Booking – VISALABS

Naturalization – German Citizenship

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:49:09 +0000

In summary

Do you live in Germany and want to obtain German citizenship? Find out here what requirements you need to fulfil for naturalization in Germany and what advantages German citizenship brings.

Since 2 February 2024, people in Germany can retain their previous citizenship.

The most important changes

Children of foreign parents will be granted German citizenship at birth if one parent has been legally resident in Germany for five years.
Dual citizenship: German citizenship law previously required that the original citizenship had to be given up “in principle” before naturalization in Germany. It is now possible to retain the previous citizenship in future. In future, the German government will waive the renunciation of previous citizenship, making it possible to hold another citizenship in addition to German citizenship. However, the requirement for this is that dual citizenship is also permitted in the country of the previous citizenship.
Guest workers: Anyone who came to the Federal Republic as a guest worker or as a contract worker in the GDR only has to prove oral knowledge of German for naturalization and no longer has to take a naturalization test.

Advantages of German citizenship

Right to vote: As a German citizen, you can help shape politics in Germany by actively voting.
Access to all professions: As a German citizen, you are free to choose your profession. The profession you choose is no longer dependent on your residence permit. For example, you can work for the police, as a teacher, judge or public prosecutor.
Lifelong secure residence: As a German citizen, you will receive lifelong secure residence status in Germany without having to obtain authorization from the immigration authorities. You can also work in all EU member states without having to apply for an additional residence permit.
Freedom to travel: As a German citizen, you can travel to 189 countries without a visa (as of January 2021). Hardly any other nationality in the world offers you this advantage.
State protection: As a German citizen, you are protected against deportation or extradition to another country. Abroad, the German embassies are also responsible for you and offer you protection.

Requirements

Indefinite or permanent right of residence at the time of naturalization (usually 3 to 5 years)
Clarified identity and nationality
Commitment to the free democratic basic order of the Basic Law
Proof of knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany (naturalization test)
You speak German
Independent (financial) means of subsistence for yourself and your dependants
No conviction for a criminal offence

How We Support You

Costs

The state fee for naturalization is EUR 255.00 for adults and EUR 51.00 for underage children who are naturalized together with their parents.

Unlike many law firms, we do not want to charge our clients an hourly fee in order to protect them from high costs, but rather charge a fixed price. The costs for our assignment amount to EUR 1,749.00 (gross). To our knowledge, this is currently the most favorable price.

VISALABS: Support with naturalisation / obtaining German citizenship

Nationality law has evolved considerably in recent years. The legislative changes are intended to facilitate naturalization in Germany and make the acquisition of German citizenship more accessible. This includes, in particular, the possibility of retaining one’s previous foreign nationality alongside German nationality, provided the requirements for dual nationality are met.

VISALABS has already accompanied numerous naturalization proceedings in Germany. Thanks to our extensive experience in residence and nationality law, we provide you with competent and efficient support on your path to German citizenship. Through our intuitive application portal, we are able to collect the required documents in a structured manner within a short time. Once all documents have been submitted to us, our attorneys, who specialize in naturalization proceedings, will carefully review your application. Should any questions arise, we will contact you promptly to work together toward a solution.

We also remain available to answer any questions regarding naturalization in Germany throughout the ongoing proceedings, at no additional cost. We handle the necessary steps to ensure that your proceedings are carried out as quickly and smoothly as possible. Should any difficulties arise with the naturalization authority, we will take care of those as well.

If you are interested in German citizenship, please feel free to contact us at any time for a free initial personal consultation. In this context, we will be happy to review whether the requirements for naturalization are met and inform you of the next steps.

Settlement Permit- Permanent Residency

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:49:06 +0000

In summary

Are you living in Germany and want to stay permanently? Find out here which requirements you need to meet for a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Germany and what advantages permanent residence status brings.

A settlement permit is a permanent residence title that gives you the right to live and work in Germany indefinitely, without the restrictions that apply to a temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis).

