As a business immigration client of Brooks & Partners, you can expect comprehensive legal. We advise entrepreneurs aiming to come to Germany as well as companies in Germany on their immigration options.

For companies in Germany, our lawyers oversee all the immigration requirements when they look to hire top-class management, experts and employees from around the world. Our lawyers will guide you through the necessities in relation to the EU Blue Card, the ICT-Card, family reunification and all other issues relating to residence permits and visas. Let our lawyers focus on the bureaucratic requirements of German business immigration law, so that you can focus on the other aspects of running your company.

Our firm also provides specialist support for global entrepreneurs looking to bring their business ideas to Germany. Under the conditions of § 21 German Residence Act, entrepreneurs and investors from outside of the EU can obtain a residence permit for self-employment in Germany. Our business immigration lawyers offer full-service support to such entrepreneurs. Our team will oversee the visa application, examine your business plan and ensure that you do not fall victim to possible pitfalls.

The United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union (“Brexit”) has resulted in many changes for UK citizens who are looking to live, work and study in Germany. For those UK citizens currently residing in Germany, there is now a requirement to avail of a residence permit to continue living in Germany. Similar difficulties arise for German and other EU citizens now looking to move to the UK.

Our immigration lawyers are available for all of these matters and much more. From applying for the EU Blue Card and other residence permits to questions concerning family reunification and German citizenship, our immigration lawyers are available to assist you. Similarly, our business immigration law team is here to support companies impacted by the fallout from Brexit.

The two most common routes to German citizenship are through descent and residency. Both processes demonstrate the importance of Germany to the individual, whether this is through their familial links to the country or because they have made Germany their new home. For many individuals, their familial ties are significant for self-discovery. Knowing where our family comes from allows them to appreciate who they are.

German citizenship by naturalization allows people born outside of Germany to become German citizens due to them residing in Germany. Citizenship is not a requirement to live and work in Germany. Still, it provides many benefits, such as voting rights and the ability to remain in Germany permanently, which means that visas and resident permits are no longer required.

As more people move to Germany and make their homes there, the interest in dual citizenship has increased. German citizenship provides enormous advantages for those based in Germany. They are then not limited by visas or residence permits regarding their form of employment, do not need to undergo more bureaucracy if they wish to retire in Germany, and can benefit from EU citizenship. However, those interested in German citizenship may not want to give up their previous citizenship and therefore seek advice regarding dual citizenship.

Dual citizenship is a complex legal area, and it varies considerably based on the country of origin of the applicant. For those seeking German citizenship from European Union countries, retaining their original citizenship is much more straightforward than those from third countries. The laws in this area also depend on the citizenship laws of the other country alongside Germany. However, the legal situation in Germany relating to citizenship is set for changes in the coming years. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with citizenship lawyers to receive specialised counsel pertaining to your dual citizenship case.

Our lawyers will support you when applying for the German Retention Permit (“die Beibehaltungsgenehmigung”. This application must be made because Germans generally lose their citizenship when they acquire foreign nationality, and the German Retention Permit is not provided automatically. However, it is not necessary in cases where the citizenship of another EU member state or Switzerland is accepted.

If you are determined to move to Germany for employment purposes, our team of immigration lawyers will provide the legal counsel and assistance needed. Our team advises on options available to skilled workers under the recent Skilled Immigration Act, supports companies with ICT Card processes and consults with clients regarding various visas. Our team supports businesses by overseeing ICT Card applications for the entire company and will provide reliable legal advice relating to accelerating applications under the Skilled Immigration Act.

For freelancers and digital nomads, our team is here to assist them with the options available to them, such as the German Freelance Visa. This visa allows freelancers, self-employed individuals and digital nomads to establish themselves and reside in Germany. However, it is not the only option available to those in this position. A meeting with our team will allow them to outline your options relating to starting a business in Germany, avoiding “fake” self-employment (“Scheinselbstständigkeit”) and whether they may be eligible to apply for the EU Blue Card.

The EU Blue Card is designed for high-earning individuals from third countries and those in fields with employee shortages. Applicants need to fulfil the following conditions:

• possession of a German or an accredited foreign university degree comparable to a German one.
• an offer of a job in Germany that reaches the required earning limits– or
• an offer of a job in an area where workers are being sought for in Germany (scientists, mathematicians, engineers, doctors and IT-skilled workers) which has a lower earning requirement.

The holder of such an EU Blue Card may stay in the EU for up to four years and there are also increased prospects regarding a potential permanent settlement permit and family reunification. Should an EU Blue Card holder demonstrate the required German language requirements (B1 standard) they can accelerate their claim to German permanent residency. Our team of German immigration lawyers will advise you on all questions concerning the EU Blue Card in Germany.

