Integration & Orientation

The integration course is a key offering for newcomers to Germany. Before the course itself begins, a number of important steps must be completed, ranging from initial contact to course registration.

This preliminary phase involves counselling interested persons and establishing their individual prerequisites. A structured approach ensures that course participants are optimally prepared for the course.

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) provides a guide that clearly outlines the individual procedural steps from first contact through to course commencement, offering guidance to course providers and interested parties alike.

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According to the German federal government's response to a parliamentary inquiry by the AfD faction, the number of foreign residents in the Federal Republic of Germany at the end of 2025 was 14.07 million persons.

This statistic documents the current size of the foreign population residing in the country and provides an overview of demographic composition with regard to residence permits, employment, and integration.

The German Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has updated the MISSOC database with new information on national social protection systems. MISSOC stands for Mutual Information System on Social Protection and serves as a mutual information system for social security across Europe.

The database was established as an instrument for continuous exchange of information on social protection among EU member states. It enables citizens and professionals to obtain a comprehensive overview of social protection systems in various European countries.

Regular updates to the database ensure that current and reliable information on benefits, eligibility requirements, and social security regulations remains available. This is particularly relevant for employees and their families who are relocating to or working in another EU member state.

The German federal government has published an overview of official travels by its Commissioner for Resettlers and National Minorities, Bernd Fabritius, in response to a parliamentary inquiry from the AfD faction.

The commissioner is responsible for supporting resettlers, late resettlers, and national minorities in Germany. Official travel activities are part of the commissioner's regular duties in serving these population groups.

Documentation of such travel is part of parliamentary oversight and transparency in government operations.

The parliamentary group Die Linke addresses the planned restructuring of the federal program Demokratie leben! (Democracy Live!) in a written parliamentary question. This program is a central funding instrument for projects promoting civic education, democratic participation, and social cohesion in Germany.

The federal program is managed by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth and supports diverse initiatives at local and national levels. The upcoming changes may have implications for support structures related to integration and orientation services for immigrants.

Details of the restructuring are currently under discussion and will be subject to parliamentary debate. Organizations and implementing agencies should monitor further developments.

The KoSiZu Expert Conference 2025, organized by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), provided representatives from Muslim communities with the opportunity to engage in intensive dialogue with police officers over two days. The conference centered on the theme of violence and trust and created a structured platform for mutual exchange.

The agenda featured scientific and police-practice presentations addressing current challenges in reviewing police operations and the influence of social media on security perceptions. The dialogue aimed to foster mutual understanding and build trust between all participants.

This expert conference highlights the importance of regular dialogue and cooperation between authorities and migrant communities for successful integration and social stability in Germany.

The Cooperation Network Safe Living Together (KoSiZu) held an expert conference in late 2025 on the topic of state monopoly on force and social trust. More than 130 participants from across Germany gathered to discuss this subject from various perspectives.

The conference addressed central questions about the relationship between security, trust and social cohesion in a diverse society. The focus was on dialogue and exchange among various stakeholders from government agencies, academia and civil society.

This topic is relevant to integration and orientation of migrants, as mutual trust and understanding of institutional structures are essential prerequisites for successful participation in German society.

The German federal government has decided that child allowance (Kindergeld) will be paid automatically without requiring an application in the future. This measure aims to reduce bureaucratic barriers for families and streamline access to benefits.

The simplified procedure is set to be implemented in the coming year. This applies to families with children living in Germany who are eligible for child allowance.

The Federal Government's Anti-Romani Discrimination Commissioner works to combat discrimination and prejudice against Sinti and Roma communities. The government responded to a parliamentary inquiry by directing to publicly available information sources.

The commissioner's work includes awareness-raising, prevention of discrimination, and promotion of social participation. Public information about the commissioner's activities and initiatives is available through official federal government channels.

The Federal Ministry for Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) announces a new funding period for 2027 through the Participation Fund. Projects may commence on 1 February 2027 or later.

The funding aims to strengthen nationwide associations and organizations of people with disabilities. These organizations will be better equipped to participate equally in shaping policy and society at the federal level.

Interested organizations can contact the BMAS for further information regarding application procedures and funding criteria.

The International German Olympiad (IDO) will take place from July 13 to 22, 2026 in Mannheim. Under the motto Growing Together, over 100 young people from 66 countries will participate in the world's largest German language competition.

The event is organized by the Goethe-Institut in cooperation with the International Association of German Teachers and Lecturers. In addition to the participating students, German language teachers will be present on-site to participate in an accompanying professional development program.

In 2026, the Goethe-Institut celebrates its 75th anniversary while the IDO marks its tenth edition. The Olympiad will be hosted in Mannheim for the first time.

