Munich Welcome Center offers newcomers free advice from partner organisations

People who have recently moved to Munich can get free advice on language, work, education and the recognition of foreign qualifications at the Welcome Center, based in the city's Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR), the district administration department. The centre helps new residents find their way around the city, answering questions such as how to register a child at a nursery or how to have a professional qualification gained abroad recognised.

Initial information is available at the centre's information desk during opening hours. For more detailed advice, KVR staff refer people to the appropriate partner organisation, which then provides free consultations on the Welcome Center's premises.

Several of the partners are run by the city. The Integration Advice Centre (IBZ) for Language and Work, part of the Social Services Department, advises refugees and migrants aged 16 and over on education, vocational training and starting a career. It arranges German courses and further training, works with clients on school and career prospects, helps with job applications and provides information on having qualifications recognised. The Service Point for Foreign Qualifications, also part of the Social Services Department, advises people living in the Munich region on their options for recognition in Germany, helps them apply, guides them through the process, explains the decision and points out other possible routes. The Munich Adult Education Centre, the city's further education centre, offers courses and events ranging from language and basic skills classes to vocational training, as well as culture, politics, health and leisure.

The external partners include amiga – Career Center for Internationals, which helps international professionals, young talent and students start their careers in Munich and puts skilled workers in touch with companies. Among other things, it gives businesses access to a talent pool, recruits industry experts as seminar speakers and runs information days for international students together with universities.

The Goethe-Institut, which promotes international exchange in culture, education and language, offers German courses and language cafés alongside a wider programme encouraging dialogue between cultures. The Migration Service and the Youth Migration Service provide information about advice centres for migrants in Munich, helping with questions about residence, language, work, housing and social matters, and with finding suitable services.

Further information about the Welcome Center's advice services is available online at www.muenchen.de/welcome-center.