What Is a Settlement Permit?

Advantages of the Settlement Permit

The settlement permit offers numerous advantages over a temporary residence permit and creates long-term security for your life in Germany.
Permanent right of residence: With a settlement permit, you receive a permanent right to remain in Germany. This is generally possible after five years of lawful residence, provided further requirements are met, such as secured livelihood, sufficient German language skills, and pension insurance contributions. Shorter periods apply to certain groups, such as skilled workers, highly qualified professionals, or graduates of German universities.
Independence from purpose of stay: Unlike temporary titles, your residence is no longer tied to a specific purpose - such as a particular job, degree program, or vocational training. You are free to decide how to shape your life in Germany.
Freedom of movement within the Schengen Area: As a holder of a settlement permit, you can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period; ideal for trips, family visits, or business appointments in other European countries, without needing to apply for additional permits.
Unrestricted labor market access: With a settlement permit, you may take up any employment in Germany, regardless of your qualification or industry. Approval from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) is no longer required.
Simplified family reunification: Spouses and minor children can join you under simplified conditions and often benefit from a secure residence status as well.
Planning security: Whether buying property, signing long-term contracts, or making career decisions - with a permanent residence title, you can plan long-term without depending on deadlines or renewals.

Requirements

To obtain a settlement permit, you generally need to meet the following requirements:
Duration of residence: In most cases, you must have held a residence permit for five years and have resided lawfully in Germany. Shortened periods apply to certain groups, such as skilled workers, highly qualified professionals, self-employed persons, or graduates of German universities.
Secured livelihood: You must demonstrate that you can independently support yourself and your family members without relying on social benefits such as Bürgergeld (basic income support).
Sufficient German language skills: German language proficiency at least at level B1 is generally required. Different requirements may apply for certain facilitations or titles (e.g., EU Blue Card).
Pension insurance contributions: You generally must have made at least 60 months (five years) of mandatory or voluntary contributions to the statutory pension insurance scheme.
Adequate housing: Sufficient living space must be available for you and your family members.
No criminal record: You must not have been convicted of an offense beyond minor violations.
Basic knowledge of the legal and social system: Proof of basic knowledge of Germany's legal and social order, as well as living conditions in Germany, is often required, for example, through an integration course.

How We Support You

Reviewing your eligibility
Preparing the required documents
Filing the application
Submitting the application to the responsible authority
Communication with the authority until the settlement permit is issued

Costs

The amount of the official government fee for issuing a settlement permit depends on the responsible immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde) and can vary on a case-by-case basis.

Unlike many law firms, we do not charge by the hour. This protects you from unpredictable and often high legal fees. Instead, we offer full cost transparency through a fixed flat fee.

Our fee for the complete handling of your case is €1,749.00 gross. To our knowledge, this is currently a particularly attractive fixed-price offer.

VISALABS: Your Path to a Settlement Permit

German residence law has evolved considerably in recent years. The legislative changes are intended to make it easier to obtain a permanent residence title and to make the settlement permit accessible to more people. This includes, in particular, shortened waiting periods for skilled workers, highly qualified professionals, and graduates of German universities.

VISALABS has already supported numerous settlement permit procedures in Germany. Thanks to our extensive experience in residence law, we support you competently and efficiently on your path to a permanent residence title. Through our intuitive application portal, we can collect the necessary documents in a structured way within a short time. Once we have all the documents, our attorneys specializing in residence law carefully review your application. Should any questions arise, we will contact you promptly to find a solution together.

We are also available to answer your questions about the settlement permit throughout the ongoing procedure, at no additional cost. We take care of the necessary steps so that your procedure can be carried out as quickly and smoothly as possible. Should difficulties arise with the immigration authority, we will take care of that as well.

If you are interested in a settlement permit, you can contact us at any time for a free initial personal consultation. In this consultation, we will gladly assess whether you meet the requirements and inform you about the next steps.

