First steps at your place of residence

Foto: Caritas Friedland/Nicole Schmale

After a stay of around two weeks in Friedland, any individuals who have been admitted to Germany will be distributed nationwide. Collection is organised by the federal state to which they are to be sent. It may be the case that they are brought either directly to their accommodation or to the town hall for registration. When they arrive in the municipality to which they have been allocated, refugees initially have to attend a number of different appointments with the authorities. Due to Germany’s federal structure and the principle of subsidiarity, reception in each of the municipalities is organised in a different way.
The information provided on this page is intended to give an overview of these appointments. Depending on the municipality in question, it may even be the case that appointments have been made in advance and, where necessary, interpreters or an escort to the authorities have already been organised.
Sometimes appointments with some authorities can depend on other appointments with other authorities, and documents obtained from one may need to be submitted to another.
Following the explanation of each step, there is a list of the different documents that should be brought to the respective appointment with the authority. This list is for information purposes only and it is possible that further documents may be requested.

Since appointments with the authorities are held shortly after arrival in Germany, applicants generally do not yet have any command of the language. As a result, communicating with the authorities can be a major obstacle for many newcomers. People with relatives already living in Germany may be able to support their family members during this initial period, but this option is not available to everyone. For this reason, it is encouraged that interpreters are present during the various meetings with the authorities.
Some municipalities and cities have pools of volunteer interpreters that can be contacted.
In his newsletter, lawyer Harald Thomé discusses the problem of interpreting and translation costs in social law:
http://tacheles-sozialhilfe.de/startseite/tickerarchiv/d/n/2172/
http://tacheles-sozialhilfe.de/startseite/tickerarchiv/d/n/1968/

As preparation for the various appointments, it is a good idea to first arrange for biometric passport photos to be taken and, if necessary, have any existing documents – such as birth certificates or family registers – translated. The costs for this are not usually not covered though, and often have to be paid for by the individuals themselves.
Having a folder containing all the relevant documents together can be helpful. All documents issued in connection with reception, such as the response from the BAMF, should be taken to all appointments with the authorities.
For many of the documents that need to be completed, a tax identification number (Steuer-Identifikationsnummer) is also requested.
In order to obtain this, either an online application can be submitted (http://www.bzst.de) or the tax office (Finanzamt) can be contacted in person or by phone.

Within the framework of a transnational AMIF project, Caritas Friedland has developed various materials aimed at providing information and helping to prepare newcomers on arrival in the municipality.
Here you will find two videos, each in Arabic and English.

A checklist with brief information about the first steps is available in German, Arabic and English.

We have also compiled an overview of benefits available to beneficiaries of protection who have entered the country via resettlement or via federal humanitarian admission programmes (HAP).

After consultation with the municipalities, the respective federal states organise the collection of the people assigned to them from Friedland.
In a bag issued by IOM, which the individuals carry with them, is the admission decision (Aufnahmebescheid) of the BAMF and, depending on the respective admission procedure, also a medical report. Documents issued in Friedland and travel documents are kept in an envelope.

The following documents are provided upon departure from Friedland:

  • Admission decision (Aufnahmebescheid) from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) with the residence permit §23 II AufenthG or §23 IV AufenthG
  • Passport or substitute travel document with the appropriate visa, which is usually valid for three months.
  • In some federal states (Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia) an allocation notice for the respective municipality
  • Certificate of eligibility for participation in an integration course
  • Pre-completed main application for unemployment benefit II (ALG II) with date of entry
  • Depending on the country of departure, medical documents

Upon arrival in the municipality, individuals who have been admitted are taken either to the town hall or directly to their accommodation. Any documents that they received in Friedland or that were kept by the authorities during their stay will be handed over by the bus driver.
Accommodation is organised by the respective municipality.
It may be the case that a private flat is available from the very beginning. For the initial period though, they may also be housed in shared accommodation. In both a flat and in shared accommodation, a tenancy agreement is signed. This is important for later submission to the various authorities.
In principle, it is possible for refugees who arrive via resettlement or a humanitarian admission programme to look for their own accommodation. However, depending on the number of people, it is important that the flat does not exceed a certain size and rental price. Information on these thresholds can be obtained from the Jobcenter or Social Welfare Office (Sozialamt) in the municipality itself. A relocation must also always be coordinated with the Jobcenter or Social Welfare Office (Sozialamt).

