Immigration authorities
Hamburg Welcome Center (HWC) and Welcome Center for Professionals
Official Cost varies
About this service
Central contact point for people moving to Hamburg for work, and for employers. Its team for professionals (part of the Amt für Migration) handles first residence permits after entry for training, study, employment and self-employment, extensions and settlement permits for skilled workers (sections 18a-18g Residence Act) and their family members. Apply through the online service "Residence Permit Hamburg"; you then get an appointment offer. Residence matters only by appointment. It also informs on work, recognition and living in Hamburg.
Welcome Center Fachkräfte skilled workers EU Blue Card Blaue Karte EU Aufenthaltserlaubnis Niederlassungserlaubnis Fiktionsbescheinigung
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Sources
Last checked by our editors on 8 Oct 2026. Opening hours, appointments and fees change — please confirm on the official website before you go.
- Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg - Hamburg Welcome CenterOfficial sourceHamburg Welcome Center (English homepage)
(Opens {{site}} in a new tab) Accessed 8 Oct 2026Address, phone +49 40 42839-5555, reception and hotline hours, residence matters only with appointment.
- Hamburg Welcome CenterOfficial sourceResidence matters for professionals
(Opens {{site}} in a new tab) Accessed 8 Oct 2026 - Hamburg Welcome CenterOfficial sourceAppointments for residence permit matters
(Opens {{site}} in a new tab) Accessed 8 Oct 2026Waiting times from online application to appointment offer (about 8-10 weeks for first issuance and renewals, about 12 weeks for settlement permits).