Representation to accelerate the process

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:48:58 +0000

In summary

Have you already filed an application with the immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde) and would now like an experienced law firm to take over further communication and enforcement of your case? Find out here when it makes sense to bring in legal representation for an ongoing procedure and what advantages this offers you.

With legal representation, we take over your already ongoing procedure, review the correspondence exchanged with the authority so far as well as your submitted documents, and act from that point on as your legal representative before the immigration authority, professionally, legally sound, and with the necessary pressure.

Why Legal Representation?

Many clients initially file their application on their own, but then run into delays, unclear requests from the authority, or are unsure how to respond to a decision. In such cases, we take over your already ongoing procedure: we review the correspondence with the authority so far, check your submitted documents for completeness and accuracy, and identify any errors or gaps that may have caused delays. We will contact the authority on your behalf and ensure that the procedure is followed and your application is processed.

Our Services

Legal certainty from day one: We review your already submitted documents and prior correspondence with the authority to identify and specifically resolve any errors.
Time savings: From the moment we are engaged, we take over all correspondence with the authority and free you from the administrative burden.
Pressure on the authority: As your legal representative, we actively push for a swift processing of your case and follow up on outstanding decisions.
Enforcement of your rights: In case of delays, inquiries, or rejection notices, we actively advocate for you - if necessary, through legal action.
Personal support: You have a dedicated point of contact who becomes familiar with your ongoing case and is available to you at all times.

When Is Legal Representation Advisable?

Taking over your ongoing procedure is particularly advisable when:
Your procedure has already stalled or is taking an unreasonably long time.
You are unsure how to properly respond to inquiries from the authority.
You have received a rejection notice and want to contest it.
Your case is legally complex, for example due to prior convictions, gaps in your résumé, or particular family circumstances.
You are unsure whether your previously submitted documents were complete and accurate.

How We Support You

We first review your previous correspondence with the authority as well as the documents already submitted, giving us a complete overview of the status of your case. We then take over further communication with the responsible authority, apply pressure for faster processing where necessary, and ensure that any gaps or errors in your application are retroactively corrected. We respond promptly to inquiries from the authority, and we remain by your side for any issues that arise going forward - until a successful decision is reached.

Costs

Unlike many law firms, we do not charge by the hour, protecting our clients from unpredictable and often high costs. Instead, we work with a fixed price. Our fee for taking on your case is €749.00 gross. In many cases, the costs are tax-deductible.

VISALABS: Your Representation in Immigration Law

VISALABS has already helped numerous clients successfully bring an ongoing procedure to a conclusion. Thanks to our extensive experience in immigration law, we carefully review your existing documents and correspondence with the authority and take over your legal representation immediately. Through our intuitive application portal, we collect the necessary information in a structured way within a short time. Once we have all the documents, our specialized attorneys carefully review your case and then contact the authority.

We are also available to answer your questions throughout the further procedure, at no additional cost. We take care of the necessary steps so that your procedure can be brought to a conclusion as quickly and smoothly as possible. Should difficulties arise with the authority, we will take care of that as well.

If you would like us to take over your ongoing procedure, you can contact us at any time for a free initial personal consultation. In this consultation, we will gladly review your case and inform you about the next steps.

Lawsuit for Failure to Act (Untätigkeitsklage)

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:48:54 +0000

In summary

Have you been waiting months for a decision from the immigration authority without anything happening? Find out here under what conditions an action for failure to act (Untätigkeitsklage) is possible and how it can compel a decision.

The action for failure to act is a legal remedy that gives you the right to compel a decision from the authority when it has remained inactive for an unreasonably long period, so you no longer have to remain in uncertainty.

When the Authority Fails to Decide

Immigration authorities are legally required to decide on applications within a reasonable period.
In practice, however, procedures are often left unprocessed for months or even years without any identifiable reason.
If a decision remains outstanding for an unreasonably long time, you can file an action for failure to act before the administrative court (Verwaltungsgericht) to compel a decision.

