How Because Berlin Helps People Move To Berlin And Find Work

The first time I heard about Because Berlin was at the beginning of the pandemic. I saw they were hosting an online town hall event to answer people’s questions and concerns about their visas, job opportunities, and more. As I was looking for a new job at the time, I signed up to gain more insight into how to shape my job search in light of the situation. As they were also answering the very questions I had at the time, the same ones my community had I also attended so I could pass the information along afterward.

The session was informative and helpful! I couldn’t wait to tell others that Because Berlin existed and how they could help anyone thinking about relocating to Berlin to start a new career or even a new business. I was impressed the local government was offering this service this public service free of charge and in English! I liked the idea that people could go to the source to get the latest news about things like employment prospects or advice on visa law changes, especially in light of events like the pandemic or Brexit. With a plethora of content out there, it’s sometimes confusing to know what’s accurate or up to date, and what’s better than speaking to the actual experts?

To that end, I reached out to the organization for an interview so they could tell you more about themselves and the work that they do. Here’s what they had to say.

1) What’s your mission?

We are the official one-stop source for everything you need to know about moving to and working in Berlin. We support those looking for advice on relocating, settling, and pursuing their careers in the German capital with an informative website because.berlin, and a team of experts. Our English-speaking advisors, the Welcome Team, offer free assistance to all professionals and entrepreneurs abroad who are interested in Berlin.

2) Who do you help?

Our mission is to help professionals and entrepreneurs move to Berlin from countries where they cannot work as freely as they would like. We particularly reach out to anyone who feels that they are not able to achieve their professional dreams and economic successes in their home countries due to prejudice, or political or social stigma. Freedom to be successful at the professional and personal levels is at the heart of this project.

3) How did you get started? What’s your story?

Karen Kargar, CEO and Founder of Rising, wrote the original concept for a Berlin Partner project then called “Wirtschaftsfreiheit Berlin” in 2018. Karen had been in contact with Berlin Partner since 2013, when she interviewed Burkhard Volbracht, Head of the Talent Unit, for a Master’s Thesis called “Welcoming New Arrivals to Berlin, Changing Attitudes through Prospects of Economic Growth.” Being an expert in global mobility, labor market diversity, recruiting, and international communications, Karen was able to turn the concept into reality, creating the website and building the Welcome Team services with her team. 

During the course of this project, Karen founded the company Rising, a next-generation talent attraction agency for cities and companies. The Rising team continues to develop and manage the project, including the creation of videos and social media content.

4) What types of things can you help people with?

We offer free advice about relocation, employers, industries, and networking so people can come here to do what makes them happy. We also share stories of international people who moved and successfully live and work in Berlin to show the diverse opportunities that Berlin offers skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. 

We also are able to directly connect you with our team members who can give direct advice on setting up a business or obtaining a visa. 

5) What types of things can’t you help with?

There are some things that we cannot help with, including finding a job (as they are not a job placement agency), finding a flat, or getting a work permit at the German Consulate in your home country.

6) Why are you free? How is Because Berlin different from other paid services out there? 

We are is a public-private project operated by Berlin Partner in cooperation with the Berlin Senate for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises.

Berlin Partner recognizes the importance of welcoming diverse talent from around the world in order to build a city that is socially and economically sustainable. Our work has organically grown to make us a platform for diversity and inclusion, which is something Berlin Partner greatly supports, as cultural diversity is one of the city’s greatest strengths.

7) Why should people come to you?

There is no other service in Berlin purely dedicated to helping mobile professionals to move to Berlin. All in English. Also, we are an official service of the city and have direct access to city administration stakeholders, ranging from the BIS, to the Agentur für Arbeit and the IHK. 

Due to the sensitivity of our work, we guarantee data protection and confidentiality and handle all situations with care.

8) In which languages do you offer support?

We offer free support in English and German.

9) Tell us about some recent success stories of people you’ve helped.

We cannot share information about people we assisted as we keep all personal information confidential and guarantee data protection for all our inquiries. However, at the heart of our project is the wish to share the stories of people from all over the world and from different walks of life who came to Berlin and made it their home. They have built successful and satisfying lives and add to Berlin’s wonderful cultural diversity. Watch our most recent interview with Deborah Choi, co-founder of Bosque and co-organizer of Tech in Colour.

10) How can people get in touch with Because Berlin? Do you offer in-person services?

All interested professionals or entrepreneurs can get in touch with us via email at [email protected] or through social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube. We do not offer in-person services but in special cases, we can organize individual zoom meetings.

Aside from these classic channels, anyone can meet our team and ask their questions during our online events. We organize regular Town Hall Calls about Berlin’s international community and offers relevant answers for talented professionals hoping to pursue their careers in Berlin. Our latest event about the LGBTIQ+ community gathered thought leaders from local businesses, networks, and non-profit initiatives whose daily activities are dedicated to building more diverse and inclusive workplaces. During these events, we aim to inform and help people searching for more freedom and a welcoming culture in a new city.

If you are looking to move to Berlin and find work, look no further than this organization for assistance to answer your questions about visa options, education recognition requirements, and more. Their support is free and as they are an official government-sponsored organization, you’ll get the most accurate and updated information.