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LAW FIRM KAGAN

One of the key focus areas of our legal practice lies in the strategic advice and legal representation of international clients in the complex and often interrelated fields of German and international business law.

Our clients include foreign companies, corporations and investors who are already active or planning to become active in the German market, as well as natural and legal persons based in Germany or the EU who are engaged in cross-border commercial transactions. We do not only advise our clients on market entry, company formation and investment projects, but also provide legal support to established businesses located in Germany and the European Union in the context of their ongoing operations – particularly in the areas of employment law, contract law, corporate law, general commercial law and compliance. Our legal counsel is aimed at safeguarding business operations, identifying risks at an early stage and ensuring entrepreneurial freedom to act.

In particular, when advising internationally operating companies, corporate groups and foreign investors seeking to establish or expand their business presence in the Federal Republic of Germany or within the European Union, in-depth knowledge of German immigration law is essential. In this regard, you benefit from our proven legal expertise and many years of experience in residence law for investors, managing directors, skilled professionals and business founders.

Our particular strength lies in combining sound legal expertise with a deep understanding of the economic and cultural expectations of our international clientele. We think like entrepreneurs, advise with foresight, and act with a clear focus on results – nationally and internationally.

Our law firm is based in Hamburg. We advise clients from Germany and abroad with reliability, individual attention and an international outlook.

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LAW FIRM

KAGAN

The essential focus of our work lies in the strategic consulting and representation of our international clients in the often complex and interconnected fields of German and international business law.

Our clients include companies, businesses, and investors from abroad conducting business activities in Germany, as well as legal and natural persons based in Germany and the EU who participate in domestic and international economic transactions.

When advising internationally active companies and corporations, as well as foreign investors who wish to engage in business activities in Germany or the EU personally, a thorough understanding of German immigration law is simply indispensable. Here, you can rely on our proven expertise and years of experience.

Our particular strength lies in the combination of profound legal expertise and a deep understanding of the needs of our international clients.

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OUR PHILOSOPHY

At our law firm, the interests and needs of our clients are always at the forefront of our work. As a modern, internationally oriented legal service provider, we see ourselves as your reliable and committed partner when facing complex legal challenges.

Our objective is to design and implement efficient, practical, and resource-conscious legal solutions tailored to your specific needs. We take a proactive approach: through anticipatory legal advice and ongoing strategic legal support, we aim to identify potential risks early and prevent avoidable legal issues before they arise.

We support our clients – whether operating locally or internationally – with personal dedication, individual attention, and a clear understanding of their specific needs. The quality of our work reflects our high professional standards. With years of accumulated expertise and extensive experience, we are proud to place our knowledge at the service of your success.

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OUR REFERENCES

OUR PHILOSOPHY

The client and their concerns are always at the center of our work. We see ourselves as service providers for our international clientele and provide reliable and comprehensive support in complex legal matters. ​

Our goal is to develop and implement efficient and resource-saving solutions tailored to your needs. If you entrust us with this opportunity, we strive to proactively identify and prevent avoidable issues through forward-looking advice and ongoing support. ​

What sets our boutique firm apart is the personal and individual attention we give to each client. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of quality, utilizing the knowledge and expertise we’ve gained over the years to safeguard your legal and business interests effectively.

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OUR BLOG

In our blog, you will find up-to-date information and useful tips on legal topics.

OUR BLOG

In our blog, you will find up-to-date information and useful tips on legal topics.

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Frequently asked questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about our law firm, our areas of practice, and the way we work.

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Yes, absolutely. Establishing a company in Germany involves a wide range of complex legal considerations. Choosing the appropriate legal form, drafting a legally sound partnership or shareholder agreement, complying with commercial and tax law requirements, as well as – particularly for foreign founders – immigration and foreign trade regulations, all require careful and well-founded legal guidance.

Whether you are founding a technology-oriented start-up, planning to operate as a freelancer, entering the German market as a foreign investor, or looking to transfer an existing business idea into a suitable legal structure – our law firm will support you through all stages of the formation process, drawing on our many years of experience and specialized legal expertise.