Advantages of an Action for Failure to Act

Faster processing: Authorities often issue a decision shortly after the lawsuit is filed in order to avoid court proceedings.
Legal pressure: The court sets a deadline for the authority to decide or respond.
Often low cost risk: If the authority decides in your favor after the lawsuit is filed, it generally bears the cost of the proceedings.
Clarity instead of uncertainty: You finally receive a binding decision instead of waiting indefinitely for a response.
No disadvantages from waiting time: Your rights are protected, and the authority's lengthy processing time does not work to your disadvantage.

Requirements

An action for failure to act is generally possible when:
You have submitted a complete application to the responsible authority.
At least 3 months have generally passed since the application was filed, without any decision having been made.
There is no objective reason apparent that would justify the lengthy processing time.
You have previously attempted, without success, to have the authority process your application.

How We Support You

We first assess whether the requirements for an action for failure to act are met in your case and contact the responsible authority to request a decision.
If this is unsuccessful, we prepare the lawsuit before the competent administrative court and represent you throughout the entire court proceedings.
We keep you informed of the status of your case at all times.

Costs

Unlike many law firms, we do not charge by the hour, protecting our clients from unpredictable and often high costs. Instead, we work with a fixed price.

Our fee for taking on your case is € 2,249.00 gross. To our knowledge, this is currently a particularly attractive fixed-price offer.

VISALABS: Your Path to Judicial Enforcement

VISALABS has already successfully supported numerous actions for failure to act in immigration law. Thanks to our extensive experience in administrative law, we support you competently and efficiently in compelling a decision from the authority. Through our intuitive application portal, we collect the necessary documents in a structured way within a short time. Once we have all the documents, our specialized attorneys carefully review your case. Should any questions arise, we will contact you promptly to find a solution together.

If you are interested in filing an action for failure to act, you can contact us at any time for a free initial personal consultation. In this consultation, we will gladly assess whether you meet the requirements and inform you about the next steps.

Application & Extension Residence Titles

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:48:51 +0000

In summary

Do you want to live in Germany and need a residence permit, or is it time to extend your existing one? Find out here which requirements you need to meet and how we can support you with the issuance or extension of your residence title (Aufenthaltstitel).

A residence permit is the legal basis for your stay in Germany. Whether it’s a first-time application or an extension, a smooth procedure is essential so you can live, work, or study in Germany without interruption.

Applying for or Extending a Residence Permit

Advantages of a Secured Residence Title

Legal certainty: You live and work in Germany on a clear legal basis, without uncertainty about your status.
Continuity: A timely extension prevents gaps in your residence, which could negatively affect later applications, for example, for a settlement permit or naturalization.
Predictability: You can plan long-term; professionally, personally, or for your family, without being caught off guard by short-notice decisions from the authority.
Credit toward future procedures: Periods with a valid residence permit are generally credited toward the required waiting periods for a settlement permit or naturalization.

Requirements

A recognized purpose of stay, e.g., employment, study, vocational training, family reunification, or self-employment.
Secured livelihood for yourself and any accompanying family members.
Adequate housing
For extension applications: timely submission along with proof that the original purpose of stay continues to exist or has been fulfilled.
Depending on the residence title: proof of specific language skills or qualifications.

How We Support You

We assess which residence title is the right fit for your personal situation and ensure that your application is submitted completely and in a legally sound manner to the responsible authority.
Through our intuitive application portal, we collect all necessary documents in a structured way within a short time.
Once we have all the documents, our specialized attorneys carefully review your application and take care of the timely extension of your existing title.

Costs

Unlike many law firms, we do not charge by the hour, protecting our clients from unpredictable and often high costs.

Instead, we work with a fixed price. Our fee for taking on your case are EUR 999,00 gross. To our knowledge, this is currently a particularly favorable offer. In many cases, the costs are tax-deductible.

