Effective January 1, 2025, any unauthorized legal services will be subject to fines of up to EUR 50,000. Immigration consulting and advice services are considered as legal advice. Companies should therefore ensure they rely on licensed and experienced legal professionals who are authorized to work in this regulated sector.
What does this mean for you?
The German Legal Services Act (RDG) regulates who may offer legal services in Germany. As of 2025, stricter rules apply: any advisory services provided without the necessary legal authorization will be considered a violation of the RDG and will result in fines of up to EUR 50,000. This particularly includes advisory activities in immigration law – encompassing legal questions related to the entry, residence, and employment of foreign skilled workers in Germany.
Vialto Partners generally advises to ensure immigration-related legal advice should, as a matter of principle, be reserved for properly licensed attorneys as well as chambers of crafts, industry, and commerce (IHKs) in the course of their statutory responsibilities, along with municipal economic development agencies within their designated scope. This limitation ensures that immigration law advice is provided within a regulated framework, safeguarding both compliance and the interests of your business.
Risks for employers and service providers
International companies and their employees must be aware of the risks of engaging advisors without the proper legal authorization for immigration matters. Violations can lead to substantial fines, which may impact not only the service provider but also the company itself. This amendment is especially relevant as many companies rely on external advisors for skilled worker immigration.
Our recommendation
To ensure compliance in all immigration and employment matters for foreign skilled workers in Germany, we recommend relying exclusively on licensed and experienced legal professionals who are authorized in this complex and increasingly regulated area. Our law firm and our professionals hold the relevant authorizations when required and can help ensure compliance with the RDG and immigration legislation.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Mostafa Massoud
Partner, Rechtsanwalt (Lawyer)
Inga Mayer
Senior Manager, Rechtsanwältin (Lawyer)
Eva Witt
Manager, Rechtsanwältin (Lawyer)
Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com
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