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 residency (naturalisation) 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.

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 challenging for those unfamiliar with the culture and language. However, having loved ones nearby can significantly ease the transition. Family reunification laws in Germany allow for family members to join residents, but the process varies based on the origin country, the nature of the stay, and the type of visa held by the resident.

At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, we specialise in guiding clients through the complex landscape of family reunification law in Germany. Our expert legal team provides tailored advice and comprehensive support to ensure a smooth and successful reunification process. Whether you are an EU citizen or a non-EU national, our experienced attorneys will help you understand the specific requirements and procedures applicable to your situation.

We offer detailed consultations to outline the necessary documentation, eligibility criteria, and procedural steps. Our goal is to simplify the process and address any challenges that may arise. From initial application to final approval, Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte is committed to providing expert legal assistance every step of the way. For more detailed information on family reunification laws and to learn how we can assist you, contact our lawyers today. Our dedicated team is here to help you reunite with your loved ones in Germany.

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. Our expert legal team at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte provides personalised support tailored to your specific circumstances. We assist with understanding the eligibility requirements, which can vary based on factors such as employment status, duration of stay, language proficiency, and integration efforts.

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 Schlun & Elseven 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 legal requirements when relocating 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. Section 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 Section 17a  German Residence Act in conjunction with the Professional Qualification Assessment Act to Germany in 2015.

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.