Berlin Launches New Digital Welcome Platform to Ease Integration for Newcomers
Berlin's New Digital Hub Eases Integration for Migrants and Expats
"When I first arrived in Berlin, I had so many questions—but I rarely found clear answers," said Emmanuel Chidiebere John on Wednesday at the launch of the Berlin Welcome Center's new online platform. While information was available, it was poorly organized and difficult to understand, explained the 24-year-old, who has lived in Berlin for four years and is now in his second year of training as a nursing specialist. A former medical student in Ukraine, John fled to Berlin after Russia's full-scale invasion.
"Arriving in a new country isn't just about learning the language—it's about navigating a system you've never encountered before," he said. That's why he joined the Community Advisor Panel (CAP), a group of 18 migrants from third countries (non-EU nations) who, since 2024, have been advising the developers of Berlin's new digital welcome platform. Drawing on their own experiences, they helped shape the platform to be practical, user-friendly, and easy to understand, contributing to its content, structure, and accessibility. John was one of them.
To further assess the needs of newcomers, an online survey gathered input from over 600 participants. The platform was developed by the Senate Commissioner for Participation, Integration, and Migration and the nonprofit Minor GmbH, with the goal of simplifying the arrival process for recent migrants and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
The platform also aims to assist those who need easier access to administrative services. Users can navigate the site in German, English, Turkish, Arabic, and Russian, complementing the in-person advice available at the Welcome Center on Potsdamer Straße.
Focus on Residency, Housing, and Language Learning
"People arriving in our city should have all the information they need in one place," said Senator for Social Affairs Cansel Kiziltepe (SPD) at the platform's unveiling. "A smooth transition requires digital services that are simple, clear, and citizen-friendly."
While the Senate's Office for Participation, Integration, and Migration specializes in supporting newcomers, accessing its information was often cumbersome and confusing. That's why migrants themselves helped co-design the platform, prioritizing key areas like residency permits, housing, and German language learning—though these are just three of the 30 topics covered to ease the settlement process.
"We focused on the questions our target group asked most frequently," explained Marie-Sophie Deuter, head of the Welcome Center. "What language level do I need for an apprenticeship? How do I find the right training program? What school qualifications do I need for further education?"
A Model for Other Regions
The platform features an AI-powered search tool with spell-check and synonym recognition in all five languages. To ensure accuracy, human translators review and refine the AI's output, Deuter noted. Additional features include thematic tiles and tailored sections for refugees, skilled workers, and students, streamlining access to applications and counseling services. "Instead of overwhelming users with complex details, we provide clear, step-by-step guidance," said Integration Commissioner Katarina Niewiedzial.
The digital welcome center is intended to serve as a blueprint for other municipalities and will be presented to welcome centers nationwide next week. The project, titled "Digital Participation", received €1.85 million in EU funding, with the state of Berlin contributing an additional €205,000. Its primary focus is supporting migrants from third countries.
"If this platform had existed when I arrived, my journey would have been much easier," John reflected. Needs evolve daily, he emphasized, and the system must keep improving. "Our work isn't finished—it's just the beginning."
The shortage of skilled workers is a key reason behind the establishment of the digital welcome center. To attract—and retain—people in Berlin, the city must foster an inclusive and accessible culture of welcome, emphasizes Senator Kiziltepe.