VISALABS: Your Path to a Residence Permit

VISALABS has already successfully supported numerous procedures for the issuance and extension of residence permits.

Thanks to our extensive experience in residence law, we support you competently and efficiently on your path to secure residence status. Through our intuitive application portal, we collect the necessary documents in a structured way within a short time. Once we have all the documents, our specialized attorneys carefully review your application. Should any questions arise, we will contact you promptly to find a solution together.

We are also available to answer your questions throughout the ongoing procedure, at no additional cost. We take care of the necessary steps so that your procedure can be carried out as quickly and smoothly as possible. Should difficulties arise with the immigration authority, we will take care of that as well.

If you would like to apply for or extend a residence permit, you can contact us at any time for a free initial personal consultation. In this consultation, we will gladly assess your situation and inform you about the next steps.

Fictious Certificate

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:47:59 +0000

In summary

Is your residence permit about to expire, or have you already filed an extension application without receiving a decision yet? Find out here what a fictitious certificate (Fiktionsbescheinigung) is and how it provides legal certainty during this transitional period.

The fiction certificate confirms that your previous residence status is temporarily deemed to continue while your application for the issuance or extension of a residence permit is still being processed by the authority.

What Is a Fictitious Certificate?

The fictitious certificate is an official document issued when you have applied for an extension or a new residence permit in good time before your current title expires, but the authority has not yet decided on the application.
It certifies that your previous residence status, or your existing rights, such as the right to work, is deemed to continue until the authority makes a decision.

Your Advantages

Legal certainty during the waiting period: You are not left in a legal gray area but hold an official document confirming your provisional status.
Continuation of your rights: Depending on your previous residence title, your rights, such as the right to work, generally remain in effect.
Ability to travel: Under certain conditions, the fiction certificate also allows travel within the Schengen Area.
Proof for third parties: Employers, landlords, or authorities can use the fiction certificate to verify your legal residence status.
No disadvantages from the authority's processing time: Delays at the authority do not negatively affect your residence status.

Requirements

How We Support You

We assess whether and in what form you are entitled to a fiction certificate and ensure that your extension or issuance application is submitted completely and on time to the responsible authority.
Through our intuitive application portal, we collect all necessary documents in a structured way within a short time. In case of inquiries or delays from the authority, we act on your behalf immediately.

Costs

Unlike many law firms, we do not charge by the hour, protecting our clients from unpredictable and often high costs. Instead, we work with a fixed price.

Our fee for taking on your case is €349,00 gross. To our knowledge, this is currently one of the most attractive offers on the market and tax-deductible.

VISALABS: Your Path to a Fiction Certificate

VISALABS has already supported numerous clients in applying for a fiction certificate. Thanks to our extensive experience in residence law, we support you competently and efficiently in securing your legal status during the transitional period. Through our intuitive application portal, we collect the necessary documents in a structured way within a short time. Once we have all the documents, our specialized attorneys carefully review your case. Should any questions arise, we will contact you promptly to find a solution together.

If you need a fiction certificate, you can contact us at any time for a free initial personal consultation. In this consultation, we will gladly assess your situation and inform you about the next steps.

EU Blue Card

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:46:08 +0000

In summary

Do you want to work and live in Germany as a qualified professional? Find out here which requirements you need to meet for the EU Blue Card and what advantages this special residence title offers you.

The EU Blue Card is a residence title for academic professionals from non-EU countries that not only allows you to take up qualified employment in Germany, but also opens up particularly attractive paths to permanent residence.

What Is the EU Blue Card?

Advantages of the EU Blue Card

Faster path to a settlement permit: Holders of an EU Blue Card can obtain a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) after as little as 27 months - with proof of German language skills at level B1, this period is shortened to just 21 months.
Reduced language requirements for the settlement permit: While the regular settlement permit generally requires B1-level German, EU Blue Card holders may qualify for the shortened path to a settlement permit with as little as A1-level German under certain conditions.
Simplified family reunification: Spouses and children can join you without having to prove German language skills and generally receive a work permit immediately.
Mobility within the EU: After a certain period in Germany, EU Blue Card holders can move to another EU member state under simplified conditions.
Planning security: The EU Blue Card is generally issued for up to four years, offering a long-term perspective for you and your family.

