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Specialist lawyer for migration law

All information about the specialist lawyer for migration law.

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About this Page

  • what a specialist lawyer for migration law is

  • how a specialist lawyer differs from a lawyer

  • what training specialist lawyers for migration law undergo

  • Requirements for a specialist lawyer for migration law

Table of Contents

1. What is a specialist lawyer for immigration law?

2. Training as a specialist lawyer for migration law

3. Contents of the specialist lawyer training

4. Specialist lawyer for migration law in Berlin

5. FAQ Specialist lawyer for visas

6. Conclusion Specialist lawyer for visa

1. What is a specialist lawyer for immigration law?

A specialist lawyer for immigration law is a particularly qualified and state-certified lawyer who specializes in German visa, migration, immigration, residence, asylum, and citizenship law (see Section 14p of the Specialist Lawyers Act (FAO) ). The title "specialist lawyer" is awarded by the relevant bar association and represents proven theoretical knowledge and practical experience in a specific area of law—here, the area of migration. Those holding this title have in-depth knowledge of topics such as visa procedures, family reunification, naturalization, deportation, and asylum law.

The difference from a general lawyer lies in the specialization: While any lawyer may, in principle, take on cases in immigration law, a specialist lawyer demonstrates special expertise and advanced training . This title therefore provides important guidance for clients when it comes to finding qualified legal support in complex immigration law matters.

2. Training as a specialist lawyer for migration law

To become a specialist lawyer in immigration law, a lawyer must meet certain requirements. In addition to three years of legal experience, extensive theoretical knowledge must be demonstrated. This is taught in a specialist lawyer training program , for example, at the Republican Lawyers' Association (RAV) or the German Bar Association (DAV) . The course comprises at least 120 hours (usually more) and concludes with several written assessments (usually three to five five-hour exams). Training to become a specialist lawyer in immigration law is therefore not only very demanding (since it must be completed alongside the law firm's business (i.e., usually on weekends)), but also typically costs several thousand euros.

In addition to the theoretical knowledge, the lawyer must demonstrate practical experience: At least 80 cases in immigration law must be handled to obtain the title. Of these, at least 30 must becourt proceedings (see Section 5, Paragraph 1 w) of the Federal Lawyers' Act (FAO ). Even after being awarded the title, specialist lawyers are required to undergo annual continuing education to ensure they remain up-to-date on current developments, legislative changes, and case law.

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!

3. Contents of the specialist lawyer training

The topics in which a specialist lawyer specializing in immigration law are generally freely selectable. However, Section 14p of the Specialist Lawyers' Act (FAO) specifies the following areas of immigration law as basic knowledge that must be demonstrated:

  1. Nationality law (in particular status determinations including statelessness , naturalization , loss of citizenship , displaced persons procedures)

  2. Right of residence (in particular general principles of acquiring, extending and consolidating residence permits , visa procedures for short and long-term residence purposes , residence permits and their various requirements, expiration of the right of residence, in particular expulsion, enforcement of the obligation to leave the country, in particular toleration, deportation and detention pending deportation, liability and fees, special features of data protection )

  3. Union law (in particular residence rights of Union citizens and their family members , residence rights under ARB 1/80 EEC-Turkey , other Union or international law migration regulations)

  4. Asylum law (in particular asylum procedures including international and national allocation regulations and types of decisions, international refugee protection, national protection, legal protection, revocation/expiration, follow-up procedures)

  5. Migration-related aspects of social law (in particular entitlements and exclusions from benefits dependent on residence status)

  6. Migration law implications of criminal law

  7. legal peculiarities of emigration

  8. Special features of procedural and procedural law in migration law

4. Specialist lawyer for migration law in Berlin/Visa specialist in Berlin

Berlin is a central location for advice and representation on migration law, among other things because Berlin has the largest immigration authority in Germany (State Office for Immigration (LEA)) and because the The Berlin Administrative Court is the central visa court . The Federal Foreign Office, as the employer of the embassies, also has its headquarters in Berlin at Werdescher Markt. Therefore, Berlin is home to a correspondingly large number of highly specialized immigration law specialists. Clients in Berlin benefit from a large number of experienced specialist lawyers, many of whom are also active in specialized networks. In addition to individual advice, they represent their clients in administrative proceedings, lawsuits before the administrative court, and sometimes also in constitutional or European law.

Berlin's specialist lawyers specializing in immigration law are also organized in special associations that often have direct contact with Berlin's political and judicial systems. There is a lively exchange of views on current developments regarding legal policy and administrative practice among the Berlin specialist lawyers, the head of the State Office for Immigration (Mr. Engelhard Mazanke), the Berlin Administrative Court, and the Federal Foreign Office regarding current developments in legal policy and administrative practice among those involved in migration and visa processes. The Republican Bar Association (RAV) and the Migration Law Working Group (AK Migrationsrecht) are particularly active in the ongoing legal policy debate on current developments in migration law. Berlin's visa law profession is also organized in its own networks, such as the so-called "Anwaltsverteiler" (lawyer mailing list).

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 Specialist lawyer for visas (specialist visa Germany)

What is a specialist lawyer for immigration law?

The title "Specialist Lawyer for Immigration Law" represents proven and documented expertise in the field of visa and immigration law. Specialist lawyers must undergo extensive and expensive training to demonstrate their theoretical and practical knowledge in their respective fields.


Who checks whether the requirements for the title of specialist lawyer are met?

The professional title (professional title permit) "Specialist Lawyer for Immigration Law" is awarded by the relevant bar association. In Berlin, this is the Bar Association of Berlin .


What are the benefits of a specialist lawyer for immigration law?

Unlike general lawyers, specialist lawyers specialize solely in migration and visa matters. They can therefore conduct proceedings before authorities and courts with significantly greater expertise and efficiency, and are often familiar with even the smallest details, such as precedents and relevant literature .


How do I find a specialist immigration lawyer near me?

Platforms like VISAGUARD offer targeted referrals to immigration law specialists, particularly in metropolitan areas like Berlin. Alternatively, you can search with the Bar Association or the German Bar Association (DAV).


How much does a specialist lawyer for immigration law cost?

Due to their high degree of specialization and the extensive training and state examination required, specialist lawyers in immigration law are usually significantly more expensive than lawyers who practice in all areas of law. However, the quality of work of a specialist lawyer is also significantly higher.

6. Conclusion Specialist lawyer for visas (specialist visa Germany)

Specialist lawyers specializing in immigration law offer in-depth and specialized support in a highly complex area of law. They possess specialized knowledge, extensive practical experience, and are committed to ongoing professional development. Anyone seeking competent representation in immigration law proceedings should pay particular attention to their specialist title. VISAGUARD is happy to assist you in finding the right expert for your case.

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