The German Federal Government has submitted the Eighth Report on Education for Sustainable Development (BNE) to the Bundestag as an official notification. The report documents progress and measures in the field of education for sustainable development in Germany.

BNE contributes to integration and orientation of immigrants by imparting knowledge about sustainable lifestyles, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. This is an important component of integration programs in Germany.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the implementation of BNE across various sectors of the German education system and demonstrates its relevance for all population groups, including migrants and newly arrived residents.

The German Federal Government has stated that current information channels regarding the work of officials responsible for migration, refugees, and integration are sufficient to ensure transparency. This assessment comes from a recent Bundestag response.

Integration officials play a crucial role in advising and supporting migrants while coordinating integration measures at federal and state levels. Their transparency and public accountability are essential for building trust in integration efforts.

The Federal Government maintains that existing information channels and published reports provide adequate transparency without requiring additional measures.

The Federal Government has outlined and defended its labor market policy instruments for continuing education and qualification of young people in response to a parliamentary inquiry.

The measures aim to support young people in the job market and improve their career prospects. Various state funding instruments are deployed to enable both qualification and practical experience.

Major changes to the restructuring of basic social security for job seekers came into effect on July 1, 2026. This reform rebalances the relationship between solidarity and personal responsibility under SGB II (Social Code Book II).

The reforms strengthen binding obligations, personal responsibility, and cooperation requirements for benefit recipients. This particularly affects requirements for cooperation with authorities and active participation in integration and employment measures.

For immigrants and job seekers, this means increased requirements when claiming basic social security benefits and strengthened obligations for vocational integration and professional qualification.

Germany's citizen allowance (Bürgergeld) system will be replaced by a new basic security framework effective July 1, 2026. The reform aims to place work-capable individuals into employment more quickly and strengthen personal responsibility.

For persons able to work, job placement becomes a central priority in the new system. Those who do not participate in required measures will face stronger consequences than previously.

The law enters into force in phases. Affected individuals should inform themselves early about the new rules and contact relevant authorities to clarify their specific situation.

Orientation courses (Wegweiserkurse) will be available in a total of 13 German states going forward. These courses provide newly arrived individuals with practical everyday information and essential foundations for cultural coexistence in Germany.

The orientation courses initially launched in Bavaria, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saarland, and Schleswig-Holstein with federal funding. They are now supported through funds from the EU's Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the federal government and states.

The expansion of orientation courses to 13 states demonstrates the growing commitment of the Federal Republic to support newly arrived migrants during their first weeks and months in Germany.

The Bundestag will vote on 9 July 2026 on the introduction of automatic child allowance payments. Under the government's draft law, child allowance (Kindergeld) will be paid automatically following a child's birth without parents having to submit an application to the family allowance office.

In a first phase, the plan is to pay child allowance automatically starting from the second child. This measure aims to eliminate administrative barriers for families and simplify the application process.

In addition to the government's draft, parliament will also vote on a proposal from the AfD parliamentary group regarding adjustments to child allowance regulations. The Finance Committee will issue a recommendation on both drafts.

The Green Party faction has submitted a motion in the Bundestag calling for a National Media Literacy Strategy that consolidates measures for cross-generational media literacy education.

Media literacy is an essential component of social integration and participation. It enables people to critically evaluate media content and navigate digital society confidently.

The proposed National Media Literacy Strategy could be relevant for newcomers and integration programs in Germany, as digital skills are increasingly necessary for professional and civic participation.

Vice President Andrea Lindholz opened an exhibition on academic freedom on June 25, 2026 at the Paul-Löbe-Haus. The exhibition, titled Posters at the Bundestag: Academic Freedom – The Freedom to Research, highlights the importance of research freedom in Germany.

Young scientists and researchers present their current research on societal challenges from different perspectives through the exhibition posters. The exhibition creates a space for direct exchange between researchers and members of parliament.

The exhibition aims to demonstrate the role of research in politics and society and to emphasize the significance of academic freedom for addressing contemporary challenges.

The parliamentary group Bündnis 90/The Greens has submitted a written parliamentary question to the Bundestag regarding antimuslim incidents in the first half of 2026. The inquiry seeks comprehensive data on the frequency, nature, and scope of such incidents.

The collection and analysis of hate crimes and discrimination cases is an important aspect of integration policy. Transparent statistics enable targeted action against violence and discrimination while providing better protection for vulnerable population groups.

Such parliamentary inquiries contribute to political debate about security, tolerance, and coexistence in Germany and provide the foundation for policy measures to combat extremism and hate.

