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Lawyer for Migration Law Cologne

As a specialist lawyer for immigration law, I am happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding immigration, residence, company formation or obtaining German citizenship.

What is meant by asylum and migration law?

In recent years, asylum and migration law have gained considerable relevance due to political and economic developments worldwide. It is no coincidence that it accounts for more than half of all administrative court proceedings. However, due to the complex legal situation, the rights and obligations of asylum seekers or migrants are often unclear. Since these always involve individual fates, it is crucial that all legal processes are correctly structured.

In which cases does asylum and migration law apply?

Migration law (formerly: Aliens Law) forms the basis for all matters of foreign persons within the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany. This includes, in particular, the course of asylum procedures, legal issues regarding labor migration in companies and among skilled workers, as well as the legal consequences of criminal offenses, sham marriages, or deportations.

Due to its extensive connections to other areas of law, particularly administrative and criminal law, asylum and migration law is of paramount importance. It is characterized by constant and rapid changes to laws and administrative regulations. In addition to German law, European Union law and the case law of the European Court of Justice are also of increasing relevance for the assessment of migration law issues.

Have you lost track of immigration law? I can help you regain it. I advise you on all aspects of immigration law and represent you in court in the event of a dispute.

Which laws are relevant to asylum and migration law?

Asylum and migration law encompasses various aspects of numerous legal areas. The individual life paths of refugees and asylum seekers often require consideration of the legal systems of other European countries (especially the Dublin III Regulation). The situation is not necessarily clearer in German law either. The most important legal sources regarding asylum law are, in addition to Article 16a of the Basic Law (GG) the Residence Act (Residence Act) and that Asylum Act (AsylG). For EU citizens, the European Union Freedom of Movement Act (FreizügG/EU) are important. These regulations contain numerous provisions on the recognition of asylum seekers, the granting of a residence permit, the so-called toleration of deportation, and deportation. In addition, other administrative regulations and laws are often relevant in individual cases. Particularly in the area of toleration, the Law on toleration of residence for training and employment which enables a reliable residence status through long-term toleration.

From criminal matters to EU institutions

The possibilities for linking it to other areas of law are as diverse as the applicable norms. While asylum law is primarily concerned with constitutional and general administrative law, there are significant overlaps with the Dublin procedure, European law. Often, the right of residence is also linked to criminal law. In such situations, it is advisable to quickly seek the advice of a lawyer in order to negative effects to avoid possible ongoing asylum procedures.

The number of parties and institutions involved can be just as complex as the legal foundations of asylum and residence law. In addition to administrative authorities, numerous other public bodies at the municipal level, as well as the police, can quickly become involved. In addition to the administration, private associations or initiatives can also play a role in the asylum process.

 

Are you struggling through the bureaucratic jungle? I won't leave you alone. With me, you have your rights on your side.

My area of activity in the context of asylum and residence law

My legal advice covers all relevant questions and issues relating to asylum and residence law. First, I clarify which law applies in each case. This allows for early removal of obstacles that would otherwise slow down and complicate the process.  

My support particularly concerns questions:

  • concerning the issuance and extension of visas
  • in compliance with or violations of ID card obligations
  • the granting or extension of various residence permits
  • in the exemption from the requirement of a residence permit
  • to grant a permanent residence permit 
  • naturalization

My goal is to develop the right solution for you. I will represent your interests professionally and vigorously. My utmost attention, particularly in this area of law, is paid to protecting and safeguarding the interests of my clients. As a specialist lawyer, I possess extensive experience in immigration law and stay abreast of current developments.

Family reunification – what happens to loved ones

My work also extends to family reunification issues. I will check for you whether the requirements for family reunification are met and whether a residence permit can be obtained. 

I will also inform you about the consequences of expulsion and deportation and work with you to develop a strategy to avert their consequences. I will represent you and your family members in the appeal before the administrative court.

Criminal law: Risk for the asylum procedure

Should criminal law arise, I also represent my clients in these cases. When it comes to questions about illegal entry, it is important to assess the legal situation precisely to avoid greater damage. Although illegal entry is not covered by the Criminal Code, but rather by Section 14 of the Residence Act If it is regulated by the Residence Act, it constitutes a criminal offense (Section 95 of the Residence Act). The options for defending yourself against this are far more limited than in the case of mere administrative action by an authority. Therefore, I recommend acting early and consulting a lawyer. The same applies to all questions and problems that may arise in connection with sham marriages and the smuggling of foreigners into the Federal Republic. 

Even as a migrant or asylum seeker, you have rights. I advocate for your presumption of innocence.

Within the framework of EU law, I advise my clients on a wide range of issues:

  • Residence of German citizens in EU countries 
  • Settlement permit and permanent residence permit for EU citizens
  • Family reunification for EU citizens and their relatives
  • Advice on freedom of movement

After five years of residence, EU citizens and their family members are granted the right of permanent residence. I am happy to assist you with any questions you may have, such as verifying whether you meet the requirements or asserting your right with authorities.

