Associate Partner
Attorney at Law (Germany)
Immigration
Actively shaping immigration programs secures advantages in the international competition for talent. However, the path is complex. We understand the legal, tax, and organizational requirements and provide clarity. Together with you, we design the process: from visa applications to permanent residency.
Strategic Immigration Thinking.
Immigration is new territory for many companies, but familiar ground for us. We analyze your starting position, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to strengthen your global workforce. Whether it concerns the recognition of foreign qualifications, family reunification, or the design of individual immigration programs: We pave the way for your company to attract talent worldwide.
Practical Immigration Implementation.
We navigate you through complex immigration procedures. From visa and residence permits to EU registrations and citizenship law. With end-to-end service, global presence, and interdisciplinary expertise, we support you from planning and application submission to on-site support for your skilled workers. This ensures you stay on track throughout the entire process.
Ensuring Immigration Compliance.
We conduct “Right to Work” checks, advise on reporting obligations, and organize audits. With clear compliance communication and practical workshops, we strengthen your HR teams and minimize liability risks. We also provide fast, legally sound solutions for business travelers.
We act decisively, think ahead, and make immigration a strategic success factor for your company. Personal. Digital. And boundless.
Our Services
Visa and Residence Procedures
- Selection and application for suitable entry visas for international skilled workers
- Application for residence permits, work visas, and permanent residence permits (inbound and outbound)
- Assistance with applying for the EU Blue Card
- Support for social and professional integration and recognition of foreign qualifications
Family Reunification
- Holistic advice for family reunification, from application to arrival in Germany
- Advice on legal requirements, deadlines, and documents for family reunification
- Assistance with visa and residency procedures for family members
Immigration Programs for Companies
- Designing legally compliant and efficient processes for the company-wide integration of High Professionals
- Program design for attracting and retaining international talent
- Implementation of specialized immigration formats for skilled workers
Compliance & Audit Services
- Conducting “Right to Work” checks to ensure employment eligibility
- Assisting with internal audits for compliance with residence law requirements
- Necessary notifications to immigration authorities in case of early termination of employment
- Development of prevention strategies to minimize legal risks and ensure immigration compliance
- Legal advice and case analysis for violations of the Residence Act and in cases of impending measures against employers and employees
Citizenship Law & Naturalization
- Advice on requirements, procedures, and deadlines in the naturalization process
- Support in clarifying questions regarding multiple nationalities and their legal consequences
- Assistance with application submission and communication with naturalization authorities
- Review of special cases and complex constellations in citizenship law
Training & Workshops
- Interactive training sessions for HR, executives, and mobility teams
- Providing relevant content on residence law, immigration compliance, and international mobility processes
- Designing training formats as digital sessions or on-site events
- Development of tailored training concepts for specific company needs
Your Questions About Immigration. Our Answers.
How much lead time should be allowed for obtaining visas, residence permits, and work permits, and why is it important to apply early?
As a general guideline, the process of obtaining visas, residence permits, and work permits should begin at least three to six months before the planned start date. Depending on the destination country, visa category, and complexity of the process, a longer lead time may be required. International assignments often involve several steps, including gathering documents, filing applications with government agencies, translations and certifications if necessary, as well as reviews related to tax, social security, or labor market regulations. If these processes are started too late, the planned start of the assignment may be delayed, additional costs may arise, or the employee may not be permitted to begin work on time. Early coordination between the employee, the relevant business unit, the HR or Global Mobility department, and, if necessary, external immigration service providers helps minimize risks and ensure a smooth assignment.
Why is immigration compliance important for international assignments?
Immigration compliance ensures that employees in the destination country have the necessary entry, residence, and work permits and can perform their duties legally. Employers are required to verify whether a visa, work permit, or other official registrations are required. The requirements vary significantly depending on the country, duration of the assignment, and planned activities. Reviewing immigration requirements early on helps avoid legal risks and ensures a smooth start to the assignment.
What are the risks of not complying with immigration regulations?
Violations of immigration regulations can have serious consequences for both the employee and the company. Depending on the country, penalties may include fines, the denial or revocation of visas and work permits, entry or employment bans, and additional government reviews of future applications. In some cases, even performing unauthorized activities during a business trip can be considered a violation of local immigration regulations. Therefore, the nature and scope of the planned activities should always be reviewed before departure, and the necessary permits should be obtained in a timely manner.
Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with immigration requirements?
Compliance with immigration requirements is often a shared responsibility between the employer and the employee. The company is responsible for identifying the necessary authorizations and procedures and for assisting with the visa and work permit process. Employees are required to provide the requested information and documents in full and on time, and to comply with the terms of their visa or work permit. Close cooperation among all parties involved is crucial to avoiding delays or compliance risks.
From an immigration perspective, do changes need to be reported during an assignment abroad?
Yes. Changes such as an extension of the assignment, a change in job duties, a change in work location, or a change in employer can affect an employee’s existing residency or work status. In many countries, such changes must be reported to the relevant authorities or validated by amending existing permits. Therefore, employees and managers should coordinate planned changes early on with the HR or Global Mobility department, as well as with external immigration service providers, to ensure ongoing compliance with all immigration requirements.
How do we support companies and professionals with immigration processes?
At RÖDL, we support companies and employees throughout the entire immigration process – from strategic planning to successful implementation. This includes selecting appropriate immigration options, applying for work and residence permits, assisting with family reunification and recognition procedures, and providing advice on immigration law and compliance-related issues.
Global Mobility Pulse – Newsletter
Stay informed: The "Global Mobility Pulse" keeps you updated on all legal and regulatory developments in cross-border employee assignments, as well as payroll tax aspects, both nationally and internationally.
