Appointing a Foreign Director (Non-Resident) for a German GmbH

Possessing a valid visa is one of the few requirements that a foreign director requires when working in Germany. This condition does not apply to applicants from other European Union countries, EEA members and Switzerland.

For directors from other (third countries), they will require an appropriate work permit. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our team provides expert assistance with EU Blue Card applications and is available to manage the application from the beginning.

To be eligible for an EU Blue Card, the applicant needs to have obtained a job offer in the EU, and that salary needs to pay above the required threshold. It should be noted that this amount changes every year. There are some cases where the salary requirements may be reduced. Applicants may be within this category if they possess qualifications in areas of short supply in Germany, such as the sciences, mathematics, technology or engineering.

Applicants need to be aware that the EU Blue Card is designed for highly qualified individuals, so a university degree is necessary. Furthermore, the university degree needs to be recognised in Germany.

There are many advantages associated with the EU Blue Card, as it allows for family reunification in Germany, accelerated access to a permanent residence permit and the possibility of travelling freely within the Schengen area.

However, there are also some areas of legal concern, including what should happen if an EU Blue Cardholder loses their job during the time they are in Germany based on that residence permit and whether it is permitted to change position as an EU Blue Cardholder. Our lawyers are ready to answer all your questions relating to the EU Blue Card.

The process of appointing a foreign director to a German GmbH carries some risks but in many cases, the benefits outweighs the more difficult aspects.

Foreign directors often provide German companies with invaluable international experience and expertise. Such qualities can play an enormous role in the future growth of the company, and motivate the company’s employees to increase their productivity based on procedures that have worked in other markets. Additionally, this new perspective may allow the company to expand its international reach or access other markets not previously considered.

Foreign directors can also provide the company with new connections in such markets. Their additional language skills may allow the company to access new business partners that were not previously possible.

Companies should strongly consider these potential benefits when considering an outside candidate for a director position, as there are often logistical challenges in the early stages of hiring them.

At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our legal professionals to advise companies and directors regarding any legal implications involved in such cases.

Becoming a director of a German GmbH can be risky, as the professional may leave themselves open to certain legal liabilities related to the role. Such risks include leaving themselves open to civil, employment, criminal law, tax and other liabilities. It is advisable to consult with the company’s articles of association regarding the responsibilities of the director in such cases.

Other steps that directors can take to ensure that they are aware of their rights and responsibility include becoming familiar with relevant legal provisions relating to the role, such as those in the German Companies Act (Gesetz betreffend die Gesellschaften mit beschränkter Haftung, GmbHG) and within German employment law legislation.

Attending meetings and participating in votes relating to the company’s articles of association are other steps that can be taken to ensure that the director is up-to-date with all developments.

Being aware of the potential legal liabilities involved with the role is the first step that can be taken regarding reducing future risks of exposure.

At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our full-service model means that we can advise you across the board regarding German law. Our team is ready to advise you in legal fields, including corporate, employment, tax and contract law. You can receive all the necessary legal advice from one location by becoming a client of our firm.

There are some tax implications that companies and individuals need to consider when appointing a foreign director to a German GmbH. For example, foreign directors need to be aware that they will be subject to German income tax on any income earned in Germany, including their fees or salary. They are also required to pay social security contributions in Germany. A director may also be required to register for VAT (Value-added tax) in cases where they provide a service.

There can be reporting requirements for the company, and they need to ensure that they are compliant with reporting the director’s income and contributions to the German tax authorities.

Directors must also be aware if their country of residence has a double tax treaty with Germany. If you are a resident of a country with a double tax treaty with Germany, you may be able to claim tax credits or exemptions. We advise on all matters relating to double tax treaties and how directors can claim tax exemptions in such cases.

At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our team is available to advise foreign directors regarding the tax implications of working in Germany. We also assist them in matters of preparing and filing their tax returns. Moreover, our lawyers advise clients on tax planning strategies and how they can reduce their tax burden.

Furthermore, our lawyers are available to represent directors in any tax disputes, negotiations or investigations with the German authorities. Our team will advise you regarding what you can expect under German law and prepare you for the case.

Working closely with our attorneys ensures that you know your rights and obligations under German law and that you will have expert representation in any legal matters.