The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union has significantly complicated business relations between Germany and the UK. There are many new regulations to consider, and it is not easy to keep track of them all.
If you have questions regarding individual regulatory areas of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement or generally about the applicable legal situation since 1 January 2021, contact the lawyers at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte. Our German lawyers for Brexit affairs offer tailored and comprehensive legal advice to both individuals and businesses, as well as assistance with residence permit applications, customs compliance, and other legal matters related to Brexit. We are happy to assist you with the steps required to ensure that your business can successfully adapt to the legal changes resulting from Brexit.
Brexit: The Trade and Cooperation Agreement – What has Changed?
The United Kingdom ceased to be a member of the European Union on 1 February 2020. With the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, the UK finally left the Single Market and the Customs Union. All EU provisions no longer apply to the UK. The ending of the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital brings with it far-reaching changes for both Britons and nationals of EU member states well as for businesses. Our German lawyers for Brexit affairs will provide you and your business with comprehensive legal service and thorough advice on all issues relating to the law and the changes brought upon by Brexit.
To mitigate the obstacles to cross-border trade, mobility, and exchange, the UK and the EU agreed on a draft Trade and Cooperation Agreement on 24 December 2020. This still requires the European Parliament’s approval and adoption by decision in the Council of the EU. Additionally, ratification must still take place in the United Kingdom. However, the agreement will initially enter into force provisionally from 1 January 2021.
This partnership agreement is intended to regulate relations in the future and includes a comprehensive free trade agreement, regulations on a partnership in the area of security for citizens, as well as provisions on the implementation and monitoring of the agreement. In the following, we would like to give you an overview of some important regulatory aspects and outline the services our law firm offers in the area of Brexit.
Still in force: The Withdrawal Agreement
The Withdrawal Agreement, which entered into force on 1 February 2020, remains in force. In particular, it safeguards the rights of UK nationals legally residing in the EU no later than the end of the transitional period on 31 December 2020 and of EU citizens residing in the UK at the end of the transitional period. Even after 1.1.2021, they retain their free movement rights and can accordingly continue to live, work or study in the EU or the UK. They will also continue to enjoy the associated benefits of social security. Family members who are entitled to family reunification under EU law by 31.12.2020 at the latest can still join them in the future.
The Act on the Current Adaptation of the Freedom of Movement Act/EU and Other Provisions to EU Law has been in force in Germany since 24 November 2020. According to this law, British nationals must have notified their residence in Germany to the competent foreigners’ authority by 30 June 2021. They will then receive the “Residence Document-GB”.
Business Immigration to Germany after Brexit
As Brexit has become a reality, businesses in Germany and the United Kingdom face new challenges. Whereas there was frictionless trade between companies before Brexit, and ease of access to top professionals in the respective areas, Brexit has introduced new barriers. This means that German companies looking to hire UK citizens must ensure that these prospective employees’ residence permits and visas are in order. Our business immigration team advises companies about their available options. At Schlun & Elseven, we frequently partner with companies in Germany to oversee all of their labour immigration and other business immigration requirements.
Our business immigration lawyers also advise our corporate clients on the options available to them in setting up a business in Germany. Many companies in the UK may now need to establish corporate bodies and subsidiaries within the European Union to continue benefiting from the European Single Market. The inherent characteristics within your business decide the suitable form of company to operate. Let our legal experts examine your company’s situation and offer tailored solutions to your requirements.
Corporate Law in Germany and