Employment agencies for unemployment benefit across Germany

Your home address decides which branch deals with your claim

Your claim is handled by the Agentur für Arbeit responsible for your home address, and in big cities that may be one of several branches. Select your city to check how its agency deals with registering as unemployed and applying, whether it works by appointment, and what to have ready, such as a valid ID.

48 offices
  • Aachen

    Agentur für Arbeit Aachen-Düren — Dienststelle Aachen

    Roermonder Straße 51, 52072 Aachen

    Register as unemployed online or in person no later than your first day without work, then apply for the benefit.

    Bring current-address ID, or a passport/replacement document with a current registration certificate. Online unemployment registration requires supported electronic identification, not merely an account. Follow the benefit form’s evidence requests and report relevant changes. Keep proof of registration and submission. If a final decision is delayed, ask whether an advance or provisional decision is possible for your circumstances. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Alsdorf

    Agentur für Arbeit Alsdorf

    Otto-Wels-Straße 4, 52477 Alsdorf

    Serves Alsdorf, Würselen, Baesweiler and Herzogenrath, and registering as a jobseeker alone does not complete your claim.

    Complete the separate unemployment registration and follow the benefit form’s requests for employment and insurance evidence. Keep confirmation of each submission. Ask about overseas insurance periods or other special circumstances rather than assuming automatic entitlement. Letters go to Agentur für Arbeit Alsdorf, 52028 Aachen, not to the visitor address. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Augsburg

    Agentur für Arbeit Augsburg

    Wertachstr. 28, 86153 Augsburg

    Register as unemployed up to three months before your first day without work, and enter your home address when you book.

    For an in-person registration bring ID showing your current address, or a passport/substitute document with a current registration certificate. Have the expected unemployment date ready and supply evidence requested in the application. Visit Wertachstr. 28; post goes to Agentur für Arbeit Augsburg, 86218 Augsburg. If the first day falls on a closure, attend the next open day; the agency assesses whether registration applies retrospectively.

  • Berlin

    Agentur für Arbeit Berlin-Mitte

    Charlottenstr. 87 - 90, 10969 Berlin

    Book a visit about your claim, or drop in on most weekday mornings if the matter is urgent.

    Register as unemployed by the first day of unemployment, then complete the separate benefit form and supply the evidence requested. A timely unemployment registration normally counts as the application date unless you state otherwise; the form and supporting documents are still needed for a decision. For an in-person registration bring current-address ID, or a passport/replacement document with a current registration certificate. Have employment and insurance history ready. Disclose resignation, termination agreements and other relevant circumstances because a waiting period may apply; accepted important reasons can prevent it. Do not postpone registration while waiting for every document. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Berlin

    Agentur für Arbeit Berlin-Nord

    Königin-Elisabeth-Str. 49, 14059 Berlin

    You normally need twelve insured months in the last thirty, and staff can check short contracts and work abroad.

    Register as unemployed by the first day of unemployment, then complete the separate benefit form and supply the evidence requested. A timely unemployment registration normally counts as the application date unless you state otherwise; the form and supporting documents are still needed for a decision. For an in-person registration bring current-address ID, or a passport/replacement document with a current registration certificate. Have employment and insurance history ready. Disclose resignation, termination agreements and other relevant circumstances because a waiting period may apply; accepted important reasons can prevent it. Do not postpone registration while waiting for every document. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Berlin

    Agentur für Arbeit Berlin-Sued

    Sonnenallee 282, 12057 Berlin

    To qualify you must look for insured work and normally be available at least fifteen hours a week.

    Register as unemployed by the first day of unemployment, then complete the separate benefit form and supply the evidence requested. A timely unemployment registration normally counts as the application date unless you state otherwise; the form and supporting documents are still needed for a decision. For an in-person registration bring current-address ID, or a passport/replacement document with a current registration certificate. Have employment and insurance history ready. Disclose resignation, termination agreements and other relevant circumstances because a waiting period may apply; accepted important reasons can prevent it. Do not postpone registration while waiting for every document. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Berlin

    Agentur für Arbeit Lichtenberg

    Gotlindestr. 93, 10365 Berlin

    Check which Berlin employment agency is responsible for you, then book a visit about your unemployment claim.

