German Immigration News

As we approach the 2026 local elections in Frankfurt , the immigration office is once again under scrutiny from city politicians. As a specialized law firm, we are observing with a mixture of skepticism and hope what promises the parties will make to finally loosen Frankfurt's bureaucratic bottleneck. A look back at dark times and hesitant glimmers of hope. It's no secret that Frankfurt's immigration office has historically been considered one of the most difficult in Germ

Imagine the state halting the issuance of driver's licenses nationwide simply because irregularities surfaced during the theory test at a single driving school. Or consider suspending all tax assessments because a handful of citizens made false statements on their returns. What would be considered an absurd infringement on individual rights in any other area of law is currently being discussed as a serious demand in migration policy . Given the record numbers of over 290,0

It was a moment that brought palpable relief to the corridors of the European Parliament, while in the boardrooms of the major airlines, calculators were likely being pulled out. With an overwhelming majority of 632 votes, Parliament sent a clear signal on January 21, 2026 : consumer protection in the skies is non-negotiable. For a long time, it seemed as if the existing standards could be weakened by economic interests and pressure from the aviation lobby. But the current

On January 30, 2026, the European Commission initiated infringement proceedings against the Federal Republic of Germany (INFR(2025)4025) . At the heart of this legal storm is the so-called " Van der Elst" rule . This construct, intended to safeguard the freedom of services, has often become a bureaucratic stumbling block for international projects in German administrative practice. The central question is whether national authorities are permitted to effectively circumv

A letter from the immigration office often decides everything: work or unemployment, family life or separation, safety or insecurity. But what happens when no one understands this letter ? When complicated bureaucratic language, convoluted sentences, and legal jargon are barely comprehensible even for native speakers—let alone for people who have only recently arrived in Germany? This is precisely where a massive problem arises, one that not only affects individual fates

The German labor market will reach a crucial turning point in 2026. While demographic trends are significantly increasing the pressure on companies , legislators are responding with a dynamic mix of relief packages, stricter regulations, and far-reaching reform plans. Will we work more flexibly in the future, or will new EU directives bind us more closely to bureaucratic processes? The decisions currently being made by the cabinet under Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the Eur

Imagine spending months gathering documents, obtaining translations, and waiting for that one crucial appointment that will reunite your family or secure your professional future in Germany. You access the appointment system's website and find: nothing. No appointments , no one to contact, no hope. What sounds like a bureaucratic nightmare has been a bitter reality since February 14, 2026. The message is clear: The visa section of the German Embassy in Tehran, as well as th

While the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) loudly proclaims that Germany needs every helping hand and that refugees and skilled workers should be integrated into employment more quickly, behind the scenes, the plug is being quietly but firmly pulled. It's a paradoxical situation: Integration through work is demanded, yet at the same time, people are deprived of the most important tool for achieving it – language. The federal government is gradually red

An inconspicuous update in the Federal Law Gazette marks a security policy adjustment in German migration policy and international travel management. What at first glance appears to be a purely technical adjustment, upon closer inspection reveals itself to be a legal minefield for companies, tour operators, and relocation experts. Anyone who previously believed that sanctions lists were only relevant to bankers and exporters now needs to reconsider. The German government has

For many Pakistani citizens in Germany, the decision to obtain German citizenship was a difficult one. Those seeking full political participation and legal equality in their new home often had to sacrifice a part of their identity: their Pakistani citizenship. This bureaucratic renunciation was not only an emotional hurdle but also brought tangible legal and economic disadvantages back home . However, since January 9, 2026, the situation has changed. An official announce

Imagine you've waited months for your appointment at the Berlin State Office for Immigration (LEA), paid the fees, and submitted all the required documents. You're expecting the state-of-the-art, biometric document in credit card format ( electronic residence permit (eAT) ) that's supposed to make everyday life in Germany easier. But instead of the familiar plastic card, the official opens your passport and affixes a traditional visa sticker . What sounds like a bureaucra

Imagine you have a top-tier job offer in Germany, your bags are packed, but your visa is rejected without any valid reason. Appealing to the Berlin Administrative Court is often your last hope. But once there, the harsh reality of the rule of law sets in: an average processing time of 14.2 months . For a skilled worker or a family seeking reunification, a year of uncertainty is an eternity that can shatter life plans. But there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. With

It was a watershed moment in German immigration law when the deadlines for obtaining a German passport were significantly shortened. But while many applicants are only just beginning to compile their documents under these new regulations, dark clouds are already gathering on the political horizon. What seemed certain could soon be up for debate again. The debate surrounding "trust in the rule of law" and the "devaluation of the passport" has gained new momentum, which could

The familiar sound of a physical stamp in a passport , which determines the success of entry into Germany, will soon be a thing of the past. What might sound romantic actually represents a technological revolution with profound legal consequences. At Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), a new era began on January 28, 2026: Travelers from non-EU countries can now pre-register at self-service kiosks before even encountering border officials. While this may superficially appear

Germany faces a formidable challenge: To maintain a stable workforce, net immigration of up to 368,000 workers from third countries is required annually. However, the reality within the authorities tells a different story. As a law firm specializing in visa law, we witness daily how highly qualified talent and committed employers become frustrated by a system that hinders rather than fosters economic growth. In this context, the Corporate Immigration Lawyers Germany (C

The gateways to Europe are facing a digital and legal transformation unlike anything we have seen before. With document COM(2026) 43 final, the European Commission has presented a comprehensive strategy aimed at modernizing existing visa regulations. For us, as a law firm that grapples daily with the hurdles of the Schengen Borders Code and the Visa Regulation, this signals a new beginning . While the previous system was often characterized by rigid deadlines and bureaucr

The German government recently passed a law tightening nationality regulations , particularly affecting Section 42. The reform aims to consistently penalize false statements made during the naturalization process . In the future, an inaccurate statement can result in a ban of up to ten years on applying for naturalization again. This tightening of regulations was prompted by scandals involving forged language certificates and false declarations of loyalty, such as th

The rules for international professionals in Germany are constantly evolving. Anyone applying for a visa or residence permit in 2026 must be aware of new minimum salary requirements . To ensure your application goes smoothly at the immigration office or German embassy or consulate, we've compiled the most important updates for you. The EU Blue Card (EU Blue Card) according to § 18g of the German Residence Act (AufenthG). For university graduates, the Blue Card rema

It might only be the start of 2026, but we’re already seeing major changes to day-to-day life in Germany. This year is set to bring a series of changes to immigration law , including for Blue Card holders, while the rising cost of living is expected to continue. Although the German labour market is in decline, the country is still open to skilled migrants, although financial and compliance requirements are increasing. Whether you’re an expat already in Germany or currently wo

On December 9, 2025, the legal framework for the entry of people who have fled the war in Ukraine was once again adjusted . With this eighth extension of the so-called Ukraine Transitional Residence Ordinance, the legislature is responding to the changed situation within the European Union. While the ordinance continues to guarantee humanitarian access to Germany, it contains a crucial new provision that is particularly important for those who have already found refuge in