Welcome office

On behalf of all employees of our institute, we warmly welcome all new colleagues to the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion (MPI CEC) in Mülheim an der Ruhr.

The Welcome Office supports new employees, students, scientists, and visiting scholars during their start at the institute. Our services are available to all new members of MPI CEC and are designed to facilitate a smooth onboarding process. Some of these services are particularly relevant for colleagues coming from abroad, but we are happy to assist everyone as needed.

Comprehensive information, especially for international staff, can also be found in our guide for international scientists, which provides helpful guidance for the first steps after arriving in Germany.

The secretaries of our departments serve as a first point of contact and can assist you with various administrative and organizational matters, including:

  • Applying for a residence permit (if required)
  • Health insurance–related questions
  • Filling out official forms related to your employment or stay at the MPI CEC

Upon arrival, you will also be assigned a personal mentor who will introduce you to the institute and support you with initial formalities and any questions that may arise.

We wish all new colleagues a successful start at the MPI CEC, every success in their work and research projects, and we hope that you - and, if applicable, your families - will settle in quickly and feel welcome in Mülheim an der Ruhr.

Visa and residence permit

There are different types of visas depending on the purpose and the period of your stay at our institute. EU nationals do not require a visa to enter the Federal Republic of Germany. Generally speaking, all other foreigners require a visa for stays in Germany. A visa is not required for visits of up to 90 days in an 180‑day period for nationals of those countries for which the European Community has abolished the visa requirement. more

Health Care

Germany has a universal multi-payer health care system with two main types of health insurance: "Statutory Health Insurance" (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) known as sickness funds and "Private Health Insurance" (Private Krankenversicherung). more

Tax system

If you have never worked in Germany before, you need an identification number. Please make an appointment at the local Finanzamt. more

Banking

To receive your salary and be able to withdraw money, it is necessary to open a giro account at a bank, savings bank or Postbank. The service they offer are more or less the same, it depends on your personal needs and wishes on customer service and account fees. more

Accommodation

We will hand out a list of possible addresses and contact persons in Mülheim to you after your arrival at the institute. All current accommodation advertisements are also published in our Intranet. Asking your new colleagues is always a good idea, maybe someone heard about a good apartment etc. more

Mülheim/Ruhr

Mülheim offers a variety of interesting and attractive locations, inviting visitors to enjoy a stroll around the city by the river Ruhr. From the Old Town up to the Water Station, visitors can spend an entertaining time and explore many different areas of beauty and interest. more

Euraxess Contact

Valerie Esters
Assistant to Prof. Dr. Serena DeBeer
valerie.esters(at)cec.mpg.de
Tel.: +49 (0)208 306 - 3657
Euraxess-Website

Facts about Germany

The portal offers all sorts of up-to-date and reliable information about all aspects of modern life in Germany. Figures, facts, interesting timelines and all information are available in 19 different languages, including Arabic, English, Farsi and Chinese. more

MPG - Guide

Living and working in Germany - For international scientists. Link