We are here to help you

We are delighted to welcome anyone who wants to contribute to this city’s growth with their qualifications and their dedication – and it is our job to make all those who have chosen to live in Hamburg feel at home. Part of this includes helping you settle in by providing you with a comprehensive and free information and advice service.The Hamburg Welcome Center in the Chamber of Commerce building at Alter Wall 11 is designed to help new citizens with any questions or issues they wish to raise, whether they are from abroad or from elsewhere in Germany. If you need greater in-depth advice or solutions to particular problems we will refer you to the relevant contact partners.

General service for new citizens

You can either visit the Hamburg Welcome Center in person during the published opening hours, or you can contact us before you arrive – by post, phone or e-mail – to obtain initial information about living and working in Hamburg

• Where and how is childcare provided?
• How is schooling organised?
• How do the utility services and other amenities work?
• How far does the local public transport system go?
• Where can I attend a language course?
• What integration services are offered?
• What leisure opportunities does the city offer?
• What is the healthcare situation?
• Is there an expatriate organisation for me in Hamburg?
• Please make an appointment in advance so that we can best attend to your needs
  
  

Special local administration service for qualified executives

In addition to providing general information for new citizens, the HWC also provides a service where by foreign executives, experts, scientists, self-employed individuals and their families can directly manage the legal aspects of the immigration, registration and income tax registration processes, e.g.:

• Residence and permanent settlement permits
• Free movement certificates for EU citizens
• Visa extensions for those travelling on business
• Acceptance of declarations of commitment
• Domicile registration
• Issuance of income tax cards
• Application for good-conduct certificates. 

This service is only possible for appointments booked in advance. When issuing you with an appointment we will also tell you what documentation you should bring with you.

Extra accommodation service for new citizens
Whether wholly urban or close to nature – between the Walddörfer (which means forested villages) to the north and the Harburg mountains to the south there are 105 city districts, all with very individual
characteristics.

We can provide you with information on the different types of accommodation available and other important aspects of the housing market in Hamburg, as well as giving helpful tips when it comes to looking for an apartment.

Extra service for foreign students
Foreign students studying at one of Hamburg’s higher education establishments may make an appointment with the Hamburg Welcome Center for their first registration and the first issuance of their residence permit.