Services for private clients

More than twenty years ago we made the decision to move to Germany in search of a better life for ourselves and our children. We wanted to give them a European education, an ability to travel freely with a European passport and provide quality medical care.

Like everyone else, at first we faced bureaucratic difficulties when moving to Germany. Not knowing the language often made it difficult to get services and benefits in Germany. It was even more difficult to fill out the documents for benefits. Sometimes we found out too late that we were eligible for this or that assistance and subsidies from the German state or municipality.

Sometimes you find out about it by accident, because the official services do not inform you about it. By our own experience, we went through all the stages of integration into German society and were also able to organize our own business here.

Today we are pleased to provide you with our expertise and assistance in all pressing issues that may arise when moving, or the process of adapting to a new place. We know the specifics of local laws and business etiquette.

We provide comprehensive support for our clients in Germany, which means that even if you do not know something, we will think for you and defend your interests with the relevant authorities and organizations, and we will tell you what you are entitled to in Germany. The amount of our assistance depends on your needs.

Our services:

• Consultations when obtaining permanent residence in Germany, extending a residence permit in Germany, family reunification, escort through the authorities in Munich and Bavaria

• Assistance in obtaining benefits in Germany in various situations (child benefits in Germany Kindergeld); we will advise you on how to fill out an application (Antrag / Antrag) for benefits in Germany (including remotely, in all cities of Germany) correctly

• Assistance in changing tax class, as well as advice and assistance in opening bank accounts in Germany

• Through our partner network, we will help you resolve issues with the registration of tax returns in Germany, select options for medical and other types of insurance (property, car, third- party liability insurance, etc.)

• Preparation of letters and enquiries, taking into account the customs of business etiquette in Germany

• Support and accompaniment of children coming to study in Germany: selection of a language school, assistance in paperwork for students, opening a bank account, looking for housing, accompanying to a doctor if necessary

Case studies:

Example 1

Assistance in registration for benefits, selection of language courses, placement of children in kindergarten

A family moved to Bavaria with three preschool children. Since the mother of the family took care of the children, only the head of the family worked. The family, like most of the settlers at first, was very limited in means. As part of comprehensive consulting and support, we helped to arrange child benefits, childcare benefits, housing subsidies, possible help from public and charitable organizations, change the tax class to a more beneficial one, and selected the optimal medical insurance. In Bavaria, finding a place for even one child is difficult, never mind three. However, we found a kindergarten for all three children. Since the family has a small income, we helped arrange financial assistance to pay for the kindergarten. One of the children needed help in language development. We drew up all the necessary documents in such a way that the child could receive qualified help from a speech therapist and occupational therapist in the kindergarten for free.

The state also took over part or all of the payment for language courses. We helped fill out all the necessary documents to receive assistance in paying for the courses, we ourselves contacted language schools in a convenient area, confirmed the school curriculum and availability of places. We found the best option for the mother of three and we helped to find organizations that provided various free social adaptation events and language courses.

Example 2

Help in finding housing and school

A family with two school-age children moved to Germany in the middle of the school year. The first problem that arose was the search for housing in Munich, which is incredibly difficult if you do not know how to do it. We consulted the client on the most appropriate areas for them, helped to compose application letters to potential landlords in such a way as to represent our client as a reliable tenant, compiled a list of management companies renting out properties in their preferred area and sent out their applications. We received answers and calls from potential landlords and made appointments, as it was difficult for the client to coordinate this process without knowing the language. We accompanied the family during the viewings and helped with translation. We helped to read the lease agreements and protect the interests of the family. Since we have extensive experience in viewing properties, we know what to look for. As a result: this family moved to a great apartment within 2 months.

The children, like their parents, did not speak German. In Germany, every child is obliged to attend school and immediately after moving and registering at the place of residence, the state will remind you of this. Enrolment in schools in Bavaria is based on the principal of the closest school to home. If your child does not speak German, the school may decide to place you in an integration class for immigrant children. This decision will not always be optimal, taking into account the characteristics of your child. Before moving to Germany, in this family, one of the children attended a good lyceum with in-depth study of a number of subjects, the second child was an elementary school student. Our task was to convince the school authorities to take one child to a regular class, as the parents were confident that in a German-speaking environment, language learning would be more effective and faster. In addition, the child was internally mature and ready for new conditions. For the second child, we were looking for a place in a gymnasium, taking into account this specialization and his interests. We prepared the children for an interview at school: we told them that they usually ask how to behave and how to say hello. We taught the first elementary phrases to show the childrens readiness for integration and help make a good impression on the teachers. As a result, the children were enrolled in the correct schools. The first child successfully passed to the next grade of primary school at the place of residence and already began to speak German quickly, the second child was enrolled in the gymnasium on a probationary basis and was able to successfully adapt. We also helped find the best language courses for the children in order to speed up language learning at the initial stage.

Example 3

Residence

This family moved to Germany from another EU countries. Only one of the adults had European Union citizenship. To live in Germany and obtain the right to work for the second adult, who was the man, it was important to obtain a residency permit as soon as possible, because he is the breadwinner of the family. The situation with regards consideration of official documents greatly depends on the actions of the official, for example it is always easier to refuse than to consider the application positively, especially if the applicant does not know the laws and the language and cannot defend their position with arguments and it can be difficult for them to conduct a dialogue with an official. There are different reasons for obtaining a residency permit and we will consistently defend your interests. We have encountered many different situations and will suggest the best option in your particular case.

Example 4

Registration of certificates and benefits for receiving social assistance after dismissal.

Often, due to their lack of knowledge of the language, migrants have to agree to any job. Unfortunately, there is also a risk of fraud on the part of the employer. If the company goes bankrupt or you are not paid your salary, we will help to protect your interests. The services of lawyers are expensive. Victims are often mistaken in the belief that if they go to court to collect a salary and win it, they will not have to pay for the services of a lawyer. Unfortunately, in Germany, each party bears its own costs in labour disputes. This means that even after you win in court, you yourself will have to pay for the services of your lawyer. Is it worth it? The lawyers fee may be equal to the amount of your unpaid salary, or more. Some of the issues can be resolved in the pre-trial order. This is exactly the kind of assistance we provided to several of our clients after the bankruptcy of their employer: we helped to fill out the relevant documents to collect the amounts they were owed, helped to apply for social benefits and compensation in the event of bankruptcy of the company, required by the state. We accompanied our clients in situations where translation was required. If a lawyer is still needed, we know lawyers that we trust and will be happy to make recommendation.