Here's how to reach the State Office for Immigration (LEA) in Berlin

For many people in Germany, the State Office for Immigration (LEA) is a central point of contact: be it for issuing temporary residence permits , extending residence permits, or handling ongoing naturalization procedures . However, it quickly becomes apparent that contacting the LEA is anything but easy . Anyone hoping for quick information over the phone is often disappointed. The phones are rarely answered, most of the time you only reach a recorded message, letters go unanswered, and visitors are turned away at the entrance by security.

Contact LEA: What isn't working?

Previously, inquiries could be easily submitted to the LEA (Local Information Office) via email. Those days are over. Traditional email addresses no longer exist , and many case workers now communicate only via so-called "no-reply" addresses. A direct response to emails is generally only provided if the case worker initiates contact. For those seeking advice, this means that conventional communication channels are usually ineffective, and frustration is inevitable.

Ways to contact the Berlin Immigration Office (LEA)

Despite the obvious hurdles, some strategies have proven effective in practice. One option is to use the contact form on the LEA website . Every inquiry lands in the caseworker's file, and theoretically, it should be processed. In practice, however, caseworkers often only respond if the case is currently being actively processed. Persistence pays off here: those who use the form regularly increase the chance that a caseworker will eventually respond .

Another way to reach the LEA (State Office for Migration and Refugees) is to "cheat" an appointment . Many people report that it works to be admitted as an accompanying person . Once inside the building, one can go directly to the responsible caseworker. This method is, of course, not officially permitted and is not well-received by the staff, but it can be particularly useful for lawyers or people accompanied by legal counsel.

The safest and most legally effective method is to engage a lawyer . Lawyers have access to the special electronic mailbox for lawyers (beA) , through which they can communicate directly and officially with the LEA (State Office for Migration and Refugees). They also have access to legal remedies such as actions for failure to act . In practice, the State Office responds significantly faster to inquiries from lawyers, and the enforcement of claims is considerably facilitated.

Conclusion: Accessibility of the State Office for Immigration (LEA)

The accessibility of the State Office for Immigration (LEA) is frustrating for many seeking advice . Telephone, email, and postal correspondence often fail, and even a personal visit is fraught with considerable obstacles. Anyone needing timely answers or documents should be persistent in using the contact form, explore creative ways of visiting the office, or, if in doubt, consult a lawyer. In practice, legal support has proven to be the most effective way to get the LEA's attention and enforce one's rights.