    Register as unemployed by the first day of unemployment, then complete the separate benefit form and supply the evidence requested. A timely unemployment registration normally counts as the application date unless you state otherwise; the form and supporting documents are still needed for a decision. For an in-person registration bring current-address ID, or a passport/replacement document with a current registration certificate. Have employment and insurance history ready. Disclose resignation, termination agreements and other relevant circumstances because a waiting period may apply; accepted important reasons can prevent it. Do not postpone registration while waiting for every document. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Berlin

    Agentur für Arbeit Marzahn-Hellersdorf

    Janusz-Korczak-Str. 32, 12627 Berlin

    EU, EEA or Swiss citizens can claim too, and you can ask staff to assess insurance periods from abroad.

    Register as unemployed by the first day of unemployment, then complete the separate benefit form and supply the evidence requested. A timely unemployment registration normally counts as the application date unless you state otherwise; the form and supporting documents are still needed for a decision. For an in-person registration bring current-address ID, or a passport/replacement document with a current registration certificate. Have employment and insurance history ready. Disclose resignation, termination agreements and other relevant circumstances because a waiting period may apply; accepted important reasons can prevent it. Do not postpone registration while waiting for every document. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Berlin

    Agentur für Arbeit Pankow

    Storkower Str. 120, 10407 Berlin

    Covers the insurance-based benefit you earn through work contributions, not means-tested job centre support.

    Register as unemployed by the first day of unemployment, then complete the separate benefit form and supply the evidence requested. A timely unemployment registration normally counts as the application date unless you state otherwise; the form and supporting documents are still needed for a decision. For an in-person registration bring current-address ID, or a passport/replacement document with a current registration certificate. Have employment and insurance history ready. Disclose resignation, termination agreements and other relevant circumstances because a waiting period may apply; accepted important reasons can prevent it. Do not postpone registration while waiting for every document. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Berlin

    Agentur für Arbeit Reinickendorf

    Innungsstr. 40, 13509 Berlin

    Book a visit to talk through your claim, as the amount and how long it is paid depend on your situation.

    Register as unemployed by the first day of unemployment, then complete the separate benefit form and supply the evidence requested. A timely unemployment registration normally counts as the application date unless you state otherwise; the form and supporting documents are still needed for a decision. For an in-person registration bring current-address ID, or a passport/replacement document with a current registration certificate. Have employment and insurance history ready. Disclose resignation, termination agreements and other relevant circumstances because a waiting period may apply; accepted important reasons can prevent it. Do not postpone registration while waiting for every document. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Berlin

    Agentur für Arbeit Spandau

    Wohlrabedamm 32, 13629 Berlin

    Book a visit for your unemployment claim and check the latest notices before travelling.

    Register as unemployed by the first day of unemployment, then complete the separate benefit form and supply the evidence requested. A timely unemployment registration normally counts as the application date unless you state otherwise; the form and supporting documents are still needed for a decision. For an in-person registration bring current-address ID, or a passport/replacement document with a current registration certificate. Have employment and insurance history ready. Disclose resignation, termination agreements and other relevant circumstances because a waiting period may apply; accepted important reasons can prevent it. Do not postpone registration while waiting for every document. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Berlin

    Agentur für Arbeit Steglitz-Zehlendorf

    Händelplatz 1, 12203 Berlin

    Register as unemployed first, and once your claim is approved the benefit is paid at the end of each month.

    Register as unemployed by the first day of unemployment, then complete the separate benefit form and supply the evidence requested. A timely unemployment registration normally counts as the application date unless you state otherwise; the form and supporting documents are still needed for a decision. For an in-person registration bring current-address ID, or a passport/replacement document with a current registration certificate. Have employment and insurance history ready. Disclose resignation, termination agreements and other relevant circumstances because a waiting period may apply; accepted important reasons can prevent it. Do not postpone registration while waiting for every document. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Berlin

    Agentur für Arbeit Treptow-Köpenick

    Pfarrer-Goosmann-Str. 19, 12489 Berlin

    If you worked on short fixed-term contracts, a shorter qualifying period may apply, so ask about your case.

    Register as unemployed by the first day of unemployment, then complete the separate benefit form and supply the evidence requested. A timely unemployment registration normally counts as the application date unless you state otherwise; the form and supporting documents are still needed for a decision. For an in-person registration bring current-address ID, or a passport/replacement document with a current registration certificate. Have employment and insurance history ready. Disclose resignation, termination agreements and other relevant circumstances because a waiting period may apply; accepted important reasons can prevent it. Do not postpone registration while waiting for every document. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Bielefeld

    Agentur für Arbeit Bielefeld

    Werner-Bock-Straße 8, 33602 Bielefeld

    Register as unemployed up to three months ahead and send the online benefit application about two weeks before your job ends.

