Germany has become a popular immigration destination in recent years. The robust economy, the need for skilled workers, and the EU economic hub, besides a few other features, make it a great place to live and work. They need skilled workers, and you can immigrate to Germany as a lawyer if you are qualified. This Visa Library article tells how to become a lawyer in Germany.
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ToggleRequirements to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer
The requirements to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer are up to the way you pick. But these are the generally required items to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer:
- A law diploma
- Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
- Admission to the Bar Association
- Work experience
- German language fluency
- A work permit for non-EU nationals
Required Certificate to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer
You need these certificates to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer:
- A valid law degree
- German language fluency certificate
- German Bar Association membership
- Work permit
How to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer?
You must pass a few stages to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer. This section brings you the general steps, but you might have to go through other stages by your nationality and the country you get your degree.
Step 1. Are you eligible to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer?
Before you take any steps, determine whether you are eligible. You should look at the eligibility principles and requirements. Determine if you can fulfill them. You must set a roadmap for yourself and break the process into small steps.
You can also get help from lawyers with the same conditions. You might have to go through different stages depending on your nationality. So you’d better gather as much information as you can. The more you know, the more you are informed of the process.
Step 2. Get a law degree
You need a law degree valid where you study and get it. You can study in Germany, in your home country or a foreign one. But it must be valid and approved by the authorities. If you want to study in Germany, you need a German student visa. If you study for a degree in a foreign country, you might have to pass the recognition process. It’s necessary to send your degree and documents to German officials, and they assess them to say whether you can work as a lawyer in Germany.
Step 3. German language proficiency
You need German language fluency to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer. If you study in a foreign country, you might have to pass recognition. It’s necessary to send your documents and degree to German officials, and they will approve it. You are likely to send a German language fluency certificate, besides other supporting documents.
You might have to pass a language test during the recognition process. So you’d better prepare yourself and work on your language skills. You will be working as a lawyer, so you need higher skills than an ordinary person.
Step 4. Assessment and recognition procedure
If you study in a foreign country and want to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer, you must pass the recognition process. You should gather the supporting documents like your degree, transcripts, language fluency certificate, and other items, then send them to the local German officials.
They assess you and determine if you can work as a lawyer in Germany. If their answer is positive, they inform you of the rest of the process.
Step 5. Pass the bar exam
There is a State Examination that you must pass to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer. Everyone who wants to become a lawyer in Germany must pass it. It often consists of an oral and written part. The state officials will guide you and provide you with information to pass the state exam and the bar exam.
Step 6. Pass training or internship
You might have to pass a training or internship period in Germany. This is to get familiar with the law system and how it works in Germany. It will also help you to improve your language fluency skills.
The German state officials will inform you whether you need training or an internship. If yes, you should find a law firm or company willing to hire you as an intern to pass the period with them.
Step 7. Look for a job offer, work permit
After you pass the training, you must apply to the bar association and become a member. Once you are a member, you can work as a lawyer there. But if you are a non-EU national, you need a work permit.
EU nationals do not need a work permit to work in Germany. But non-EU nationals need a work permit. Only a German employer can apply for a work permit. So you must find a law firm or company that needs your skills and is willing to hire you.
You can get familiar with ways to find a job in the section below. You can also learn about Germany’s work visa and work permit from the Visa Library article.
Eligibility to become a lawyer in Germany
You must be eligible to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer. There are some eligibility principles that you must fulfill. This section introduces you to some of these principles. But they can vary by the way you immigrate to Germany as a lawyer and your conditions. For instance, they can change for EU and non-EU nationals.
The first one is having a valid degree. You must have a valid law degree from an approved law school. Then comes the German language fluency. You need to become eligible as you must speak, read and write in it and pass the Bar Exam.
The next requirement is to become a member of the Bar Association. You must apply to them and remember If you study in a foreign country, you must pass the bar exam and complete the procedures with them.
