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Labor Law for Foreigners (Expat Law)

Lawyer: Overview page on expat law and employment law for foreigners in Germany.

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About this Page

Expat law (labor law for foreigners) is closely linked to skilled immigration law , as skilled immigration law is always a cross-cutting issue between migration law and labor law . For example, the legality of employment contracts plays a role in the approval of the Federal Employment Agency, and the validity of a termination of an employment contract can be relevant to the validity of a residence permit. Therefore, when advising skilled workers, labor law for foreigners must often be considered. On this page, you will find all relevant information on labor law for foreigners.

Table of Contents

1. What is Expat Law?

2. Labor law for foreigners

3. Residence and visa rights for expats

4. Other legal areas for expats

5. FAQ Expat Law

6. Conclusion Expat Law

7. VISAGUARD Guides Expatlaw

1. What is Expat Law?

The term "expat law" encompasses all legal issues faced by people who live and work abroad, either permanently or temporarily— so-called expats . These can concern aspects of residence, employment, tax, and family law. Due to the often complex legal framework in a foreign country, many expats require specialized legal advice to ensure their stay is legally secure.

2. Labor law for foreigners

A particular focus is on employment law aspects that apply specifically to expats. These include legal questions regarding the salary of foreign nationals , permissible working hours and vacation entitlement , employment contracts , protection against dismissal , and the prohibition of discrimination . Changing employers and access to social security for expats are also key topics. It is essential for companies to be familiar with this legal framework and implement it correctly in order to act legally and retain international talent in the long term. Anyone working as an expat in Germany or employing expats as an employer should familiarize themselves comprehensively with applicable expat law to avoid legal risks.

Contact Us

Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!

Specialist Articles on the Topic

Protection against dismissal for foreigners

Everything about protection against dismissal for foreigners: requirements, prospects of success, steps after dismissal.

Driving license for foreigners

All information about driving licenses and the recognition of foreign driving licenses.

Holiday law for foreigners

All information on the minimum vacation entitlement applicable in Germany according to the Vacation Act (BUrlG).

Consequences of employer insolvency

Information on the consequences of employer insolvency for foreigners in Germany.

Non-competition clause employment contract

Everything about non-competition clauses and compensation in employment contracts.

Protection against discrimination against foreigners

Everything about protection against discrimination in the workplace for foreigners in Germany.

False self-employment in Germany

Everything about the criteria and consequences of bogus self-employment in Germany.

Employment contracts for foreigners

All information on the necessary content for employment contracts with foreigners.

Working hours for foreigners

Everything you need to know about permitted working hours and break regulations when working in Germany.

3. Residence and visa law

A central topic of expat law is also residency law. Depending on the country of origin and the destination country, different regulations apply to visas, work permits, and residence permits. Expats often have to prove that they have sufficient financial resources , health insurance , and a legal employment contract. These regulations are also essential for companies that employ international professionals. At VISAGUARD, we focus on providing advice on residency and visa law for expats and professionals .

4. Other legal areas for expats

Another important aspect of expat law is tax law. Expats must fulfill all tax and social security obligations in order to be able to work and live in Germany. This is especially relevant for self-employed expats (e.g., freelancers ). Social security law is also important for expats, for example, regarding pension insurance contributions in order to be able to apply for a permanent residence permit .

 

Living abroad also raises legal questions in the private sphere: What applies to marriages for foreign nationals? Are foreign marriages valid? What happens to a residence permit after a divorce ? If you, as an expat, have questions about family law for foreign nationals, please feel free to contact us.

Contact Us

Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!

Lawyer explains German immigration law to his client.

5. FAQ on Expat Law

What is Expat Law?

Expat Law covers all legal issues for people living and working abroad, either permanently or temporarily. This includes issues related to immigration, employment, tax, and family law. The goal is to enable expats to enjoy a legally secure stay in their host country.

Which employment law aspects are relevant for expats?

For expats, questions about salary, working hours, vacation entitlement, employment contracts, protection against dismissal, and the prohibition of discrimination are particularly important. Access to social security and regulations regarding employer changes are also key issues.

What regulations apply to residence and visa law?

Depending on the country of origin, different visa and work permit regulations apply. Expats often have to prove they have financial resources, health insurance, and a legal employment contract.

6. Conclusion Expat Law
Expat law is a complex, interdisciplinary area of law that is of great importance to both expats and their employers . Early, specialized advice helps avoid legal risks, ensure compliance with employment, residence , and tax regulations, and provide legal security for life abroad. Whether it concerns employment contracts, visas, social security, or family law – in-depth knowledge of expat law makes it easier for expats and companies to navigate the diverse legal challenges.

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