Requirements

A recognized university degree or a comparable qualification equivalent to a German university degree.
A concrete employment contract offer or binding job offer in Germany matching your qualification.
Minimum salary: €50,700 gross per year (€4,225/month). A reduced threshold of €45,934.20 (€3,827.85/month) applies to shortage occupations (e.g. IT, engineering, medicine, natural sciences) and to recent graduates who completed their degree within the last three years. Variable bonuses are not counted. (as of 2026)
For regulated professions (e.g., physicians), additional proof of the required professional recognition.
Adequate health insurance
No indications of a threat to public security or order

How We Support You

Costs

Unlike many law firms, we do not charge by the hour, protecting our clients from unpredictable and often high costs. Instead, we work with a fixed price.

Our fee for taking on your case is €999.00 gross. To our knowledge, this is currently a particularly attractive offer. In many cases, the costs are tax-deductible.

VISALABS: Your Path to the EU Blue Card

VISALABS has already successfully supported numerous EU Blue Card procedures. Thanks to our extensive experience in residence law, we support you competently and efficiently on your path to the EU Blue Card.

Through our intuitive application portal, we collect the necessary documents in a structured way within a short time. Once we have all the documents, our specialized attorneys carefully review your application. Should any questions arise, we will contact you promptly to find a solution together.

If you are interested in the EU Blue Card, you can contact us at any time for a free initial personal consultation. In this consultation, we will gladly assess whether you meet the requirements and inform you about the next steps.

Intra Corporate Transfer (ICT)

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:32:05 +0000

In summary

Are you already working for an international company and planning a temporary transfer to Germany? The ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer) allows certain employees of international corporate groups to work temporarily at a German entity of the same company or group.

The ICT Card is primarily intended for managers, specialists and, under certain conditions, trainees who remain within the same company or group while being temporarily assigned to Germany.

What Is an Intra-Corporate Transfer?

An intra-corporate transfer allows a company established outside the European Union to temporarily assign certain employees to a German entity of the same company or corporate group.
For transfers exceeding 90 days, an ICT Card under Section 19 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) may be issued. The assignment is temporary and forms part of the employee's continued career within the international company or corporate group.

Advantages of the ICT Card

International workforce mobility: Companies can temporarily deploy experienced employees to Germany for specific projects, specialist functions or management responsibilities.
Transfer within the corporate group: The employee remains part of the same company or group rather than being recruited independently in Germany.
Clear residence and work authorization: The ICT Card provides the legal basis for the employee's temporary residence and employment in Germany.
Predictable duration: Managers and specialists may receive the ICT Card for the duration of the transfer, up to a maximum of three years. For trainees, the maximum period is one year.
EU mobility: Depending on the circumstances, ICT status can also facilitate temporary assignments in other EU Member States.

Requirements

To qualify for an ICT Card, the following requirements generally need to be met:
You are transferred to Germany as a manager, specialist or trainee within the same company or corporate group.
You have generally belonged to the company or corporate group for at least six months immediately before the transfer.
Your planned assignment in Germany exceeds 90 days.
You have a valid employment contract and, where required, an assignment letter covering the transfer period.
The documents specify your position, place of work, remuneration and other employment conditions in Germany.
You have the professional qualifications required for the intended position.
After completing the transfer, you must be able to return to an entity of the same company or corporate group located outside the European Union.
The remuneration and employment conditions must also satisfy the applicable requirements for comparable employment in Germany.

How We Support You

We first assess whether your planned assignment qualifies as an intra-corporate transfer and whether the ICT Card is the appropriate residence title for your situation.
We support both employees and companies throughout the procedure. This includes reviewing the corporate and employment structure, checking employment and assignment documentation, preparing the required application documents, and communicating with the German mission abroad, immigration authority and other authorities involved where necessary.