The last principle is to be eligible for a work visa and a work permit. You must get a job offer from a German employer then he/she applies for a work permit. You must be able to gather the required supporting documents and submit them to German officials.
Visa options to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer
You need a visa to immigrate and work in Germany as a lawyer if you are a non-EU national. The visa you need is up to your conditions and the purpose of your visit. So you should apply for the right visa according to the purpose of visiting Germany.
The first visa that helps you is a German tourist visa. You might have to visit Germany to pass the bar exam or register with the local officials. If you need a visa, a tourist visa helps you enter the country, stay for some time and do what you want.
You can learn more about the Germany Tourist visa from the Visa Library article or watch the prepared video on our YouTube channel.
After you pass all the steps and can immigrate to Germany as a lawyer, you must work there. So you need a work visa and a work permit. You must apply for and receive a work permit because a German employer can apply for a work permit. So you must find a job offer with an employer willing to hire you. After the employer applies for a work permit and receives it, you can apply for a work visa to the German embassy/consulate in your home country.
You can learn more about the German work visa from the Visa Library article or watch the prepared video on our YouTube channel.
How many years does it take to become a lawyer in Germany?
The required time to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer is up to the way you pick and your conditions. If you want to study law there, it takes about 7-11 years to complete a law degree and get admitted to the German Bar Association.
If you study and get your degree in a foreign country, you must pass the recognition process. You must get German language fluency, apply to the state officials, pass the Bar Exam, get an internship, and find a job. You must also apply for a work permit and a work visa if you are a non-EU national.
It could take up to 2-3 years to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer. It’s a rough estimate and could take longer. You should consider the time required to prepare yourself for these stages. For instance, you must learn German and study for the Bar Exam. Part of the duration is up to the required time to prepare for the stages.
Can I become a lawyer in Germany as a foreign person?
Yes, you can immigrate to Germany as a lawyer if you are qualified, and it doesn’t matter that you are a foreign person.
There are two options for you to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer. The first one is to study for a law degree there and continue the rest of the stages. You must pass the bar exam and find a job to get a work permit.
The second way is to pass the recognition process. This is when you study and get your degree in a foreign country. The first step is to gather your documents and send them to the state officials. Then you must pass the Bar Exam, the training or internship, state exam and apply for membership to the Bar Association. Then you must find a job with a German employer and apply for a work permit and a work visa.
You can learn more about the process and requirements in the above section.
Is it hard to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer?
Whether it is hard to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer is up to your skills, mindset, and ability to pass the stages. If you are determined and ready to put in the required hard work and time, it will be easy. But if you complain and can not work hard for the long term, the process might be hell for you.
The first obstacle you should pass is German language fluency. You must study and get your B2 or C1 fluency level. You need it to get admission to German law schools and pass the recognition process.
Then you must pass the recognition process. You must get approval from German officials that you can immigrate to Germany as a lawyer. Then comes the bar exam. These stages can be hard to pass a foreign person. If you set your “why” and remember it, it’s more likely to pass the stages.
Can I study law in English in Germany?
The answer is yes, you study a law degree in English in Germany. You should keep looking and try to find a university or law school that offers courses in English. These are some of the centers that provide an English law degree:
- Heidelberg University
- University of Hamburg
- Goethe University Frankfurt
- Freie Universität Berlin
It’s unlikely that German universities offer all of the law courses in English, and you might have to pass courses in German. It’s up to you to determine when and to which level you need. If all of the courses are in English, you still need German language fluency to pass the Bar Exam.
Is Germany a good place to study law?
Germany is one of the first options in terms of immigration due to its many benefits and features. It’s a great place to study law and people pick it because of its amazing features.
First, Germany enjoys a high-quality education system. The universities are famous for their excellent education standards. Law schools have a long history and experience in teaching and preparing lawyers for the work.
Germany also provides so many different programs for you to study law there: Bachelors, Master’s, State Examination degrees Etc.