Registration of an individual’s residence is required by law and mandatory for all people moving into a city or municipality. The Residents’ Registration Office – often called the Einwohnermeldeamt, Bürgeramt or Bürgerbüro – is generally located in the town hall. Usually the registration process is free of charge. According to §17 I of the Federal Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz), registration must take place within two weeks.
In the event that accommodation in a shared residence is provided, it may be the case that registration has already been completed by the residence itself. If brought from Friedland directly to the town hall, registration will usually already take place on the first day. When registering at the Residents’ Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt), a certificate of registration (Meldebescheinigung) will be issued. This document is important for further appointments with the authorities.

The following documents must be brought to the Residents’ Registration Office:

The Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) is located within the districts and cities and is charged with matters of the law relating to foreigners, including the issuing and renewal of residence permits for all foreigners in the locality.
An application for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) must be submitted here. Individuals who enter the country via resettlement receive a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) in accordance with §23 IV AufenthG. For people who have been admitted to Germany via a humanitarian admission programme, a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) is issued in accordance with §23 II AufenthG. They will receive an electronic residence permit (eAT) in credit card format. In accordance with the current admission order, a residence permit that is limited to three years is initially granted. It may be the case, however, that the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) issues an eAT that is only valid for a period of one year. If this is the case, then an appointment with the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) needs to be made in good time in order to subsequently extend the residence permit.
The term of issue of the residence permit is related to the validity of the respective passport. This is partly because issuing beyond the validity date is an unauthorised encroachment on the sovereign rights of the issuing nation state.
When entering the country via a humanitarian admission programme, individuals undergo a visa procedure in which, as a rule, a valid passport is required. In certain circumstances, however, it is possible to waive the passport requirement and issue a travel document for foreigners as a substitute document.
 More detailed information on the duty to cooperate when obtaining a passport can also be found on this webseite.
After the application has been submitted, a temporary residence permit (Fiktionsbescheinigung) is issued, if necessary. This document is used to show that an application for a residence permit has been submitted, provided that the visa expires soon.
Arranging appointments at the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) may vary from place to place and there may be long waiting times. Typically, a visa issued by the German diplomatic mission abroad is valid for a period of three months for entry into the country. In the event that the application appointment date is after the expiry date of the visa, the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) can issue a certificate (Bescheinigung) to this effect so as to ensure that the stay in Germany continues to be legal. This document can be presented to other authorities to avoid delays.
 For the eAT application appointment, attendance in person is required of all applicants who have reached the age of six. Presence at this appointment is required because fingerprints are stored on the chip of the eAT.
After the application has been submitted and checked by the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde), the eAT is ordered from the Federal Printing Office. The process of printing the residence permit usually takes four to six weeks. Following this, the eAT can be collected from the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde), usually without an appointment. Persons who enter Germany via resettlement or a humanitarian admission programme fall under the scope of application of § 12a AufenthG and therefore are subject to a condition of fixed abode (Wohnsitzauflage). This is structured differently depending on the federal state. The Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) specifies ancillary provisions to the residence permit on a supplementary document. This usually indicates where a residence may be taken up.
When applying for a residence permit at the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde), it is important to ensure that national passports or replacement papers are not retained by them, as these are required for opening a bank account.
The following documents must be brought to the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde):

  • Admission decision (Aufnahmebescheid) from the BAMF
  • Passport or replacement travel document with visa
  • Recent biometric photos
  • Certificate of registration (Meldebescheinigung) from the residents’ registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt)
  • Application for issuance of a residence permit, e.g. sample from ABH Münster
  • Proof of health insurance and unemployment benefit II statement (also called ALG II or Hartz IV), to be submitted later if necessary
  • Tenancy agreement

Further information:

Information on electronic residence permits in Arabic
Information on electronic residence permits in German
Information on electronic residence permits in English

People who arrive in Germany via resettlement or a humanitarian admission programme are entitled to benefits pursuant to SGB II or SGB XII from the first day of their entry. Within the first few days after arriving in Friedland, pre-prepared applications are signed. All individuals will also receive a one-off amount of €20 for the period of two weeks. This is not deducted from any benefits and the entitlement to benefits exists from the first day of entry. The granting of benefits only upon arrival in the respective municipality is therefore not permissible.