Labor migration as an opportunity

In addition, I provide advice on all issues related to labor migration. The immigration of skilled workers has become a significant economic factor. This makes it all the more important for all parties involved to ensure legal certainty. I see myself as a lawyer and partner for companies in the region.

My services include the review of various types of residence permits: visa, residence permit, settlement permit, long-term residence permit, and more. EU Blue Card, I handle residence permits for university graduates. Furthermore, I assist with the recognition of professional qualifications acquired abroad. I also provide support with the issuance of student visas and regular work visas.

Is your company looking for qualified employees? Are you a foreign national interested in working in Germany? I will do everything legally permissible.

Make an inquiry now

I would be happy to advise you comprehensively and personally on your concerns.

My work at the pulse of jurisprudence

Asylum and migration law is a multifaceted area of law that requires comprehensive knowledge of current case law. Cases are constantly being retried in the courts. For example, the Higher Administrative Court (OVG) in Bautzen recently ruled that a Georgian family with roots in the country should not be deported for the time being. At least two of the children, who attend German schools, are entitled to a temporary suspension of deportation. The court therefore ordered the Free State of Saxony to repatriate the family.

The Berlin Administrative Court (VG) also made a decision in an urgent case. The court ruled that Afghan local workers must be admitted to Germany. As long as their lives are in constant danger, the German authorities have no discretion.

With me, you can benefit from current case law in migration law.

My services in migration law at a glance

As a specialist lawyer for immigration law, I advise and represent you in all matters. Constantly changing regulations, reforms, and current case law make administrative law dynamic and complex. With my advice, you are on the safe side legally. My services include the following:

Right of residence

  • Visa issuance
  • Extension of residence permits
  • Change of residence permits
  • Permanent residence permit
  • naturalization
  • Family reunification
  • Expulsion
  • deportation
  • Complaints at the administrative court

Asylum law

  • Applying for asylum
  • Lawsuit against rejected asylum application

Labor immigration

  • Skilled worker immigration
  • Recognition of professional qualifications
  • Study visa
  • Blue Card
  • Work visas

Criminal law

  • Illegal entry 
  • Illegal residence
  • Marriage of convenience
  • Smuggling of foreigners 
I would be happy to assist you with these issues in migration law.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration Law

Migration law is the area of law that regulates all matters relating to the entry, residence, naturalization, and asylum of people from abroad in Germany. It encompasses residence law, asylum law, citizenship law, and EU freedom of movement law, and is closely intertwined with administrative, labor, and criminal law.
The term "immigration law" was long used in everyday language, but is now considered outdated. The more technical term is migration law – a collective term that better reflects the international and societal understanding of migration. In terms of content, migration law encompasses what was formerly known as immigration law, plus the related areas of asylum, naturalization, and EU freedom of movement.
The most important legal sources are the Residence Act (AufenthG), the Asylum Act (AsylG), the Nationality Act (StAG), the Freedom of Movement Act/EU, and Article 16a of the Basic Law. In addition, there are numerous European regulations – above all the Dublin III Regulation and the EU Freedom of Movement Directive.
Legal advice from a specialist lawyer is always advisable when official decisions could have far-reaching consequences for your residency status or naturalization – for example, in cases of applications, threatened rejections, long processing times, deportation and expulsion proceedings, or family reunification. Companies that recruit foreign specialists or second them within their group also benefit from legally sound advice.
German residence law has several levels: the visa (for entry), the temporary residence permit (for various purposes such as work, study or family), which EU Blue Card (for highly qualified professionals) who settlement permit (permanent residence permit) as well as the EU long-term residence permit. In addition, there are special titles such as the ICT card or the opportunity card.
The reformed Skilled Immigration Act has significantly lowered the barriers to skilled immigration. Skilled workers can now come to Germany with professional experience – and not just with a recognized qualification. The requirements for the EU Blue Card have been relaxed, and since June 2024, the Opportunity Card has provided a new residence permit for job seekers.
EU citizens and their family members enjoy freedom of movement within the European Union: they may enter, reside, work, and become self-employed without a visa. After five years of legal residence, they acquire the right to permanent residence. Freedom of movement can only be restricted in very limited exceptional cases, such as for reasons of public order.
Deportation is a possibility, particularly after an asylum application has been rejected, a residence permit has been lost, or a deportation order has been issued. You can appeal or file a lawsuit against official decisions with the administrative court. In urgent cases, an application for preliminary legal protection is possible, which can temporarily halt an impending deportation. Swift legal action is crucial here – ideally, as soon as you receive the first official notification.
The duration of an asylum procedure varies considerably – depending on the country of origin, the complexity of the case, and the workload of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). In straightforward cases, a decision can be reached within a few months, while in more complex cases or in the event of appeals before the administrative court, the procedure can sometimes drag on for several years. An action for failure to act can expedite the processing if the authority fails to make a decision without objective justification.

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