The Bundestag addresses the activities of the Federal Government's Commissioner for Expellees and National Minorities, Bernd Fabritius, in a parliamentary inquiry filed by the AfD parliamentary group.

The commissioner serves as an important contact point for expellees, late expellees, and national minorities in Germany. The position coordinates nationwide measures for integration and protection of minority rights.

The parliamentary inquiry aims to review the commissioner's current work and priorities, and to assess the effectiveness of support provided to these population groups.

The German Federal Government is planning changes to the outpatient medical care system. By introducing a primary care system, the government aims to provide patients with need-based access to specialists.

The new system is designed to make medical care more efficient and reduce waiting times. This is particularly relevant for newly arrived skilled workers and employees who must quickly integrate into the German healthcare system.

The implementation of these measures is intended to improve the quality of medical care while simultaneously facilitating access for all population groups.

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) supports two integration projects in Leipzig that use music to bring together young people from diverse backgrounds. These projects demonstrate how cultural activities connect youth of different origins and promote social participation.

One project introduces hip-hop in youth centres, while another presents international sounds on the stage of the Gewandhaus. Through these offerings, young people gain access to cultural spaces and can engage in creative activities together.

This initiative highlights the importance of cultural and artistic programmes for successful integration. Music creates low-barrier access points and fosters intergenerational and intercultural exchange.

On 23 June 2026, the Goethe-Institut was honoured with a ceremony at the Berlin Festival House for 75 years of successful work. Since its foundation in 1951, the institution has connected people worldwide across borders and made significant contributions to promoting the German language and culture globally.

Partners from culture, politics, civil society, and the economy congratulated the institute on this milestone. The Goethe-Institut's worldwide network is considered increasingly important during times of global conflicts and polarization, as it promotes intercultural understanding and dialogue.

For individuals planning to come to Germany, the Goethe-Institut offers diverse language programmes and orientation courses that contribute to successful integration.

The Commissioner Against Antigypsyism and for the Life of Sinti and Roma in Germany has completed his first year in office. The AfD parliamentary group has submitted a parliamentary question regarding the balance sheet of this work.

The Commissioner's work focuses on combating discrimination, improving living conditions, and promoting the integration of Sinti and Roma in German society.

This initiative underscores Germany's commitment to protecting minority rights and fostering social inclusion, which is essential for peaceful coexistence and successful integration of all population groups.

The Left party faction has submitted a parliamentary inquiry regarding the consideration of native language in nursing care and in generalist nursing training. The inquiry addresses how the linguistic needs of patients and trainees in nursing professions can be better accommodated.

The question is directed at the federal government and seeks information about existing regulations and potential improvements in language integration within the healthcare sector. This is particularly relevant for healthcare professionals from abroad and for patients with a migration background.

The Left faction (Die Linke) has submitted a motion in the German Bundestag calling for an appropriate expansion of the federal program 'Kultur macht stark'. This program supports cultural education initiatives and contributes to integration and social participation.

The program targets children, youth, and families and provides diverse opportunities for cultural engagement. An increase in funding would enable the program to reach more people, including newly arrived residents, and strengthen their integration into German society.

The German federal government has stated that it is not aware of any fraud cases related to AI training promotion measures for employees. This information was provided in a written response to an inquiry from the AfD parliamentary group.

The AI training promotion initiative targets employees who wish to expand their skills in artificial intelligence. Such qualification measures are part of Germany's skilled workforce strategy.

The BAMF Research Center has published a new estimate of the number of Muslim religious adherents with a migration background from Islamic-influenced countries of origin living in Germany in 2025.

The study demonstrates that Muslim life has been an established part of German society for decades. The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the size and structure of the Muslim population in Germany.

Study author Dr. Anja Stichs contextualizes the key findings in an interview, contributing to a better understanding of religious diversity in German society.

The Left party faction has submitted a written question to the German federal government seeking information about the humanitarian consequences of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine.

The inquiry aims to examine the current humanitarian situation and its impact on the affected population, as well as to scrutinize the federal government's measures in response to this crisis.

This matter is relevant to Germany as the humanitarian situation in Ukraine influences migration patterns and the integration of persons seeking protection into German society.

The AfD parliamentary group has submitted a written question to the federal government requesting a summary of the Migration Commissioner's first year of work. The commissioner oversees migration, refugee, and integration matters for the Federal Government.

The role involves coordinating and implementing measures for integrating migrants into German society and providing support for refugees.

The inquiry seeks to bring the activities and achievements of this government position into public review and parliamentary accountability.

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz will deliver a government statement on 11 June 2026 regarding the upcoming European Council meeting scheduled for 18-19 June in Brussels. At this gathering of EU heads of state and government, migration policy issues will feature prominently alongside discussions on the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East.