You can find the corresponding procedural documentation on SGB II from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) here: http://resettlement.de/verfahrensinformation-zum-sgb-ii-der-bundesagentur-fuer-arbeit-bei-resettlement-und-hap/
In order to avoid erroneous assessments, it is advisable to submit this procedural documentation at the time of application.
When they arrive, refugees receive only a one-off payment of €20 per person for the first two weeks in Friedland and generally have no other cash resources. It should therefore be ensured at the local level that those entitled to benefits immediately receive an advance on any benefits to which they are entitled when they first approach the relevant funding agency, or that decisions on their applications are made as quickly as possible.

    a. Jobcenter

At the Jobcenter, an application for benefits pursuant to SGB II, i.e. unemployment benefit II (also called ALG II or Hartz IV) can be submitted.
The basic income support for jobseekers provides assistance for integration into the labour market and benefits to secure the means of living. Unemployment benefit II (ALG II) is granted pursuant to §7 SGB II to people who are capable of working and in need of assistance. The benefit is available from the age of 15 up to the statutory pensionable age as well as their relatives living with them in a “benefit community” – in other words, claimants’ able-bodied but jobless partners.
Unemployment benefit II (ALG II) covers standard needs and, if applicable: benefits for accommodation and heating, additional needs in case of pregnancy, for single parents, in case of disability or expensive food in cases of illness, and benefits for one-off needs. Health insurance contributions are also paid.
Upon arrival in the municipality, refugees do not have any cash at their disposal. It is therefore essential that applications are submitted promptly. An advance payment in cash should also be requested. In this case, too, it is advisable to refer to the procedural guidelines of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit): http://resettlement.de/verfahrensinformation-zum-sgb-ii-der-bundesagentur-fuer-arbeit-bei-resettlement-und-hap/

Special benefits that can be applied for include the following:

  • Additional needs
  • Benefits for one-off necessities that are not included in the standard benefit, e.g. basic provision of (winter) clothing and the flat, and/or costs for moving house or a pram.
  • Education and participation needs, e.g. for school trips and school excursions, personal school supplies, etc. pursuant to §19 II in conjunction with §28 SGB II

To apply for benefits, it is necessary to fill in different forms depending on the need that exists. It is imperative that the main application (Hauptantrag) is submitted. There may be further documents, such as the form for additional persons in the benefit community, for children or for costs of accommodation and heating, depending on the situation.
A benefit community is present, for example, if several persons live in the same household, manage the household together and care for and are responsible for each other. According to §7 III No. 4 SGB II, the benefit community also includes unmarried children belonging to the household, provided they have not yet reached the age of 25.

At the Jobcenter, there is a benefits department and a job placement department. The first appointment at the Jobcenter is divided into two parts. The first step is reception and then an initial orientation talk that deals with vocational orientation. It is useful to bring along certificates, qualifications and a CV to this appointment. Where applicable, the costs of translating any relevant certificates and documents may be covered by the Jobcenter. Payment of costs can be dependent on whether the recognition of the qualification from abroad is necessary for integration into the labour market. If this is the case, the costs for a recognition process, e.g. for translations, can be covered within the framework of the placement budget pursuant to §16 I SGB II in conjunction with §44 SGB III. It is therefore advisable to consult with the Jobcenter before having the documents translated to discuss the possibility of having the costs covered.
During this appointment, the occupational integration agreement (Eingliederungsvereinbarung) is usually drawn up and must be signed. The objectives and obligations for participation are set out in this agreement. There is often also an obligation to attend an integration course that is included here. If an individual breaches the agreements or fails to appear at agreed appointments on multiple occasions, the Jobcenter, for example, may cut benefits by up to 30% for a certain period of time, and by up to 60% in the event of repeated breaches of duty.
An interview with the benefits department will then take place. Every person attending the Jobcenter has one contact person for each of the two departments.
Sometime after the submission of the application, a decision will be issued and the benefits will be transferred to the designated account on a monthly basis.
It is likely that an account number will not yet have been issued at the time of application. The bank details should therefore be submitted as soon as an account has been opened.
If the eAT has not yet been issued at the time of application, it is important to provide a copy of it. Confirmation of enrolment in the integration course and, if applicable, the approval notice for child benefit (Bewilligungsbescheid für Kindergeld) should also be submitted to the Jobcenter.
A decision can only be issued once all documents have been submitted in full.
The Jobcenter grants benefits for six months or one year (§41 SGB II) and new applications should therefore be submitted in good time.

