The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia adopted the draft Faires-Wohnen-Gesetz (Fair Housing Act, FWoG NRW) in March 2026. The legislation is intended to replace the existing Wohnraumstärkungsgesetz (Housing Strengthening Act) of 2021 and introduce stronger measures to address abuses in the housing market. The draft provides for amendments and new provisions across four main [...]
Under German law, a pressing question is arising for many business owners who have signed up for expensive online coaching programs and paid thousands of euros: was the contract ever legally valid? The Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof, BGH) has made its position clear: many coaching contracts are void. In its judgment of 12 [...]
The B1 language certificate is the standard language requirement for naturalization in Germany — but it is not a requirement for every applicant. German law recognizes several categories of people for whom either a simplified language demonstration or no formal language test at all is required. These include people who completed part of their [...]
Germany has reformed its Military Service Law (Wehrpflichtgesetz – WPflG), which came into effect 1 January 2026. Recent media reports revealed a clause that had received little public attention thus far: German men between the ages of 17 and 45 require military approval if they want to leave Germany for extended stays abroad. Understandably, this [...]
Acquiring German citizenship is an important, often life-changing step. It opens up new rights — from voting to freedom of travel within the EU — and provides secure residence status. But anyone considering German citizenship faces a crucial question: How long does naturalization take after submitting the application? The short answer: expect at least [...]
Since January 1, 2026, employers in Germany have been subject to a new legal obligation under Section 45c of the German Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz, AufenthG). The regulation requires employers to inform newly hired third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA citizens) in writing — no later than their first day of work — of the free state-funded advisory [...]
Hair salons and barbershops have been in the crosshairs of German authorities for years. Unannounced inspections by customs officials — more specifically, by the Financial Control of Undeclared Work unit (Finanzkontrolle Schwarzarbeit, FKS) — are far from uncommon in the industry. During these inspections, officers check not only whether all employees are properly registered [...]
For many foreign nationals residing in Germany, naturalization represents the culmination of years of building a life in the country. When a prior criminal conviction — even a relatively minor one resulting in a fine — threatens to derail that process, it can be both frustrating and deeply unsettling. At Schlun & Elseven, our citizenship [...]
For holders of a German residence permit who attempt to return to Germany after a lengthy stay abroad, an unpleasant surprise may await: re-entry may be refused. The reason? In many cases, the residence permit has simply lapsed — automatically, and without the holder ever realizing it. The legal basis for this is Section [...]
Since the beginning of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, millions of Ukrainian nationals have found protection across the European Union. In Germany, they were granted temporary protection under Section 24 of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz – AufenthG), based on the EU's Temporary Protection Directive. This arrangement provided straightforward access to [...]