    For personal registration bring an identity card showing your current address, or a passport/replacement document together with a current residence certificate. Prepare employment and qualification details and supply the evidence requested in your benefit application. Online identification can use a supported electronic ID, electronic residence permit or eID card. Send postal correspondence to Agentur für Arbeit Bielefeld, 33591 Bielefeld, as the agency instructs. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Bochum

    Agentur für Arbeit Bochum

    Universitätsstraße 66, 44789 Bochum

    EU, EEA or Swiss citizens and others allowed to work can apply too, but must meet the same insurance conditions.

    Use the official benefit application and provide the evidence requested for your employment and insurance history. For personal unemployment registration bring ID showing your current address, or passport/replacement document plus current registration certificate. Online registration requires accepted eID and identification equipment/PIN. Approved benefit is paid retrospectively at month end. Ask about an advance if a decision is delayed; it is conditional and may need repayment. Letters go only to Agentur für Arbeit Bochum, 44771 Bochum. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Bonn

    Agentur für Arbeit Bonn

    Villemombler Straße 101, 53123 Bonn

    Register online with an electronic ID, such as an electronic residence permit, or book a personal appointment.

    For personal registration, bring an ID showing your current address, or a passport or replacement document together with a current registration certificate. Prepare the expected unemployment date and submit the evidence requested in the benefit application. Visit Villemombler Straße 101; correspondence goes to Agentur für Arbeit Bonn, 53104 Bonn. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Braunschweig

    Agentur für Arbeit Braunschweig-Goslar — Braunschweig

    Cyriaksring 10, 38118 Braunschweig

    Ask staff to assess your claim, including insurance periods from abroad, as living in Germany alone is not enough.

    Complete the separate unemployment registration no later than the first unemployed day; it can be done up to three months beforehand. Online registration requires supported electronic identification through BundID (German federal online account); otherwise register personally with ID showing your current address, or a passport/substitute document plus current registration certificate. Then submit the benefit application through the official online service and supply the documents it requests. Prepare employment and insurance history, including periods abroad. Late jobseeker registration, leaving work voluntarily or other circumstances may affect payment; ask for an individual assessment. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Bremen

    Agentur für Arbeit Bremen-Bremerhaven — Hauptagentur Bremen

    Doventorsteinweg 48–52, 28195 Bremen

    Register as unemployed in person without a booked appointment, and applying for the benefit costs nothing.

    Bring current-address ID or a passport with registration certificate, and arrange the employer’s employment certificate. Depending on your case, provide termination, sickness-benefit, secondary-income or previous-benefit evidence. Online unemployment registration requires suitable electronic identification; an account alone is not enough. Keep the separate jobseeker deadline and report relevant changes promptly. Ask about provisional support if missing evidence delays a decision; no payment date is guaranteed here. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Bremen

    Agentur für Arbeit Bremen-Vegesack

    Lindenstraße 71, 28755 Bremen

    Check that the Vegesack branch handles your address before you go, as it lists no walk-in hours.

    Bring current-address ID or a passport with registration certificate, and arrange the employer’s employment certificate. Depending on your case, provide termination, sickness-benefit, secondary-income or previous-benefit evidence. Online unemployment registration requires suitable electronic identification; an account alone is not enough. Keep the separate jobseeker deadline and report relevant changes promptly. Ask about provisional support if missing evidence delays a decision; no payment date is guaranteed here. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

  • Chemnitz

    Agentur für Arbeit Chemnitz

    Heinrich-Lorenz-Straße 20, 09120 Chemnitz

    Registering as unemployed normally sets your application date, but you still have to hand in the claim documents.

    Use the official benefit application and provide the evidence requested for your employment and insurance history. For personal unemployment registration bring ID showing your current address, or passport/replacement document plus current registration certificate. Online registration requires accepted eID and identification equipment/PIN. Approved benefit is paid retrospectively at month end. Ask about an advance if a decision is delayed; it is conditional and may need repayment. Letters go only to Agentur für Arbeit Chemnitz, 09091 Chemnitz. If you must register in person and your competent agency is closed on the first day of unemployment, register on its next open day. The agency checks whether the registration can take effect retrospectively; this is not automatic. Follow any local arrangements for urgent registration, including service at another branch, rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

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Unemployment benefit after job loss in Germany

For employees who lose their job and have paid into unemployment insurance. See how registering and applying work and which agency handles your claim.

Unemployment benefit in Germany