Information for people arriving from abroad

Are you coming from abroad and want to build a new future here? To help you get off to a good start, you'll find all the important information about entry, residence, and integration here. Learn about visa requirements, how to have your professional qualifications recognized, and which German courses will make it easier for you to settle in. You'll also get an overview of key contact points and support services to help you quickly find your way around your new home.

Entry into Germany

Anyone wishing to come to Germany must take several important steps. There are various visa regulations, application procedures, and contact points that can simplify the process. Here you will find key information and support services to help you prepare for your arrival.

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Visa for Germany

Do you want to travel to Germany and need a visa? Here you will find all the important information about visa regulations, application procedures, and required documents. Find out what the requirements are and how to submit your application.

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Two people in a business meeting or official matter. The person on the left, in a light blue shirt, is handing a card or document to the person on the right, who is wearing a black blazer over a white blouse. On the glass desk are an open laptop, various documents, pens, and a blue stamp. A small German flag is visible on the left side of the image. The scene suggests an official transaction or consultation, possibly in a government office or advice center.

Make It in Germany

Which visa do you need? Take the self-test and learn more about visa types, the application process, and family reunification. The portal also offers important information for anyone who wants to live and work permanently in Germany.

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Overview of German embassies

The German embassy in your home country is an important point of contact for visa applications, legalizations, and entry information. Find the nearest embassy or consulate here and get support for your start in Germany.

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Stay in Germany

Starting a new life in Germany raises many questions. What are the first steps? How does registration work? Where can I find support? Here you will find helpful information about dealing with authorities, counseling services, and life in the Görlitz district – for a successful start.

The image shows a young, bearded man in dark clothing, smiling cheerfully as he takes a selfie with his smartphone. He is holding a small German flag and has the German flag (black, red, and gold) draped over his shoulders. In the background, a European old town with historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and green trees can be seen. The scene conveys a festive, patriotic atmosphere, possibly during a holiday or sporting event.

First steps in Germany

Starting out in a new country raises many questions. Here you'll find information on required official procedures, how to register, take out insurance, or open a bank account. This will help you master your first steps in Germany without any problems.

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The picture shows a family of three on the Görlitz town hall tower. In the foreground, a boy with glasses and a burgundy sweater is pointing at something in the city below. Behind him are a man in a baseball cap and dark T-shirt, and a woman with short red hair in a striped top. They are enjoying the panoramic view over the historic old town with its red-tiled roofs, church steeples, and classical architecture. The sky is partly cloudy, and the weather seems pleasant for a family outing.

The Görlitz district at a glance

Learn more about your new surroundings! Here you'll find important facts about the region, its history, economy, and quality of life. Discover what makes the Görlitz district special and the opportunities it offers.

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Helpline Saxony

Are you new to the district and need guidance or help with everyday problems/situations? The helpline provides support with referral advice and language interpretation in very specific situations in English, Arabic, Persian, Russian, Ukrainian and Polish.

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Support with recognition

In Germany and Saxony, there are numerous advisory and information services regarding the recognition of foreign professional qualifications. Important contact points are listed below. The Welcome Center of the Görlitz district is available for personal consultation.

The image shows a cheerful construction worker with a beaming smile. He is wearing an orange hard hat, an orange safety vest over a gray T-shirt, and white work gloves. The man is leaning casually over a row of bricks, which he is apparently laying. His arms are dusty from the work. A construction site or urban environment is visible in the blurred background. The image conveys a positive, work-loving atmosphere and shows a satisfied tradesman at work.

Recognition of professional qualifications

Did you obtain your professional qualification abroad? Here you can find out if and how your qualification is recognized in Germany. Discover important information on procedures, contact points, and advisory services to help you take advantage of your career opportunities.

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The image shows three people engaged in friendly conversation around a round glass table. On the left sits a blonde woman in a gray blazer, in the middle a dark-haired woman with her hair in a bun, wearing a white blouse, and on the right a man in a blue polo shirt. All three are smiling and appear to be having an animated conversation. Documents or papers are scattered on the table. Large windows in the background let in plenty of natural light. The scene suggests a professional consultation or meeting in a modern office or conference room.

Recognition Portal Saxony

Do you want to have your foreign professional qualification recognized in Saxony? The IQ Saxony network offers you individual advice and support. Find out what steps are necessary and what options are available to you.

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The image depicts a workspace or desk with learning materials. In the foreground is a stack of various books, including a striking blue book with gold embellishments. Resting on top of it is a yellow hard hat with a wooden handle (presumably from a tool). To the left of the image is a pencil holder with colorful pencils, and behind it, a small globe is visible. In the blurred background, bookshelves filled with many colorful books can be seen. The scene conveys an atmosphere of learning and education, possibly in a study or work environment that combines both academic and practical activities.

Recognition of school qualifications

Do you want to know if your foreign degree is recognized in Germany? The anabin database provides information on higher education degrees and education systems worldwide. Find out how your degree is rated.

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Assessing professional qualifications

The BQ portal offers comprehensive information on the evaluation of foreign professional qualifications. Here, companies and professionals can find background information on education systems worldwide and learn how qualifications are classified in Germany.

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Learning German – Your key to integration

Good language skills make everyday life, starting a career, and settling in in Germany easier. Here you will find information on language courses, integration courses, and German tests that will help you assess your language level and find suitable options for your further development.

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Basic information

Good German skills make everyday life and starting a career easier. Here you will find information on language courses, integration courses, and placement tests in the Görlitz district. Discover suitable options for your language learning!

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German for professional purposes

Professional language skills are key to success! Here you'll find specialized language courses for the workplace that will help you understand technical terms and communicate confidently. Take advantage of these courses to improve your job prospects.

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Integration courses

An integration course will help you learn German and better understand life in Germany. Here you will find information about course offerings, content, and participation requirements in the Görlitz district. Start your new everyday life well-prepared!

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Placement test

A language test helps you assess your language level and find the right further training. The certificate can be important for educational programs, employment, and residence permits. Here you can test your German skills and plan your next steps.

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The image shows a young, friendly woman with shoulder-length brown hair, relaxing in a light-colored, modern armchair. She is wearing a light blue denim shirt and has a silver laptop resting on her lap. In her right hand, she holds a smartphone to her ear and appears to be having a pleasant conversation – her expression is open and smiling. In the background, a minimalist living room with light colors, a small shelf, and a green potted plant on a table is visible. The natural lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Do you have questions?

Whether you're arriving, working, studying, or living in the Görlitz district – we're happy to help! You can easily get in touch with the Welcome Center using our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you and will provide you with quick and reliable assistance.

Your contact persons are
Cindy Haupt, Skilled Workers Guide;
Maren Molch, Skilled Workers Coordinator

Telephone number

+49 (0)3581 663 9430