Costs

Unlike many law firms, we do not bill according to hours spent. Instead, we work on a fixed-fee basis. This allows you to avoid legal costs that are difficult to calculate and to know from the outset of the proceedings what costs you will incur.

The cost of engaging our services is EUR 1,999.00. To our knowledge of the market, this is a particularly attractive price offer. The costs are tax-deductible as business expenses.

Our fixed fee covers the legal review, preparation and support of the proceedings, as well as communication with the competent authorities.

VISALABS: Your Path to an Intra-Corporate Transfer

An intra-corporate transfer requires the immigration, employment and corporate aspects of the assignment to work together. For international corporate structures in particular, careful preparation can therefore make a significant difference.

VISALABS supports companies and employees throughout the entire process – from assessing the proposed transfer structure and preparing the required documentation to filing the ICT Card application and communicating with the responsible authorities.

If your company is planning to transfer an employee to Germany, or if you have been selected for an intra-corporate assignment yourself, you can contact us at any time for a free initial consultation. We will assess your situation and explain the next steps.

Schengen Visa

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:31:05 +0000

In summary

Would you like to visit Germany or another country in the Schengen Area for a short period, for example for tourism, business, or family purposes? Find out here what a Schengen visa is, what advantages it offers, and which requirements you need to meet.

The Schengen visa allows you, as a national of a visa-required third country, a short-term stay within the Schengen Area, straightforward, flexible, and suited to a wide range of travel purposes.

What is a Schengen Visa?

Advantages of a Schengen Visa

Freedom to travel within Europe: With a single visa, you can move freely within all Schengen countries without needing additional checks or visas at internal borders.
Flexibility of travel purposes: Whether vacation, business appointments, conferences, or family visits, the Schengen visa covers a wide range of purposes.
Planning for multiple countries: You can visit several Schengen countries during a single trip without having to apply for a separate visa for each one.
Multiple entries possible: Depending on how it is issued, the Schengen visa authorizes single, double, or multiple entries within its period of validity.
Basis for longer stays: In certain cases, a Schengen visa can serve as the basis for follow-up applications, such as extending your stay for an important reason.

Requirements

A valid passport, valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.
Proof of the purpose of travel, e.g., an invitation, hotel booking, or conference documents.
Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay.
Proof of valid travel health insurance with a minimum coverage amount valid throughout the Schengen Area.
Proof of intent to return, e.g., a return flight ticket or professional and family ties in your home country.

How we support you

Costs

Unlike many law firms, we do not charge by the hour, protecting our clients from unpredictable and often high costs.

Instead, we work with a fixed price. Our fee for taking on your case is €1,499.00 gross. To our knowledge, this is currently a particularly attractive offer.

VISALABS: Your Path to a Schengen Visa

VISALABS has already successfully supported numerous Schengen visa applications. Thanks to our extensive experience in residence law, we support you competently and efficiently on your path to a Schengen visa. Through our intuitive application portal, we collect the necessary documents in a structured way within a short time. Once we have all the documents, our specialized attorneys carefully review your application. Should any questions arise, we will contact you promptly to find a solution together.

We are also available to answer your questions throughout the ongoing procedure, at no additional cost. We take care of the necessary steps so that your procedure can be carried out as quickly and smoothly as possible. Should difficulties arise with the consular representation, we will take care of that as well.

If you would like to apply for a Schengen visa, you can contact us at any time for a free initial personal consultation. In this consultation, we will gladly assess your situation and inform you about the next steps.

Freelancer & Self-emploment

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:30:51 +0000

In summary

Would you like to work independently in Germany, start your own business, or continue an existing self-employed activity? Find out which residence permit may be suitable for your activity and which requirements you need to meet.

