Welcome at our Institute!

No matter whether you will be staying for three months or three years, moving to Göttingen will bring about some important changes in your life. Some of you may have lived abroad before, while for others it will be an entirely new experience. To prepare you for things that may await you in Germany, and to make the transition as smooth as possible, we have compiled valuable information for you as to what needs to be done before and after your arrival.

Your Direct Contact at the Institute

The assistant of your department or research group is happy to help you with all questions you may have before starting to work at our institute. Please feel free to contact them at any time. In addition, our institute has teamed up with the Welcome Centre for the Göttingen Campus and you now can also seek advice and support there. Please let the assistants know first before you contact the Welcome Centre. They will let the Welcome Centre know that you are eligible to do so. 

Welcome Centre for the Göttigen Campus
After you signed up for the services of the Welcome Centre, you are assigned a contact person who will assist you already before your arrival and will help you with all necessary steps in Göttingen. more

What You Need to Know – First Steps 

What you need to know about visa & entry, health insurance, child care & schools, important documents, accomodation, or more.  
What you need to do during your first days here in Göttingen including administrative steps regarding registration, residence & work permits, medical care, social security number, and more.  
What you need to do during the very first days at our institute including e-mail account, keys & ID card, intranet access, setup of phone & computer, and more.  
Information useful during your time at the institute: family & career, important contact persons at the instiute, networking, mentoring & career support, social events, equal opportunities, public outreach, as well as sports activities.  
If you leave the institute for the next step in your career, there are some things to keep in mind before saying goodbye. Please find a checklist on our intranet.  

Further Helpful Links for Working at the Institute and Living in Göttingen

Germany Guide — Useful Information for new Institute Members from A-Z
Online Germany Guide for new international employees and visitors to facilitate their start at the institute and in Göttingen.  more
Welcome to Göttingen!

Welcome to Göttingen!

Here, you will find a collection of tips and tricks for your first steps in Göttingen.
Welcome Booklet of the University of Göttingen
What you might find worth knowing about living, studying, and working in Göttingen. more

Further Information about Living, Studying, and Doing Research in Germany

Living & working in Germany
A guide for international scientists at Max Planck Institutes provided by the Max Planck Society (PDF) more
euraxess – Researchers in Motion: Service Network for Mobile Researchers
A useful website with information and assistance to mobile researchers listing practical information on professional and daily life in Germany, as well as job and funding opportunities. more
Welcome to Germany!
Welcome to Germany — a detailed online guide by the Max Planck Society on the steps you need to take before and after your entry. Here you will also find useful information about visas & entry, health insurance, opening a bank account, taxes, and accommodation. more
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