Card: to Berlin without a job offer
Look for work on site for up to a year, with a points system. Here's how to work out your points.
Stay in the loop
Soon · online · free
Don't miss: a free workshop on your favourite topic
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Always up to date
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What does a roadmap do for you?
Your way to Berlin as a series of clear steps, from job offer to card.
- You always know what comes next.
- Every step with deadline, responsible office and form.
- Forget nothing, miss no deadline.
Blaue Karte EU (EU Blue Card)Studying in BerlinFind a job in GermanyGet a German visa
- Job offer with minimum salary
- Apply for the visa
- Apply for the Blue Card at the State Office for Immigration
- …
More ways to Berlin
Guides with requirements, steps and the responsible office.
Chancenkarte: points and procedure
Vocational training in Berlin: permit and process
Family reunification
Entry: the first steps
Your case is different?
Describe it in three sentences. We'll tell you which path fits.
For counsellors and employers: Directory · Districts · Contact for counselling centres
Got a question about immigration or integration? Ask your question here! – we reply personally by email, usually within two working days. No legal advice in individual cases.
FreeReply usually within two working days9 languagesNo legal advice on individual cases
Machine translation. If in doubt, the German page applies. View German original