The following documents are required by the Jobcenter:

  • Application for benefits pre-completed in Friedland
  • Appropriate appendices (WEP, KI, EK, VM, KDU and others, as required)
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Certificate of registration (Meldebescheinigung)
  • Tenancy agreement
  • Temporary residence permit (Fiktionsbescheinigung), eAT or admission decision (Aufnahmebescheid) and passports
  • Bank account details
  • CV, certificates
  • Social security card from the health insurance provider
  • Application for advance payment (Antrag auf Vorschuss)
  • Application for personal school supplies (Antrag auf persönlichen Schulbedarf)
  • Application for cost coverage for prams (Antrag auf Kostenübernahme Kinderwagen)

Further information:

The current standard social security rates as of January 2018 can be found under the following link:
https://www.bundesregierung.de/Content/DE/Artikel/2017/09/2017-09-06-neue-regelsaetze-grundsicherung-2018.html

All the necessary applications as well as the relevant instructions for filling them in can be downloaded from the following link: https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/arbeitslos-arbeit-finden/download-center-arbeitslos#1478809808529

Fill-in help with Arabic guidelines
Filling in instructions from the Federal Employment Agency in Arabic

Filling in instructions from the Federal Employment Agency in English
Education and participation needs in Arabic
Education and participation needs in German

Education and participation needs in English
Fact sheet with information on unemployment benefit II (Arbeitslosengeld II) in Arabic
Fact sheet with information on unemployment benefit II (Arbeitslosengeld II) in German
Fact sheet with information on unemployment benefit II (Arbeitslosengeld II) in English
Sample assessment notice in Arabic
Sample assessment notice in English
Sample calculation sheet in Arabic
Residency regulation (Wohnsitzregelung): Rights and obligations in relation to the Jobcenter

    b. Social Welfare Office (Sozialamt)

Anyone who is unable to work due to illness, disability or old age and who is unable to finance their means of living in whole or in part from other resources may be entitled to receive social welfare benefits pursuant to SGB XII. Pursuant to §19 II in conjunction with §41 II SGB XII, an entitlement to benefits on grounds of age exists from the age of 65 up to the age of 67, depending on the year of birth.
Applications should be submitted to the relevant Social Welfare Office (Sozialamt). As with benefits under SGB II, additional needs, such as education and participation needs, can be applied for under §34 SGB XII.

Documents required to apply for social welfare benefits include:

  • Application for benefits
  • Identity card, passport or confirmation of registration (Meldebestätigung) 
  • Tenancy agreement
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Evidence of the permanent full reduction in earning capacity
  • Account number

For under-age children or children in occupational training up to the age of 25, an application for child benefit (Kindergeld) should be submitted to the Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse). In Germany, child benefit is paid irrespective of income and is scaled according to the number of children. Individuals who come to Germany via resettlement or a humanitarian admission programme are also entitled to child benefit (Kindergeld). If the recipient receives benefits pursuant to SGB II or SGB XII, however, this will be offset against these benefits. Nevertheless, it is advisable to submit an application to the Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse). The Jobcenter can also request that an application be submitted.
The current child benefit rates are €194 per month for the first and second child, €200 for the third child and €225 from the fourth child up.
The child benefit application (Kindergeldantrag) and the necessary attachments are available for download on the website of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). Once the notice of approval is available, it should be submitted to the Jobcenter.

The following documents are important for the application:

  • Child benefit application (Kindergeldantrag)
  • Civil status documents such as birth certificates and marriage certificates, with translation if necessary
  • Electronic residence permit
  • Information on benefit payments pursuant to SGB II or SGB XII

Further information:

Leaflet on child benefit in Arabic
Information booklet on child benefit in English
Leaflet on child benefit in English
Information booklet on child benefit in German
Fill-in help with Arabic guidelines
Application for child benefit in English

As most financial benefits are transferred to an account – which is also often useful in everyday life – it is advisable to open a current account (Girokonto) at a bank. It is important to consider both the proximity to cash machines and the bank account service fees when selecting a bank. When opening an account, please make sure that any national passports or replacement passports are not retained by the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) when the application is submitted. The bank will need to see this documentation.
The account number should then be communicated to the Jobcenter and the Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse).