German residence law distinguishes between freelance activities and self-employed entrepreneurial or commercial activities. Although both are commonly referred to as “self-employment”, they apply to different types of professionals and are subject to different requirements.

Freelance or Self-Employed - What Is the Difference?

To determine the appropriate residence permit, the first step is to establish how your specific activity is legally classified.
Freelance activities generally involve individuals providing their own professional, scientific, artistic, literary, teaching or comparable personal services. This may include, for example, artists, language teachers, lawyers, journalists, doctors, engineers and other members of the liberal professions.
Self-employed or commercial activities, on the other hand, generally concern entrepreneurs, founders and business owners who establish or operate their own business, offer goods or commercial services, or run a company.
What matters is not how you describe your own work. In particular, simply referring to yourself as a “freelancer” does not determine which residence permit you require under German law.

What Does the Residence Permit Allow You to Do?

A residence permit for freelance or self-employed activities allows you to pursue your professional activity independently in Germany without being tied to a specific employer.
For freelancers, this generally means being able to work for different clients and structure their professional activities independently.
Entrepreneurs and business owners, on the other hand, can establish or operate their own business and develop their business idea in Germany on a long-term basis.
If your activity is successful, the residence permit may be extended. Depending on the type and duration of your activity, you may also become eligible for a permanent residence permit at a later stage.

Requirements

The requirements depend significantly on whether you intend to work as a freelancer or pursue an entrepreneurial or commercial activity.
For a freelance activity, the authorities will generally consider:
whether your activity qualifies as freelance work,
your professional qualifications and experience,
existing assignments, fee agreements or Letters of Intent,
your expected income and expenses,
whether your living expenses are secured,
any professional licences or permits that may be required.
For a self-employed or commercial activity, the assessment is generally more extensive. Particular consideration is given to:
the viability of your business idea,
your business plan,
the financing of your business,
your previous entrepreneurial experience,
the expected economic development of the business,
the economic interest or regional demand for your activity,
where applicable, business registration, articles of association or commercial register documents.
The exact documents required will always depend on your specific business model and personal circumstances.

How We Support You

We first assess the nature of your planned activity and determine which residence permit is appropriate for your individual situation.
For freelance activities, we review in particular your qualifications, existing and prospective clients, fee agreements or Letters of Intent, and your financial planning.
For entrepreneurial or commercial activities, we additionally review your business model, business plan, financing and financial projections to ensure that the individual documents present a clear and consistent overall picture.
We then prepare your application in full, submit it to the competent authority and handle further communication throughout the procedure.

Costs

Unlike many law firms, we do not charge on an hourly basis. This means that you know from the outset what costs to expect.

Freelance activity:
Our fixed fee for comprehensive legal support is EUR 1,749.00 gross.

Self-employed / commercial activity:
Our fixed fee for comprehensive legal support is EUR 2,249.00 gross.

Applications involving entrepreneurial or commercial self-employment generally require a more extensive assessment than applications for freelance activities. In addition to the residence-law requirements, the business model, business plan, financing and financial projections must be reviewed in detail and aligned with one another. Due to this additional level of legal review and consultation, our fixed fee for these cases is higher.

VISALABS: Your Path to Self-Employment in Germany

VISALABS supports clients who wish to pursue either freelance or self-employed activities in Germany.

The distinction between freelance and self-employed commercial activities is not always straightforward. We therefore begin by assessing your individual circumstances and your specific professional or business plans to determine which residence permit is suitable for you.

Through our intuitive application portal, we collect and organise all required documents. Once we have received the necessary documentation, our specialised lawyers carefully review your application and help you present your professional or business plans to the immigration authorities in a clear and complete manner.

Throughout the procedure, we remain available to answer your questions at no additional cost. If the authorities request further documents or have additional questions, we handle the communication on your behalf.

If you would like to work as a freelancer or establish your own business in Germany, you can contact us at any time for a free initial consultation. We will be happy to assess which option is appropriate for your activity and explain the next steps.