A key focus of the deliberations will be the design of the EU's multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034. This directly impacts funding for integration and migration programmes across member states, including Germany.

Migration policy discussions at the European level shape national regulations for labour migration, skilled worker recruitment, and immigrant integration. The outcomes of the European Council are therefore likely to influence future German visa regulations and integration measures.

The German Green Party has submitted a motion in the Bundestag to facilitate the conversion of vacant office space into residential units. The initiative aims to address the shortage of affordable housing in Germany.

The motion targets a structural issue in German cities: while housing is becoming scarce and expensive, office buildings increasingly stand empty. This trend reflects changing work patterns since the COVID-19 pandemic, with remote work becoming more prevalent.

Streamlining conversion processes could unlock significant floor space for the housing market and improve living conditions for skilled workers and migrants relocating to Germany.

According to a government response to an inquiry from the Left party, initial and renewal rents in Bavaria have increased by an average of 4.3 percent per year since 2015.

This continuous rise in housing costs represents a growing challenge for tenants and affects the availability of affordable housing in one of Germany's most populous federal states.

For immigrants, skilled workers, and families wishing to settle in Bavaria, the tight rental market makes finding suitable accommodation increasingly difficult.

The MBE Congress takes place on June 11 in Potsdam and examines the role of migration counseling in successful integration in Germany. Experts from politics, science, authorities, and support organizations discuss current questions and challenges in counseling services.

The focus is on the contributions of migration counseling to successful integration and the current challenges facing the counseling landscape. The conference provides a platform for exchange among various stakeholders in the integration process.

A central topic is the future-proof design of counseling services. Participants work toward perspectives on how migration counseling can be effectively and sustainably delivered under changing conditions.

The federal government and states have adopted a Federal Modernization Agenda aimed at making the German state leaner, faster, and more digital. At an event in Berlin, initial successes of this initiative became evident, demonstrating progress toward greater efficiency and reduced bureaucracy.

The measures of the modernization agenda are already taking effect and showing positive results in administrative practice. This contributes to accelerating administrative processes and making them more user-friendly for citizens and applicants.

The Goethe-Institut marks its 75th anniversary on 23 June 2026. Since its founding in 1951, the institution has connected people across borders through language, culture, and education.

The anniversary is held under the motto We in the World and honours 75 years of dialogue, encounter, and global exchange. In a time of increasing global conflicts and polarization, the work of the Goethe-Institut as a mediator and bridge-builder continues to grow in importance.

The official ceremonial event will take place in the presence of the Federal President and numerous international guests at the House of the Berlin Festival. The worldwide network of the Goethe-Institut will be celebrated together with partners from around the world.

International Plain Language Day on May 28th highlights the importance of clear, understandable information for people with limited language proficiency. Plain language ensures that information about immigration procedures, integration, and orientation in Germany is accessible and comprehensible to all persons.

For immigrants and non-native German speakers, access to understandable information is crucial. Plain language uses short sentences, simple words, and clear structures to convey complex content in an accessible way. This is particularly important for administrative procedures and legal requirements.

The German federal government increasingly provides information on various topics in plain language. This supports successful integration and enables people to better understand their rights and obligations.

Plain language is an essential tool for communicating information to people with limited language proficiency. The International Day of Plain Language on 28 May recognizes the importance of this communication approach.

For migrants and visa applicants, access to understandable information is crucial. Plain language simplifies complex administrative and legal texts, making them accessible to a broader audience.

The German Federal Government is committed to providing important information in various language forms and with enhanced clarity. This supports better integration and helps people understand their rights and responsibilities.

The German Cultural Council is initiating a new action day dedicated to promoting a democratic and diverse society. The "Solidarity in Diversity" action day will take place for the first time on May 21, 2026, raising awareness about social cohesion in a pluralistic society.

The initiative addresses all citizens and organizations committed to democracy, diversity, and social cohesion. It is relevant for integration processes and the orientation of newcomers in German society.

In 2025, a total of 1,110 initial orientation courses (EOK) were launched across Germany to support newly arrived asylum seekers and immigrants. Beyond teaching basic language skills, these courses provide essential information about everyday life in Germany.

The EOK central office in Lower Saxony, led by Brigitte Germer and her team at the Agency for Adult and Continuing Education (AEWB), plays a key role in coordinating and ensuring quality standards for these courses. The central office assists course providers in developing and implementing high-quality orientation programs that give participants practical knowledge about German society, rights and responsibilities, and cultural practices.

Initial orientation courses are considered an essential component of integration support, establishing a foundation for newly arrived individuals to achieve successful social participation and professional integration.