You have different options and can pick the program that suits your conditions.
One of the most famous good features of studying in Germany is the tuition. You often do not have to pay tuition, or it’s low compared to the US, Canada, and the UK. This is why so many applicants pick Germany to get a degree.
Germany is providing some courses in English, and it is encouraging international students to study there. The same is true with law courses. You can study there in English and learn German while being there. It provides a better opportunity to learn German and become fluent.
Germany has created a strong legal tradition and system. You will get helpful insight into German and European law and get familiar with them. It can have a huge impact on your career opportunities. As they have a practice-oriented approach in education, you become better prepared for your job.
Germany has become a diverse and multicultural country and attracts students from all over the world. This is a brilliant opportunity for enriching international experience and networking opportunities.
The people who have picked Germany are satisfied and happy with their conditions.
How much does it cost to become a lawyer in Germany?
The cost is up to the way you pick to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer. If you want to study there, the tuition is about €250 ($305) per semester. But studying in private schools can cost you about €20,000 ($24,425) per year.
You should also consider the cost of living there, which is about 867 Euros per month. But it depends on your lifestyle and the city you live in.
The recognition process for foreign lawyers can be €200- €1.000. It’s up to the stages you have to follow. These are some of the costs you should consider:
- Translation of documents into English/German.
- Application fee with the state officials
- Bar exam.
- Training or internship
- Visa applications
- Application to the Bar Association.
Related jobs for lawyers in Germany
After you pass all of the stages and immigrate to Germany as a lawyer, the hard part is over. You can find a job as a lawyer as you have the license, and they need skilled workers. But it’s up to your skills and abilities to find a job. The position you will work is up to a few factors:
- Education
- Work experience
- Qualification
- Language fluency
- The demand
- Employer’s requirements
- Etc.
The competition is hard, and you will compete with the best lawyers. So you have to work on items that are in your control and improve yourself.
Consistency and hard work in finding a job is essential. So you should put in the required time and effort to find a job. These are some of the related jobs for a lawyer in Germany. You can find any of them if you have the required work experience, education, and qualifications.
- Legal Researcher
- Public Sector
- Legal Consultant/Advisor
- Legal Consultant
- Corporate Counsel
- In-House Counsel
- Legal Researcher/Writer
- Legal Compliance Officer
Lawyers’ salary in Germany
Your salary as a lawyer in Germany is up to different items:
- Education
- Work experience
- Language fluency
- Qualifications
- Certificates
- Etc.
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a lawyer in Germany is about €89,232 per year.
According to Salary Explorer, the average salary of a lawyer in Germany is about 7,270 EUR per month. It says while the lowest salary is about 3,350 EUR, the highest is about 11,600 EUR per month.
Payscale says that the average salary is about €71,216 per year.
Salary Expert indicates that the average salary of a lawyer in Germany is about 113.749 €. This source says that a lawyer with 1-3 years of work experience earns about 78.342 € while a lawyer with +8 years of work experience earns about 141.872 € per year.
Where to work as a lawyer in Germany
After you immigrate to Germany as a lawyer, you can work in various centers. It’s up to the demand, your skills, work experience, language fluency, soft and hard skills, etc, to find a job in the center you want. If you want to work in an international company, you should have the related work experience, qualifications, and certificates.
- The law department of companies
- Arbitration and Mediation Centers
- Legal Aid Organizations
- Government Agencies
- In-House Legal Departments
Are lawyers in demand in Germany?
There are no unemployed lawyers in Germany, and their income is up to various factors. But the demand for lawyers in Germany is up to various factors, and there is not much data about it. Lawyers with specialized skills and experience in certain legal areas may find better opportunities and higher demand than those with more general legal backgrounds.
