Immigration Law – Your Rights in Germany

As a lawyer specializing in immigration law, we offer comprehensive support for all legal matters related to your stay in Germany.
Whether it’s naturalization, permanent residence, work permits, or family reunification – with legal expertise and personal dedication, we guide you reliably through the process.

Our goal is to handle your matters in a legally secure, efficient, and solution-oriented way, so that you can shape your future in Germany with clarity and perspective.

Naturalization

Naturalization is governed by the German Nationality Act (StAG) and requires that certain conditions be met. With the amendment of the law in June 2024, dual citizenship is now permitted. This means that applicants are no longer required to renounce their existing nationality or nationalities. The specific requirements vary depending on the individual situation of the applicant. For example, in the case of derivative naturalization under Section 10 (2) StAG, a lawful residence of at least five years is not necessary. B.Y. Law Firm will assess whether you meet the requirements for naturalization.
Have you already submitted a naturalization application and received no response? In that case, B.Y. Law Firm will provide you with comprehensive advice and a legal assessment of possible next steps – including the prospects of success in filing a lawsuit for failure to act.

Permanent Residence Permit

The permanent residence permit is an unlimited right of residence in Germany. Whether the requirements for its issuance are met depends in particular on the relevant legal basis, which in turn is determined by the type of residence permit previously held. The applicable rules are found in various sections of the German Residence Act. Depending on the individual case, different timeframes and requirements apply. For example, individuals who entered Germany through family reunification with a German citizen may apply for a permanent residence permit after just 3 years, provided other conditions are met.
Holders of an EU Blue Card may apply after 27 months, assuming they fulfill the remaining requirements. If they also have sufficient language skills at level B1, the required period is reduced to 21 months. Do you wish to solidify your stay in Germany and are interested in applying for a permanent residence permit?
B.Y. Law Firm will support you throughout the process and assess whether you meet the necessary criteria in your specific case. Are you already in possession of a permanent residence permit but have been abroad for an extended period and are now unsure whether your permit is still valid?
In this case as well, B.Y. Law Firm provides comprehensive advice and checks the continued validity of your residence status.

Permanent Residence Permit

Employment

Do you want to work in Germany? Applying for an appropriate residence permit for the purpose of employment requires careful legal assessment. One key factor is whether you have a recognized vocational qualification or an equivalent university degree. If not, relevant work experience or other qualifications may also be taken into account. Particularly important are the residence permits for skilled workers under Sections 18 et seq. of the German Residence Act (AufenthG). In many cases, the approval of the Federal Employment Agency is required. In addition, the accelerated procedure for skilled workers under Section 81a AufenthG may be a suitable option. Since choosing the correct residence permit is crucial for the rest of the process, early legal consultation is highly recommended.
B.Y. Law Firm offers comprehensive support – from applying for a national visa at the competent German embassy to submitting applications to the local immigration authority and the Federal Employment Agency in Germany.

Starting a Business

Section 21 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) is relevant for those wishing to pursue self-employment in Germany. The requirements for obtaining a corresponding residence permit are high. Among other things, there must be an economic interest or regional need for your business project. In addition, the activity should be expected to have a positive impact on the economy. Funding must be secured either through personal capital or a confirmed loan. Further requirements must also be met, such as the general conditions for residence permits under Section 5 AufenthG. B.Y. Law Firm will assess the prospects of success for your business idea and business plan and provide comprehensive support throughout the entire visa process. Legal advice and representation can help you navigate all necessary steps in a legally secure manner.

Starting a Business

Family Reunification

Family reunification allows spouses and children to join their family members in Germany. The specific legal requirements depend, among other things, on whether the person they are joining holds German citizenship. In such cases, Section 28 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) applies. If the person does not hold German citizenship, Section 30 AufenthG governs the process. If the sponsor holds, for example, an EU Blue Card, simplified requirements apply for family reunification. B.Y. Law Firm will carefully assess your legal situation and explain the chances of success for a visa application at the competent German embassy. If the person wishing to join is already in Germany, the likelihood of success for an application submitted to the local immigration authority will be reviewed.

Vocational Training & Studies

Pursuing vocational training or starting university studies in Germany can be a valuable opportunity, especially for young people. Completing a vocational program or academic degree is also considered an important step toward becoming a qualified professional. If someone has already begun training or studies and encounters issues — for example, if the permitted maximum study duration has been exceeded — legal advice is strongly recommended to clarify the necessary steps and options.

Vocational Training & Studies

Request a Consultation Now

Schedule a consultation today and let us resolve your legal matters quickly and successfully.

Berna Yoleri, LL.M.
(Cologne/ Istanbul Bilgi)
Lawyer