{"id":139,"date":"2026-06-08T19:05:51","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T19:05:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kaganlegal-germany.com\/?page_id=139"},"modified":"2026-06-14T16:01:47","modified_gmt":"2026-06-14T16:01:47","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kaganlegal-germany.com\/en\/insights\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<main id=\"main-content\">\n\n\n    <section class=\"hero-banner\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-h1\">\n      <div class=\"hero-banner__inner\">\n        <span class=\"hero-banner__breadcrumb\"><a href=\"\/en\/\">Home<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"\/en\/insights\/\">Insights<\/a> \u00b7 FAQ<\/span>\n        <span class=\"hero-banner__eyebrow\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span>\n        <h1 class=\"hero-banner__h1\" id=\"faq-h1\">FAQ \u2014 Questions on Legal Advice<\/h1>\n        <p class=\"hero-banner__lead\">General answers to common questions on residence law, business immigration, GmbH formation, corporate law, employment law, and how to begin an engagement. This page does not substitute individual legal advice.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n    <section class=\"faq-section\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-general\">\n      <div class=\"container\" style=\"max-width: 900px;\">\n        <div class=\"section-label\">General<\/div>\n        <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"faq-general\">General Questions on Legal Advice<\/h2>\n        <div class=\"faq-list\" role=\"list\">\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              In which languages does the firm advise?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>The firm advises in German and English. Advisory in Russian is available by prior arrangement.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              Which practice areas does the firm cover?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>The firm advises in selected areas:<\/p>\n              <ul>\n                <li>Residence law and business immigration<\/li>\n                <li>Company formation and corporate law<\/li>\n                <li>Commercial and contract law<\/li>\n                <li>Selected employment law matters<\/li>\n                <li>Selected civil disputes<\/li>\n              <\/ul>\n              <p>For a precise assessment of whether your matter falls within the firm&#8217;s advisory scope, please contact us directly.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              How do I get in touch?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>You can describe your matter via the <a href=\"\/en\/contact\/\" style=\"color:var(--c-brand)\">contact form<\/a> or by email. The firm will review your enquiry and be in touch for an initial conversation. Please do not send confidential original documents before a mandate has been confirmed.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              How does an initial consultation work?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>After receiving your enquiry, the firm will carry out an initial assessment of the matter. A conversation is then arranged to discuss the situation and the documents required. This is followed by an initial legal assessment and, if appropriate, the formalisation of an engagement.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n    <section class=\"faq-section faq-section--surface\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-bi\">\n      <div class=\"container\" style=\"max-width: 900px;\">\n        <div class=\"section-label\">Business Immigration<\/div>\n        <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"faq-bi\">Business Immigration<\/h2>\n        <div class=\"faq-list\" role=\"list\">\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              What is business immigration?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>Business immigration refers to the legal facilitation of entry and residence in Germany for persons wishing to carry out an economic activity \u2014 as entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, investors, or managing directors.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              Which residence permits are available for the self-employed and entrepreneurs?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>Various residence titles may be available for self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs, depending on nationality, type of activity, investment level, and other factors. An individual assessment is required. We advise on the options that may apply in the specific case.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              What is the EU Blue Card and who is it suitable for?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>The EU Blue Card under \u00a7 18g AufenthG is a residence title for highly qualified skilled workers from non-EU countries who hold a recognised university degree and have a job offer in Germany meeting the salary threshold. For 2026, the general threshold is \u20ac50,700 gross per year. The reduced threshold of \u20ac45,934.20 applies only to the statutory qualifying groups. For specific requirements and procedure, we advise individually.<\/p>\n              <p><a href=\"\/en\/business-immigration\/\" style=\"color:var(--c-brand)\">More on business immigration \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <a href=\"\/en\/business-immigration\/\" class=\"faq-more-link\">Go to business immigration \u2192<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n    <section class=\"faq-section\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-residence\">\n      <div class=\"container\" style=\"max-width: 900px;\">\n        <div class=\"section-label\">Residence Law<\/div>\n        <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"faq-residence\">Residence Law<\/h2>\n        <div class=\"faq-list\" role=\"list\">\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              When does a person need a residence permit in Germany?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>Nationals of countries outside the EU\/EEA generally require a residence title for a longer stay in Germany. The precise requirements depend on nationality, purpose of stay, and other circumstances. EU citizens generally have a right of free movement.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              What is the difference between a residence permit and a settlement permit?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>A residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) is time-limited and tied to a specific purpose (e.g. employment, study, self-employment). A settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) is unlimited and allows permanent residence in Germany. The requirements for a settlement permit are generally more demanding.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              Which residence titles are available for managing directors of a German GmbH?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>Foreign managing directors of a German GmbH require a suitable residence title. Which title applies depends on several factors, including the structure of the role, the director&#8217;s shareholding, and the nature of the activity. We advise on the residence law options in the context of managing director activity.<\/p>\n              <p><a href=\"\/en\/residence-citizenship\/\" style=\"color:var(--c-brand)\">More on residence law \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <a href=\"\/en\/residence-citizenship\/\" class=\"faq-more-link\">Go to residence &amp; citizenship \u2192<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n    <section class=\"faq-section faq-section--surface\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-gmbh\">\n      <div class=\"container\" style=\"max-width: 900px;\">\n        <div class=\"section-label\">Company Formation<\/div>\n        <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"faq-gmbh\">Company Formation \/ GmbH<\/h2>\n        <div class=\"faq-list\" role=\"list\">\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              Can a foreign national form a GmbH in Germany?