We offer comprehensive advice from the initial legal assessment, through the selection and tailored structuring of the optimal legal form (e.g. GmbH, UG, GmbH & Co. KG, AG, GbR, or the branch office of a foreign company), all the way to notarial certification, tax registration, and entry into the commercial register. We also represent you before public authorities and assist with any necessary licensing and approval procedures. Upon request, we coordinate the collaboration with notaries, tax advisors, and other relevant stakeholders.

Feel free to contact us for an initial consultation or to arrange a mandate – we are here to assist you with dedication and legal precision.

In principle, yes – under certain legal conditions, a foreign investor can obtain a residence permit in accordance with § 21 of the Residence Act ("Self-Employment"). However, whether this is possible in a specific case depends on a variety of individual factors. There are also options for family reunification for spouses and minor children under certain conditions (§§ 29 et seq. of the Residence Act).

As part of the so-called "Business Immigration" procedure, the responsible immigration authorities assess whether there is an economic interest or a regional need for the planned entrepreneurial engagement, whether the activity is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, and whether the financing of the project is secured through equity or a loan commitment (§ 21 para. 1 sentence 1 no. 1–3 AufenthG). The requirements vary depending on the location, business model, and amount of investment. Additionally, there are requirements regarding personal suitability and, in some cases, industry-specific approval reservations.

Our law firm specialises in business immigration and has extensive practical experience in providing legal advice and support to foreign entrepreneurs, particularly those residing outside the European Union. We offer comprehensive assistance in preparing and executing your visa and residence application process, including the creation of a viable and convincing business plan, the legal documentation of the investment project, communication with the relevant state authorities, and – if necessary – with the German diplomatic missions abroad. Naturally, we also involve your family members and, if applicable, assist with all family reunification procedures.

Whether as an investor, founder, partner, or managing director – we ensure that your residence status can be applied for and granted in a legally secure, complete, and prompt manner.

Feel free to contact us for an initial consultation and to discuss your individual concerns. We are here to support you with professional depth, an interdisciplinary approach, and international experience.

We are committed to providing prompt and effective solutions to ensure your satisfaction.

German corporate law provides a wide variety of legal forms for business activities. The appropriate legal form depends on numerous factors – including liability exposure, capital requirements, tax considerations, and the size of the enterprise. The most important types of legal entities include:

1. GmbH – Company with limited liability (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung)

The most common form of corporation in Germany. Shareholders have limited liability. Minimum share capital: €25,000. Suitable for small and medium-sized businesses as well as international investors.

2. UG (haftungsbeschränkt) – Entrepreneurial Company with limited liability

Also known as the “Mini-GmbH”. Can be founded with as little as €1. Mandatory profit retention until €25,000 share capital is accumulated. Popular among start-ups.

3. AG – Public Limited Company (Aktiengesellschaft)

Appropriate for large corporations or publicly listed companies. Minimum share capital: €50,000. Strict corporate governance with a management board and supervisory board.

4. OHG – General Commercial Partnership (Offene Handelsgesellschaft)

A partnership formed by at least two partners with unlimited personal liability. No minimum capital required.

5. KG – Limited Partnership (Kommanditgesellschaft)

Requires at least one general partner with unlimited liability and one or more limited partners. Commonly used in the SME sector and in real estate structures.

6. GmbH & Co. KG

A hybrid legal form in which a GmbH acts as the general partner with limited liability. Combines the tax benefits of a KG with the liability protection of a GmbH.

7. PartG – Professional Partnership (Partnerschaftsgesellschaft)

Available only to members of the liberal professions (e.g. lawyers, tax advisors, physicians). May be registered as a PartG mbB (with limited professional liability).

8. Registered Association (eingetragener Verein, e. V.)

Non-profit organisational form, e.g. for cultural or social purposes. Recognised charitable status allows for tax benefits.

9. Foundation (Stiftung)

A legal form for the long-term dedication of assets to a defined purpose (e.g. charitable or family-related objectives).

10. Sole Proprietorship (Einzelunternehmen)

The simplest business form. No formation costs or capital requirements, but unlimited personal liability of the entrepreneur.