Success story - Hamburg Welcome Center

Success story of Ahmed Bairam

I am 32 years old and come from Palestine. I studied dentistry in Ukraine and worked as a dentist there and in Palestine. I came to Hamburg in 2023 and began the dental license recognition process here. Since March 2025, I have been working at Dentologicum as a dental assistant (ZFA).

My Start in Hamburg

I came to Germany alone in 2023 because of the war in Ukraine. My brother and some friends were already living here, though not in Hamburg, where I had to stay due to my residence permit. The first few months weren’t easy. The language was difficult for me, the system was complicated, and it wasn’t easy to find an apartment. I was disappointed and even considered going back to Palestine. Then I registered at the Jobcenter, and they arranged an appointment for me at the Hamburg Welcome Center (HWC). From then on, everything changed.

Today I work full-time as a dental assistant. At the same time, I’ve started the licensing process to become a dentist so I can return to my profession soon.

My wife and daughter now live with me in Hamburg as well. Being separated from my family over the past few years was very stressful for me, both professionally and emotionally. Today I’m doing much better.

My personal tip for anyone starting over

At first, I was completely at a loss. That’s why I recommend that everyone make an appointment at the HWC as soon as possible. The HWC helps with all the important issues when you’re new to Hamburg from abroad. This way, you can save time and, as in my case, start the recognition process as early as possible and find a job.

My Path to a Job: How the HWC Made My Start Easier

At the HWC, I first had an appointment at the Jobcenter. There, I received support with learning German. I took part in the integration course and vocational language course (B2), and they arranged a spot for me in the C1 German course for medical professions, which I found very helpful.

I also had several appointments at the Central Recognition Office (ZAA) in the beginning. The team helped me prepare the documents for my medical license and understand the process. That was very valuable to me, especially because the team offered counseling in my language.

The job search was still difficult. I searched intensively, wrote many applications, and received many rejections. At that time, I was able to attend an event organized by the Labor Market Service on the topic of job interviews. There I learned how such interviews are conducted and what to look out for. Shortly thereafter, the Labor Market Service, in collaboration with the Joint Employer Service, arranged a job interview for me at Dentologicum for a position as a dental assistant—and I received an employment contract.

After the Legal Counseling and Clearing Office had looked for a suitable solution for my residency status, I applied to the Residence matters for professionals team for a residence permit for employment. This allowed me to bring my family to Hamburg, and the Visa Office supported me with family reunification.

Once my wife and daughter were finally here, the Newcomers Service provided us with helpful information about life in Hamburg, such as information on daycare centers or finding German language courses for my wife.

I am proud that I can now work as a dental assistant in my field. It was important to me to gain practical experience and work with patients while I wait for my license to practice dentistry to be recognized.

What I particularly like about the HWC is that all departments work together in one place and are very well organized. The staff are friendly and helpful, which makes you feel safe.

When you come from abroad, you often don’t know how everything works. The HWC makes getting started much easier. I’d like to thank all the staff, because without the HWC, I wouldn’t have been able to make my way in Hamburg from start to finish.