Germany: Corporate Immigration
Germany is considered to be a pro-immigration country, following the introduction in 2005 of a new law making it easier for highly skilled professionals, academics and scientists to enter the country. Last year, corporate immigration lawyers remarked on the willingness for foreign companies to expand their German operations, and this year is no different. There has been more of a shift towards traditional labour law issues, such as employee pension rights and income tax issues, but the number of immigration cases remains steady. Although the German immigration legal industry is small, the calibre of experts is high.
At Offer & Mastmann PartG, Gabriele Mastmann represents and advises German and foreign clients on naturalisation, immigration, social security and employment. Alongside her is Bettina Offer, who was lauded by numerous participates in the research for her relocation advice and knowledge, particularly in the IT, pharmaceutical and technology industries.
At Mütze Korsch Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH, Gunther Mävers is “the only person we would send work to in Germany” according to leading international sources. He is internationally renowned for his work on individual and collective labour law and acts for companies with global operations on cross-border personnel movements and temporary and permanent relocation.
Based in Hausham, Dieter Kohlfürst of Zangenfeind, Kohlfürst & Färber is “well respected” by his fellow German immigration lawyers. His practice consists of litigation, challenging visa refusals and advising on cross-border relocation.