We help companies and their employees remain complaint with all relevant German immigration regulations, and can conduct extensive compliance reviews in order to make certain that compliance standards are being met. Compliance assessments include a review of expatriate records in order to help clients maximize their compliance with national immigration legislation. In addition, we provide recommendations on process changes to maximize efficiency and compliance, as well as corrective actions, if needed.

Expat Relocation’s broad geographic coverage allows us to provide consular support at diplomatic missions in many jurisdictions, including in Germany.

In partnership with other Expat Relocation offices worldwide, Expat Relocation can procure and authenticate documents where official documents need to be obtained and/or copies certified as true copies for a range of immigration applications. In providing document services for clients, we work with both German authorities and foreign missions based in Germany. In addition, we can coordinate with certified translators to obtain sworn translations where these are required for immigration-related applications.

We advise clients on their eligibility for German citizenship. Following an assessment of the individual eligibility of the applicant, we offer comprehensive advice on the naturalization process and the specific requirements. We prepare the application, file it with the appropriate authorities in Germany and monitor the application process.

We advise employers on the required visa type for any employee traveling to Germany, including Entry Visas (C visas) and complex or expedited business visas. We give guidance on the document requirements in each case and prepare the visa application for submission at German Embassies and Consulates abroad.

We advise employers on how to apply for residence and work permits on behalf of their employees who are being deployed in Germany. We specify the procedures and inform all relevant parties about the documentation needed from them in order to complete the application(s). We prepare and file applications with the appropriate national authorities in Germany and prepare corresponding applications for German Embassies and Consulates abroad. We closely monitor the entire application process and can work with local authorities to resolve issues or challenges, if necessary and appropriate.

We provide full support to dependents involved in immigration processes in Germany. Specifically, we guide assignees on the optimum immigration strategies for accompanying dependents, partnering closely with them and their dependents to prepare all required documentation for timely application processing in Germany, and to help them maintain compliance with immigration process requirements in Germany for the duration of their stay. In addition, we assist with renewals and/or changes to dependent immigration status, and follow up with authorities on a regular basis through the application process.

Expat Relocation manages work with members of our exclusive Local Advisor Network in countries in Eastern Europe and certain countries in Central Europe where we do not have an office. By closely managing these services, we make certain that each case meets with Expat Relocation’s firm-wide standards and is optimally positioned for approval when lodged, while providing on-the-ground support as needed.

When German nationals wish to apply for citizenship in another country, we advise them on their ability to retain their German citizenship and how to do so. We assess each individual situation and give advice on the process and required documentation to obtain permission to retain German citizenship (“Beibehaltungsgenehmigung”), if necessary.

We work with employers to identify the necessary type of visa or work or residence permit for deployments, assignments or business trips of employees, and advise them on the requirements associated with specific applications. We closely monitor all modifications of German immigration and citizenship legislation, allowing us to provide up-to-date advice on the immigration options and consequences of various types of international deployments as well as travel of employees into Germany.

Expat Relocation’s fixed transactional fees include a range of benefits for which other firms charge significant fees. For example, our clients have access to Expat Relocation’s proprietary, worldwide case management portal, which allows authorized stakeholders and assignees within their company to track cases in progress, current status, and critical expiration dates.

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