Munich's Welcome Center launches monthly events for newcomers to the city

Munich's District Administration Department is introducing welcome events for people who are new to the city, as part of the city council's decision on the Welcome Center. The first event is planned for Tuesday 10 November, from 6pm to 7.30pm, in the department's hall at Ruppertstraße 11. Registration is available at https://go.muenchen.de/willkommensveranstaltung-welcome-center.

The welcome events will then take place once a month, alternating between the District Administration Department and online. Each event will cover the same core elements: an introduction to what the Welcome Center offers, information on first steps in Munich and a contribution from the Digital Help service. Each will also include a changing special topic.

At the first event, the Mobility Department will give information on transport options in Munich, and the Bavarian consumer advice centre will speak about insurance. The start-up socialbee will also present its platform, which brings together companies and people with a refugee or migrant background.

The Welcome Center acts as a guide, giving international skilled workers in particular an overview of the city's services when they first arrive in Munich. Initial information is available at the information desk during opening hours without an appointment. More detailed advice is provided on site by partner organisations: the Integration Advice Centre (IBZ) – Language and Work, the service point for the recognition of foreign qualifications, the Munich Adult Education Centre, amiga – Career Center for Internationals, the Goethe-Institut, the migration service and the youth migration service.

Visitors can also use free computer workstations to apply for city services online. Those with no previous experience of online applications can get help from staff when filling them in.

The Welcome Center also holds regular information events for different groups. Most recently, lawyers, NGOs, representatives of other authorities and staff from universities and research institutes were invited to learn about legal changes and updates from various areas of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service Office. Further information is available at muenchen.de/welcome-center.