Living in Germany can be difficult for people not used to the culture and language, however, this can be made easier with loved ones nearby. The manner by which a family can be reunited in Germany varies depending on which part of the world you are coming from, the nature of your stay in Germany and which visa you are in Germany under. Our articles on family reunification outline the requirements for the various situations. These articles are very detailed and the processes in question can be time-consuming.

At Schlun & Elseven our immigration law team is experienced in this field. We have worked with clients from all over the world in ensuring successful family reunification in Germany. Contact us today to benefit from our assistance. Read our articles to find out more about the process involved.

The German permanent residence permit is an unlimited residence title granted to a foreigner to consolidate their residence in Germany. It allows them to live and work in Germany without restrictions, whether as employee or in self-employment. Additionally, permanent residency grants its holder freedom of movement, which allows them to enter and leave the country at any time and without the restrictions in place for other visas and residence permits.

Permanent residency can come about in several manners, and eligibility for permanent residence is based on the residence permit that the individual used to come to Germany. The EU Blue Card, for example, grants its holder permanent residency in under four years, and can even provide permanent residency after 21 months, should its holder reach the required language standards.

Permanent residency should be considered a “must-have” for those who seek to stay long-term in Germany. However, it is worthwhile consulting with an experienced legal professional when making your application. Our team will outline the requirements for German permanent residency and will oversee your application.

Our immigration law team is available to assist professionals relocate to Germany. As well as advising them regarding residence permits and visas, our lawyers also provide tailored relocation services. Our law firm will oversee issues such as, work permits, residence permits, apartment search, schooling and more throughout Germany. To relocate to another country like Germany can be a great challenge and when additional organizational and bureaucratic hurdles are in the way, external support can prove helpful. Our specialists have supported clients worldwide with the move to Germany.

As a full-service law firm, our lawyers will advise you regarding property in Germany, cities in which to locate yourself, insurance requirements, family reunification and also, how best to get your family settled into life in a new city.

There are special visa options for athletes, doctors, and commuters. Under German law, cross-border commuters are citizens of third countries who work in Germany but reside in a neighbouring state and return there at least once a week. For such employees, difficulties can arise relating to social security, tax liability and vehicle registration. § 12 Aufenthaltsverordnung (the Residence Ordinance) provides a border-crossing certificate designed to make it easier for border crossing commuters to obtain a residence title and an employment permit in Germany.

Regulated professions, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, architects and teachers, are all recognised as needing extra standards when entering Germany to work. The German health and education systems are often understaffed, and there is a demand for outside experts to come to Germany. However, education systems vary between different states. Therefore, Germany needs to ensure that the professional qualification level of those entering the system is at the required standard. For this reason, a new recognition procedure for foreign professional qualifications of non-EU citizens and EU citizens was introduced under § 17a  German Residence Act in conjunction with the Professional Qualification Assessment Act to Germany in 2015.

Due to its economic strength, Germany offers great opportunities for investors from around the world. Investing in Germany can create a pathway towards German residency, and even citizenship. German residency and citizenship provide enormous advantages from the ability to reside in Germany and other EU countries to the benefits within Germany such as its excellent education system and high standard of living.

Our team of lawyers provide full-service legal counsel for those looking to gain German residency by investment. Our lawyers advise our clients regarding possible investments, establish investment companies and carry out the required residency applications and other paperwork. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, we have supported clients worldwide in gaining residency by investment.

As the most powerful economy in Europe, Germany is a hub of business activity, and the use of short-term visas are often needed for those outside of the European Union Our lawyers advise our clients regarding the most suitable form of short-term visa (whether it is a Schengen Visa or a Business Visa). Short-term visas can be used for a variety of purposes, such as for business meetings, trade conferences, sporting events, entertainment matters, for family visit and for other reasons.  Our lawyers work with people making their way to Germany on a daily basis and will provide clear guidance with preparing the application, ensuring that deadlines are not missed and  that the correct documents are submitted to the appropriate offices.

Our team is also available to provide full-service legal assistance should there be any disputes or legal issues arising due to the Schengen/Business Visa. It may be necessary for you to stay longer due to unforeseen events, and our team will provide the guidance and support needed in extending your stay. It should also be noted that the German authorities can be slow to assess individual cases, and therefore, delays can be damaging to you. Staying in Germany beyond the period of your visa or residence permit can lead to significant legal problems.If you require legal service in matters concerning short-term visas to Germany, please do not hesitate to contact our team directly.

Furthermore, our German visa lawyers are ready to advise you regarding the German Medical Treatment Visa. This visa allows non-Germans and non-European Union citizens to come to Germany for medical treatment. Whether it concerns transport, translation, accommodation or other aspects, Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte offers you the comprehensive service you need.