The following documents are important for opening an account:

  • Valid identification document: passport or eAT, temporary residence permit (Fiktionsbescheinigung)
  • Admission decision (Aufnahmebescheid) from the BAMF
  • Confirmation of registration (Meldebestätigung)

Further information:

“Before opening an account” advice from the Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale) in Arabic
“After opening an account” advice from the Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale) in Arabic
“Before opening an account” advice from the Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale) in German
“After opening an account” advice from the Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale) in German

The group of people is legally insured pursuant to SGB IV and the costs for health insurance are covered by the Jobcenter if they are in receipt of benefits. There is freedom of choice when it comes to selecting a health insurance provider. Although the rates of the various health insurance providers differ only slightly, there are some differences in the scope of services provided.
The forms for registering with a health insurance provider can be found on the websites of the companies themselves. In some cases, these forms can also be filled in online.
The family insurance option is available for families. This requires a separate application to be submitted.
Anyone who is registered with a health insurance company will receive an electronic health card. A photo is also required for this. Many health insurance providers allow customers to upload their photo online, drop it off in person at a branch or send it by post. If sent by post, it may need to be stuck onto a prescribed form.
As soon as the electronic health card is available, doctor’s appointments can be arranged and attended. Prior to this, usually only emergency care is provided. Naturally, if medication is needed on a regular basis, it can be prescribed by a doctor.
In this case, it may be possible for the individual who needs it to receive a temporary medical treatment certificate (Behandlungsschein).
For further appointments with the authorities, it is helpful to ask for a provisional confirmation of registration or to explain an acute need for treatment when registering with the health insurance provider.
The documents prepared by IOM may be helpful for the first appointments with doctors. Prior to departure, a vaccination certificate may already have been issued in which the vaccinations are noted.
Especially for young children, any upcoming early years health checks (U-Untersuchungen) and any vaccinations should be indicated.
The health insurance provider can also issue a social security card, which also states the pension insurance number. This information is important for submitting applications to other authorities.

The following documents are important for registering with a health insurance provider:

  • Application for membership, if applicable, application for family insurance from the health insurance provider selected.
  • Confirmation of registration (Meldebestätigung)
  • Residence permits of all family members, or temporary residence permit (Fiktionsbescheinigung)
  • Civil status documents such as birth certificates and marriage certificates, with translation if necessary
    Information on benefit payments pursuant to SGB II or SGB XII
  • Photos

Foreigners with a residence permit pursuant to §23 II AufenthG or §23 IV AufenthG are entitled to attend an integration course on a one-off basis pursuant to §44 I no. 2 AufenthG.
A certificate of eligibility issued by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge) in Braunschweig will be provided in Friedland on the day of departure. The certificate can be requested again at the BAMF Außenstelle in Braunschweig in case of loss.
Refugees can be compelled to attend by the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) or by the Jobcenter. The Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) may issue such an obligation to participate when issuing the residence permit.
It is common practice for the Jobcenter to stipulate in an integration agreement that an integration course is to be attended if the person is in receipt of benefits.
There can be an exception to this obligation if participation is permanently impossible or infeasible, for example if someone is pursuing an apprenticeship, is seriously ill or has to care for family members.
For families with children, participation in an integration course is potentially only feasible at a later stage, once childcare has been organised.
In general, integration courses comprise a total of 700 teaching units and consist of a language course and an orientation course. The language course accounts for 600 units.
The number and duration of the teaching units may vary depending on the integration course offered. Some of the courses include literacy integration courses (1,000 teaching hours, another 300 possible), integration courses for women or parents (incl. childcare), for young adults and intensive courses. To enrol in an integration course, the applicant must contact an integration course provider. The WebGIS information system can be used to find an integration course provider nearby: http://www.bamf.de/SiteGlobals/Functions/WebGIS/DE/WebGIS_Integrationskursort.html?nn=1368284
For assistance and a list of relevant course providers, contact a youth migration service (Jugendmigrationsdienst), the migration advisory service for adult immigrants (Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zuwanderer) or the Jobcenter. There may be a lengthy wait before a place on a suitable integration course can be found. Advice centres (Beratungsstellen) can usually provide information about this.
Those receiving benefits pursuant to SGB II must submit an application for exemption from the cost contribution for the course. It is also possible to apply for a subsidy for travel costs if the walking distance to the course location is at least 3 km.
In some cases, these applications are automatically submitted by the course provider.
The certificate of eligibility from Friedland should be shown at the time of registration.
In addition, it is also important to forward the confirmation of registration (Anmeldebestätigung) to both the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) and the Jobcenter.

