Frankfurt is an international city that welcomes thousands of newcomers every year. To help you settle in, the city and the state of Hesse offer several support services.
This guide introduces some of the most useful resources for Chancenkarte holders and other international newcomers.
1. Frankfurt Welcome & Information Center (FWIC)
What is it?
The Frankfurt Welcome & Information Center (FWIC) is a city service for newcomers and international residents. It provides free information, advice, and guidance on many aspects of settling in Frankfurt. (Frankfurt.de)
Services offered:
- Personal consultation on administrative and residence-related matters.
- Information on housing, healthcare, education, and German language learning.
- Information about work, careers, and vocational training.
- Information about recognition of foreign qualifications.
- Guidance on local support services and organizations.
- Support with navigating local authorities and services. (de)
Address: Mainzer Landstraße 293, 60326 Frankfurt am Main.
Website: Frankfurt Welcome & Information Center
Email: amka.info@stadt-frankfurt.de
Phone: +49 69 212-41515
Opening Hours: Monday–Friday 10:00–14:00, Thursday 10:00–18:00. (Frankfurt.de)
Important: Consultations are available in person, by phone, and by email. The service is free.
2. Welcome Center Hessen
What is it?
The Welcome Center Hessen offers information and advice for international professionals and newcomers who want to live and work in Hesse.
The Frankfurt-Rhein-Main center can help with questions related to working and living in the region, professional integration, and other practical matters.
Services offered:
- Information on living and working in Hesse.
- Support with work-related questions.
- Information about recognition of foreign qualifications.
- Guidance on professional integration.
- Information about German language learning and other local services.
Address: Fischerfeldstraße 10–12, 60311 Frankfurt am Main
Location: 2nd floor, Room 2.414, in the Agentur für Arbeit Frankfurt am Main building.
Website: Welcome Center Hessen – Work in Hessen
Phone: +49 69 2171-1040
Email: frankfurt-main.welcomecenter@arbeitsagentur.de
Opening Hours: Monday–Friday 10:00–12:00. (work-in-hessen.de)
Important: The center also provides advice by phone, email, and in person. The official site indicates that you can visit during consultation hours without an appointment.
3. Chambers of Commerce
Frankfurt’s chambers of commerce can be useful for professional, business, and vocational questions.
IHK Frankfurt
The Industrie- und Handelskammer Frankfurt am Main (IHK) provides information and support related to businesses, vocational training, professional qualifications, and international workers.
Website: IHK Frankfurt am Main
Address: Börsenplatz 4, 60313 Frankfurt am Main.
Phone: +49 69 2197-1280
Email: info@frankfurt-main.ihk.de
International Chambers
Frankfurt is also home to international business organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany (AmCham Germany).
These organizations are mainly useful for professional networking and business connections, rather than immigration or residence advice.
4. Expat and Community Groups
Joining community groups is one of the best ways to build your network in Frankfurt.
You can find local groups through:
- Facebook Groups – Expat and international communities in Frankfurt.
- Meetup – Social and professional networking events.
- InterNations– International and professional networking.
Tip: Community groups can be useful for meeting people and getting practical advice, but always verify important legal or immigration information through official sources.
5. Language Learning Resources
| Resource | Description |
| Volkshochschule Frankfurt | Affordable German courses at different levels. |
| Goethe-Institut Frankfurt | German language courses and internationally recognized language exams. |
| VHS Lernportal | Free online German learning platform. |
| Babbel | Language-learning app with German courses. |
Tip: Course prices vary depending on the provider, course length, and type of course, so check the provider’s website for current prices.
6. Cultural and Social Orientation
Frankfurt offers many opportunities to discover the city and meet other people.
| Resource | Description |
| Frankfurt Tourist Information | Information about city attractions, tours, and events. |
| Museumsufer | Frankfurt’s museum district with numerous museums along the Main River. |
| Frankfurt Book Fair | One of the world’s largest book fairs and a major cultural and professional networking event. |
| Local cultural and community events | Opportunities to meet people and learn more about life in Frankfurt. |
Tip: Cultural events and community activities are a great way to practice German, meet people, and become familiar with the city.
Final Tip for New Arrivals
You do not need to solve everything alone.
For residence, work, qualifications, language courses, housing, and integration, start with official organizations such as the Frankfurt Welcome & Information Center and Welcome Center Hessen. They can often direct you to the right service or organization.