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>In principle, a GmbH in Germany can be formed by foreign shareholders without restriction. Residence law aspects must however be taken into account, in particular if the founder wishes to be active in Germany. We advise on both the corporate and residence law requirements.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              What is the minimum share capital of a GmbH?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>The minimum share capital of a GmbH is \u20ac25,000. At formation, at least half of this amount must be paid in. For details on formation requirements and procedure, we advise individually. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              How long does it take to form a GmbH in Germany?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>The time required depends on several factors, including notary appointment availability, commercial register processing, and the completeness of the documents. As a rule, several weeks should be expected. For an individual assessment, please contact us.<\/p>\n              <p><a href=\"\/en\/gmbh-formation-germany\/\" style=\"color:var(--c-brand)\">More on GmbH formation \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <a href=\"\/en\/company-formation\/\" class=\"faq-more-link\">Go to company formation &amp; corporate law \u2192<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n    <section class=\"faq-section\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-employment\">\n      <div class=\"container\" style=\"max-width: 900px;\">\n        <div class=\"section-label\">Employment Law<\/div>\n        <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"faq-employment\">Employment Law<\/h2>\n        <div class=\"faq-list\" role=\"list\">\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              What should I do if I receive a notice of termination?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>After receiving a notice of termination, a strict three-week deadline applies within which to bring an unfair dismissal claim before the Labour Court under \u00a7 4 KSchG. This deadline must be observed. Early legal advice is strongly recommended.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              What is a termination agreement (Aufhebungsvertrag)?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>A termination agreement is a mutually agreed arrangement between employer and employee to end the employment relationship. Legal review before signing is strongly recommended, as a termination agreement can have significant consequences for social security entitlements, including a potential blocking period of up to 12 weeks under \u00a7 159 SGB III.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              Am I entitled to severance pay after a termination?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>German law provides a statutory severance entitlement only in narrow circumstances \u2014 for example under \u00a7 1a KSchG for operationally-motivated terminations where the employer includes a specific notice in the termination letter. In practice, severance pay most commonly arises through a termination agreement or a court settlement. The amount depends on length of service, salary, and the prospects of an unfair dismissal claim.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              What should an employment contract cover?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>An employment contract should at minimum address: start date and duration of the employment, role and place of work, remuneration, working hours, holiday entitlement, and notice periods. For international employment relationships, choice of law and jurisdiction are also relevant. For senior employees, confidentiality, non-compete clauses, and severance arrangements deserve particular attention.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <a href=\"\/en\/employment-law\/\" class=\"faq-more-link\">Go to employment law \u2192<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n    <section class=\"faq-section faq-section--surface\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-contact\">\n      <div class=\"container\" style=\"max-width: 900px;\">\n        <div class=\"section-label\">Getting in Touch<\/div>\n        <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"faq-contact\">Getting in Touch and Starting an Engagement<\/h2>\n        <div class=\"faq-list\" role=\"list\">\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              Does submitting an enquiry create an engagement?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>No. Sending an enquiry via the contact form or by email does not create an engagement. A mandate begins only after the firm has expressly accepted the matter and a corresponding agreement has been reached.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              May I send documents with my initial enquiry?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>Please do not send confidential original documents before a mandate has been confirmed. For the initial assessment, a brief description of the matter is sufficient.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"faq-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n            <button class=\"faq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n              In which language can I submit my enquiry?\n              <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div class=\"faq-answer\">\n              <p>Enquiries can be submitted in German, English, or Russian. You can indicate your preferred advisory language in the contact form.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n    <section class=\"section-cta\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-cta-heading\">\n      <div class=\"container cta-inner\">\n        <div class=\"section-label section-label--center\">Your question not listed?<\/div>\n        <h2 class=\"cta-heading\" id=\"faq-cta-heading\">Ask us directly<\/h2>\n        <p class=\"cta-body\">Describe your matter directly. The firm will review your enquiry and be in touch promptly.<\/p>\n        <div class=\"cta-actions\">\n          <a href=\"\/en\/contact\/\" class=\"btn btn-primary btn-lg\">Send an enquiry<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <p class=\"cta-notice\">Please do not send confidential original documents before a mandate has been confirmed.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n  \n<\/main>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"name\": \"FAQ \u2014 Frequently Asked Questions | Kagan Legal Hamburg\",\n  \"url\": \"https:\/\/kaganlegal-germany.com\/en\/insights\/faq\/\",\n  \"breadcrumb\": {\n    \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n    \"itemListElement\": [\n      { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/kaganlegal-germany.com\/en\/\" },\n      { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Insights\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/kaganlegal-germany.com\/en\/insights\/\" },\n      { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"FAQ\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/kaganlegal-germany.com\/en\/insights\/faq\/\" }\n    ]\n  },\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"In which languages does the firm advise?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The firm advises in German and English. 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General General Questions on Legal Advice In which languages does the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":132,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-leistung","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-139","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kaganlegal-germany.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/139","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kaganlegal-germany.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kaganlegal-germany.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kaganlegal-germany.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kaganlegal-germany.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=139"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kaganlegal-germany.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/139\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kaganlegal-germany.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/132"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kaganlegal-germany.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}