The following documents are important for registering for an integration course:

  • Certificate of eligibility/certificate of obligation
  • Electronic residence permit
  • Application for cost coverage
  • Application for reimbursement of travel expenses
  • Information on the receipt of benefits pursuant to SGB II or SGB XII

Further information:

Leaflet in Arabic
Leaflet in German
Leaflet in English
Application for exemption from costs
Application for reimbursement of travel expenses

For families with children, an important step after arrival is enrolling in kindergarten or school. Enrolment does not happen automatically.
For children under the age of six, registration can take place in a day care centre (Kindertagesstätte), crèche (Kinderkrippe) or kindergarten. While children can be enrolled in a kindergarten of choice, there are often few free places available and also waiting lists. Furthermore, places are often allocated in August, which means that it can be difficult to get a place in the current year.
It is helpful for this reason to get in touch with a number of different establishments.
In some cities and municipalities, places are centrally administered and allocated by one authority, so that only one application needs to be made. Please enquire about the respective procedure locally to find out more.
Children up to the age of three can be cared for in a crèche (Kinderkrippe). From the age of three, there is a legal entitlement to a place in a kindergarten.
In some federal states there are no fees charged for a kindergarten place and in some the final year of kindergarten is free of charge. In most cases, however, parents have to pay for the care. The fees differ regionally and also from provider to provider, but the costs are socially adjusted. This usually means that fees are determined by the parents’ income, the number of children in the family and the amount of care provided. For those in receipt of social benefits, an application for the costs to be covered can be made to the relevant Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt), so that the fees are then partly or wholly covered.
There are different regulations regarding the fees for a kindergarten place, possible exemption from costs or reimbursement depending on the federal state.
Advice centres (Beratungsstellen) can provide support in the search for a place or day care centre portals can be used. The local Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) also has a duty to inform parents about the places available in the local catchment area.

Whereas kindergarten is not mandatory, school attendance is compulsory in Germany for children from the age of six. Compulsory education ends after nine years of schooling.
There are different types of schools, depending on the federal state. Primary education is followed by a range of secondary education models.
Some schools have special language learning classes or support programmes for children who come from abroad and have not yet mastered the German language.
Children are placed in an appropriate class according to their level of knowledge. It is useful here if parents can provide information about previous school attendance in the country of origin and the country in which they first sought refuge, as well as any possible gaps.
Enrolment takes place directly at the school. State schools are free of charge.
Here it also helps to be aware that different procedures exist in different municipalities and sometimes school registration is organised via a central authority.
If a child’s parents receive social benefits, they can apply for education and participation benefits. Further information on this can be found in the “Jobcenter” section.

The following documents must be brought along for enrolment in a kindergarten or school:

  • Certificate of registration (Meldebescheinigung)
  • eAT/proofs of identity
  • Birth certificate, with translation if applicable 
  • Registration form
  • Transcripts/certificates

Those receiving social benefits can be exempted from the obligation to pay broadcasting fees (GEZ). The request form for this exemption can be filled in online under the following link:
https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/buergerinnen_und_buerger/formulare/befreiung_oder_ermaessigung_beantragen/
As soon as a notice of approval from the Jobcenter or the Social Welfare Office (Sozialamt) is received, it should be submitted.

Further information:

Fill-in help for the broadcasting fee in Arabic

Liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) is by far the most important form of insurance for every consumer. It is also indispensable for refugees and should be taken out promptly. Liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) covers damages caused by the insured person and also serves as legal protection. The sum insured as the maximum amount paid after a claim should be at least 5 million euros.

