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The Welcome Center Chemnitz, represented by project coordinator Ms Zdebel, took part in the 11th Federal Network Meeting of the Welcome Centers on 7 and 8 May 2026 in Magdeburg at the Welcome Center Saxony-Anhalt. More than 200 participants and around 50 welcome centres from all over Germany came together to discuss current challenges, experiences and good practices.

<p>The focus was on networking, skilled labour migration and integration. The thematic workshops on digital counselling formats, sustainable integration and the regional retention of international skilled workers and students were particularly exciting. The presentations and panel discussion also made it clear how important functioning welcome structures, close cooperation and strong networks are for the successful recruitment of skilled workers.</p

<p>The network meeting provided many valuable impulses for the daily work of the welcome centres and strengthened the nationwide exchange between the various players. It was particularly nice to get to know the people behind the important work that is carried out every day in the Welcome Centres. There was an intensive exchange of relevant tips, recommendations, new formats and application processes. At the same time, it became clear how much humanity, commitment and mutual support there is behind this work.</p

<p>The Welcome Centre Chemnitz is very grateful for these inspiring days and looks forward to further exchange.

Photo: State initiative Fachkraft im Fokus © Andreas Lander

A women's and family breakfast was held at the Chemnitz Multigenerational House on 17 April 2026, providing a space for exchange, encounters and information. Together with around 20 participants, project coordinator Ms Zdebel organised a lively discussion format that focused on personal questions and experiences.</p

<p>The Welcome Centre Chemnitz presented itself in a variety of ways: Information material was provided in several languages and there were numerous individual discussions about support and counselling services. There was a great deal of interest in the counselling services on offer, which led to the first person seeking advice right afterwards - a result that we are particularly pleased about. A big thank you goes to Graziela Hennig, project manager of the "B28 Stadtteilmütter" project, for the excellent organisation and the warm atmosphere on site.

As the Welcome Centre Chemnitz, we not only support skilled workers, but also their families. Direct dialogue and personal contact are a key part of our work in order to build trust and make our services visible.</p

Heute hat das Team des Welcome Centers die TU Chemnitz besucht, um neue Mitarbeitende zu treffen und ihnen die Unterstützungsangebote vorzustellen. Wir freuen uns darauf, die Neuankömmlinge beim Ankommen und der Integration in Chemnitz zu begleiten. 

The Welcome Center Chemnitz was a guest at "Die Fabrik" on 2 April at the networking breakfast of the Chemnitz Junior Chamber of Commerce. In a pleasant and open atmosphere, the event provided a good opportunity to present the Welcome Centre Chemnitz project, make new contacts, exchange views on current regional topics and discuss possible approaches for future cooperation.</p

<p>Photo: Christopher Schüler

Due to high demand, the 2nd information event "Welcome to stay - residence and prospects for Ukrainians in Chemnitz" was held by the Welcome Centre Chemnitz on 02.03.2026. Participants received detailed information on the options for securing long-term residence in accordance with Section 24 AufenthG.

• Which residence titles are possible and which one is best suited to which situation?
• Which documents need to be submitted and where?

All these and many other questions were answered during the event.

The event was in high demand, which is why capacity had to be increased again. The Welcome Centre staff are delighted with the great interest in this topic and the success of the fully booked event.

Once again, special thanks go to Ms Schröder, Head of the Residence Permit Department at the Immigration Office, who was on hand to answer the many questions, and to everyone involved for the organisation and smooth running of the event.

The Welcome Centre is pleased to inform you that in addition to the consultation hours on Thursday afternoons, Russian/Ukrainian advice is now also available on Monday and Tuesday mornings. You are therefore welcome to use the consultation hours in the morning.

Drop by without booking an appointment:

• Monday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Tuesday: 9 am to 12 pm
• Thursday: 2 to 5 pm

Consultation in English and German is also possible during all opening hours and by prior appointment.

The Welcome Center Chemnitz took part in the Chemnitz University of Technology career fair on 12 November 2025.

It was a great exchange with many international students who were interested in the wide range of advice offered by the Welcome Centre and got to know the staff personally.

The team is delighted with the great interest and looks forward to helping even more students with the free counselling service in the future - especially those who were previously unaware of the service.

The team at the Welcome Centre Chemnitz would like to once again expressly draw attention to the support options for refugees from Ukraine who are living here in Chemnitz in accordance with Section 24 of the Residence Act and still require assistance with the various procedures. The staff are available to advise you and provide support in clarifying residence prospects, applications and other step-by-step procedures.

Take advantage of the open consultation hours and drop by without an appointment:

• Monday: 9 am to 12 pm
• Tuesday: 9 am to 12 pm
• Thursday: 2 pm to 5 pm

Note: Counselling on Thursdays is also available in Ukrainian.

The online quick check provides additional guidance. Check in advance which requirements are met for which residence permit and which documents may be required. The quick check is non-binding and serves as an initial orientation. You will receive further information on the requirements and how to apply in a personal consultation at the Welcome Centre.

You can also contact the Welcome Centre by telephone or email:

Mail: welcome-center(at)stadt-chemnitz.de
Tel.: 0371 488-3390

On 20 September 2025, the opening of the Intercultural Weeks in Chemnitz was celebrated with great enthusiasm and the Welcome Center Chemnitz was there up close. It was a wonderful day full of inspiring encounters, open dialogue and lively discussions. The Welcome Centre team met many wonderful people - curious, warm and committed - and was able to get to know exciting perspectives and opinions on the offer.

The Welcome Centre Chemnitz was delighted to be there - it was a really great experience. The feedback after the meetings, regardless of whether the programme was already known or not, was open, honest and fantastic.

There is still an extensive intercultural programme to experience during the Intercultural Weeks until 5 October.

Starting a new life in Chemnitz just got a little easier. Since July 2025, the Welcome Centre Chemnitz has once again been offering advice in Ukrainian, Russian and English.
Every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., you can receive personal counselling in these languages during office hours. It is not necessary to book an appointment - just drop by!

Consultations in German and English are also available on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and by prior appointment.

Thanks to the multilingual counselling service, language barriers are broken down for new arrivals, making it easier for them to start their new life in Chemnitz.

Many Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection under Section 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) due to the war in Germany are wondering: Are they allowed to use their Ukrainian driving licence and how long is it valid?

If the person has a residence permit according to § 24 AufenthG

The Ukrainian driving licence is recognised in Germany. Anyone who has a residence permit for temporary protection in accordance with Section 24 AufenthG can use their Ukrainian driving licence in Germany. There are no special restrictions. It is only important that the document is valid and in the correct format (Latin script or with translation).

If the person changes the residence permit

In the event of a change of residence title (e.g. from Section 24 of the Residence Act to another section of the Residence Act), it is necessary to submit the documents for exchanging the Ukrainian driving licence for a German one in good time. Please note: The Ukrainian driving licence only needs to be exchanged if the residence permit under Section 24 AufenthG ceases to exist. The procedure may take some time, as a confirmation and possibly new tests may be necessary. It is therefore advisable to have your driving licence exchanged in good time before changing your residence permit.

There are also cases in which a person receives two different legal bases for residence at the same time (e.g. § 24 AufenthG and a residence permit for gainful employment or training). In such a situation, the status stated as the main reason in the residence permit is decisive. The same rules apply to driving licences: The Ukrainian driving licence remains valid as long as the residence permit allows temporary use.