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First steps for asylum applicants

You filed your application for asylum with the reception center. You are now relocated to another city or municipality. What do you have to do?

1. Residents' registration office

You have to register with the Einwohnermeldeamt (residents' registration office). This is a citizens service office which records the whereabouts of all people living in Germany. You will need your green ID card and the Ordnungsverfügung (commitment order). The green ID card is a temporary residence permit for asylum seekers. The document is printed on green paper (temporary residence permit). The Ordnungsverfügung or Einweisungsverfügung (commitment order) entitles the asylum seekers to use the apartment allocated to them). You received the commitment order during the relocation to the new city or municipality. You receive a registration certificate with your registration at the residents' registration office.

2. Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)

You have to notify the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) of your new address. This is very important. This is the only way BAMF can deliver your mail. Often, you will be given a note during your relocation (Transfer; redistribution). You have to send it back including your new address.

3. Vouchers

You will receive vouchers from the social welfare office for initial provision of clothing and household goods. On the vouchers, you will find a date. You can only use them up to this date.

4. Children

Do you have children? Register your children at school or in kindergarten.

5. Bank account

You need a bank account now. Go to a bank and open an account. You need your "Aufenthaltsgestattung" (temporary residence permit) and a registration certificate. The "Aufenthaltsgestattung" lets you enter the country legally, permits you to reside in a country for a certain amount of time and is printed on green paper. You will receive a Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate) once you have registered with the Einwohnermeldeamt (residents' registration office) to confirm your registration in writing. If you do not speak German fluently yet, you will need an interpreter as well.

6. German Federal Employment Agency

You can get registered at the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency). The Bundesagentur für Arbeit will assist you in finding a job and it acts as a job center. The staff there can help you with your search for a German language course, recognition of your qualifications and your future career. There are many options for people who would like to learn German.

7. Integration course

Please find out if you can participate in an integration course. This is often an option, if you have promising long-term prospects to stay in Germany.

alvivi ist das Info-Portal für Flüchtlinge, Migranten und Helfer.

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