Practice areas
As a specialist law firm, we handle international matters comprehensively in the following core areas:
Practice areas at a glance
Four areas in which the firm practices. Each topic page links to the legal bases, with the full text at gesetze-im-internet.de.
Residence and entry
Immigration law
Every third-country national requires a residence title (Aufenthaltstitel) to enter and reside in Germany. Strict requirements apply to its issuance.
VisaSchengen visa or national visa, depending on the duration and purpose of entryResidence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis)Temporary and tied to a specific purpose, such as university studies, employment, or family reunificationEU Blue CardResidence title for skilled workers from third countries with an academic degreeWork permitPrerequisite for employment, initially issued for a specific positionResidence permit for economic activityFor skilled workers with a recognized qualification, without proof of language skillsFamily reunificationDifferent rules depending on the citizenship of the family member living in GermanySettlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)Permanent and not tied to a specific purpose, as a rule after five years of residenceEU long-term residence permit (Erlaubnis zum Daueraufenthalt-EU)Comparable, and additionally facilitates a move to other EU statesNaturalizationRoutes to German citizenship and their requirementsSIS alertAlert in the Schengen Information System, access to information and deletionHumanitarian residence titlesResidence permit in cases of an impediment to departure or sustainable integrationRight of free movementFor EU citizens and their family members, with separate preferential rules
For companies and skilled workers
Work and business
Anyone recruiting from abroad or setting up a business in Germany should not underestimate the lead time. The residence title is determined before entry.
Labor migrationChoice of residence title, visa procedure, and recognition of foreign qualificationsVocational training and university studies in GermanyResidence for educational purposes and the transition to employmentSetting up a business in GermanyResidence title for self-employment under § 21 AufenthG
Where residence and benefits interlock
Social law for migrants
Drawing social benefits can have consequences under residence law. Conversely, access to certain benefits often depends on the respective residence status.
Are you unsure which topic applies to you?
Many matters touch on several areas at once. Call us, and we will work out together where your case belongs.
