Welcome Center

At the GFZ, we understand that transitioning to a new job or country can be both exciting and challenging. The Welcome Center is here to support international researchers, employees, and their families in settling smoothly into their new environment. Our goal is to ensure that you feel at home and fully supported as you start your new journey at GFZ.

We work in collaboration wih the Welcome Center Potsdam, follow the link to get more information.

Please register to use our services. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

• Administration: Registration at the local citizen’s office, bank account, health insurance
• Visa: Hosting Agreement, arranging appointments with the local immigration offices in Germany
• Housing: Support with finding rooms and apartments
• PhD enrolment: Assistance with admission and enrolment procedures for PhD candidates and PhD exchange students
• Family: Assistance with finding a place in a day care or school, child allowance, parental benefits
• Language course: “German for beginners” organised by the Welcome Center team
• Events: Cultural, sportive and family events, workshops, information events, Intercultural Trainings

The Welcome Centre Potsdam supports not only researchers, but also their partners and family members who accompany them to Potsdam or Berlin. For those who wish to pursue their own careers here, we offer our Dual Career Support, which is designed to help shape their professional future in the Potsdam/Berlin region. Our service includes:

• An overview of local career opportunities
• Contacts with potential employers and academic institutions
• CV workshops
• Information on further training programmes and language courses

Beyond your professional career, we also provide support with:

• Finding childcare, schools and accommodation
• Administrative challenges
• Visas and residence permits for family members
• Social integration through regular leisure and information events organised by the Welcome Center
• Intercultural trainings