Further information:

Insurance checklist from the Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale) in Arabic
Insurance checklist from the Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale) in German
Insurance checklist from the Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale) in English
Insurance checklist from the Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale) in English

Information on liability insurance from the Lower Saxony Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale Niedersachsen) in German
Information on liability insurance from the Lower Saxony Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale Niedersachsen) in English

Fundamentally, caution is advised when entering into contracts – especially long-term ones. Contracts should only be signed if the content is clear and understood.

Mobile phone communication, especially with a smartphone, is an important aspect for refugees to maintain connections with their home region. This is why top-up cards or mobile phone contracts are often purchased quickly on arrival in Germany. There are a few things that should be taken into account, however. A lack of language skills increases the risk of entering into unsuitable tariff models or unwanted contract terms and conditions. Many of the contracts have a lengthy term of up to 24 months. Tariff options for international calls should be checked.
Top-up cards are an alternative here, but should only be considered after a thorough comparison of the offers available. One problem arising here is that new regulations for the registration and activation of SIM cards have been in force since 01.07.2017. The accuracy of the personal data provided must be verified by the provider. This is done using an official document such as an identity card, passport or residence permit. The identification process can be carried out in person at the shop or by post or video. In some cases, however, it is not possible to use certain residence documents for the verification process. The Consumer Advice Centre of Lower Saxony (Verbraucherzentrale Niedersachsen) interviewed 23 providers about the identification procedures and collated the information:
Comprehensive analysis of the survey
All responses in a summary table

Weitere Informationen:

Stiftung Warentest product testing leaflet on mobile phone tariffs in Arabic
Stiftung Warentest product testing leaflet on mobile phone tariffs in German
Stiftung Warentest product testing overview of low-cost tariffs for 14 selected countries and brief information
Information from the Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale) in Arabic
Information from the Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale) in German
Information from the Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale) in English
Information from the Lower Saxony Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale Niedersachsen) in Arabic
Information from the Lower Saxony Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale Niedersachsen) in English

Individuals who enter Germany via resettlement or a humanitarian admission programme are distributed between the various federal states after their stay in Friedland on the basis of the “Königstein Key.” When deciding on distribution, an attempt is made to take family ties into account.
Distribution decisions within the federal state are made according to a variety of criteria.
Accommodation is then organised by the respective municipality. Frequently, accommodation is initially found in shared residences, though there is often a desire to move into a flat of one’s own. In the event of a distribution decision to a federal state or another location that is not desired, many people want to move as quickly as possible. However, the condition of fixed abode (Wohnsitzauflage) must be taken into account here. Under this obligation, individuals are obliged to take up residence in a certain province or municipality. The structure of the condition of fixed abode (Wohnsitzauflage) varies from federal state to federal state. It is therefore advisable to enquire at the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) to determine the range of conditions within which relocation is permitted.
Furthermore, the approval of the Jobcenter or Social Welfare Office (Sozialamt) must be obtained if the person is receiving benefits. As a general rule, the authorised rental prices and the size of the flat must be taken into consideration when looking for a flat. The limits differ from municipality to municipality, so this is something that should be enquired about at the local Jobcenter or Social Welfare Office (Sozialamt). It must also be agreed with the Jobcenter whether the rent is paid directly by the Jobcenter to the landlord or landlady or if this payment is to be made by the beneficiary directly.
It is also important to bear in mind that if someone is receiving benefits, the costs for water and electricity have to be paid out of the standard maintenance support (Regelbedarf).
It is possible when moving into a flat for the first time to apply to the Jobcenter for funds for furnishing the flat.
If there is dissatisfaction with the allocation decision, an appeal can also be made to change or cancel residence allocations. There are different authorities responsible for this, depending on whether the move is within the federal state or to another federal state.

Further information:

Information on the condition of fixed abode (Wohnsitzauflage) in Arabic
Information on the condition of fixed abode (Wohnsitzauflage) in German
Information on the condition of fixed abode (Wohnsitzauflage) in English
Checklist for moving house from the Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale) in Arabic
Checklist for moving house from the Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale) in German

Checklist for moving house from the Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale) in English
Residency regulation (Wohnsitzregelung): rights and obligations in relation to the Jobcenter