You should consider the key factors that influence the demand for lawyers in Germany:
- Economic Conditions
- Legal Reforms
- Technology and Intellectual Property
- International Business
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution
If the legislation changes, there is a demand for lawyers to deal with the new areas. The rise in population increases legal services demand. With the rise of technological software, there might be a need for lawyers in technology, data protection, and intellectual property law.
As Germany is a major hub for international trade and business, there is a demand for lawyers with expertise in international law, trade law, and cross-border transactions.
Best cities to work as a lawyer in Germany
Liking every German city is fun and a new experience. The whole country is developed, and you can find a job in the city you want. But you’d better know about these cities and determine whether they are appropriate for you. For instance, if you can not afford the cost of living in this city or can not stand the weather conditions, you’d better reconsider and think of a new place to live.
These are the largest cities in Germany. There are always larger job opportunities in large cities as companies tend to locate there. Law firms or legal services tend to be in large cities. So you can find a job in these cities better:
- Berlin
- Hamburg
- München (Munich)
- Köln (Cologne)
- Frankfurt
- Stuttgart
There is another list of cities in Germany that you’d better know about. They are a popular city to live in and visit there. Some of the items in this list overlap with the above one, and it’s normal. As people like to visit them, companies have to provide services, and legal services are among them. So you might be able to find a job in these cities. But determine if you can stand living conditions.
- Berlin
- Munich
- Cologne
- Frankfurt
- Hamburg
Language fluency to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer
You need German language fluency to become a lawyer there. If you want to study law in a law school there, you need German language fluency to get admission. You might be able to find a law course in English, but most of them are in German.
If you study in a foreign country and want to pass the recognition process, German language fluency is still among the requirements or supporting documents. You must also pass the Bar Exam and state examinations. They are in German, and you need fluency to pass them. The fluency level is higher than an international student as you must pass exams with legal terms and expressions.
Germany is the economic hub in Europe and the fourth-largest economy in the world. So many international companies are located there, and English is common. If you know English, it helps you along the process of immigrating to Germany as a lawyer.
How to find a job in Germany as a lawyer?
While you study in Germany, you can work part-time and get work experience. It also improves your language fluency, and you get familiar with the law system.
After you finish your studies or pass the recognition process, you must find a job to work there. You need the job offer as the employer can only apply for a work permit.
There are various ways to find a job in Germany as a lawyer. It’s up to your conditions to use one or all of them to find a job.
The first way is to look for a position through the websites that advertise job positions there. This is a list of these websites:
- Indeed
- StepStone
- Arbeitsagentur
- Meinestadt.de
- Jobrapido.de
You must update your resume and apply for related positions on these websites. Look at the above section to know the related jobs for a lawyer in Germany.
The second way to find a job is to ask for help from employment agencies. They connect employers and employees. These companies can introduce you to law firms or legal departments of companies for employment.
- Caissa Recruitment
- Contacts Management
- O’Farrell Online
- Jac Recruitment
- Progressive Recruitment
The above list is a sample, and you can find other companies.
Germany also provides a job-seeker visa. If you are not among the visa-waived countries, you can apply for a job seeker visa and look for a job there. It allows you to stay for up to 6 months, have interviews, and work for a really limited time to prove your skills to the employer.
You can learn more about the German job seeker visa from the Visa Library article or watch the prepared video on our YouTube channel.
Germany also provides an internship visa. You can arrange an internship with a law firm there and pass an internship there. If you are good enough, you might be able to get a job offer from the company or another German company. Visit the Germany internship visa article to learn the requirements and how to apply for it.
Required personal skills to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer
Becoming a lawyer needs a combination of hard skills and soft skills. You’d better work on your soft skills before the hard skills, as the first one helps you to get the second one. This job is a combination of legal knowledge, analytical abilities, and interpersonal skills to achieve career goals. You need these personal skills to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer:
The first skill is communication. You must be able to communicate well with clients, colleagues, judges, and other legal professionals. Effective and strong verbal and written skills are needed to communicate effectively with people. You must present arguments and negotiate to reach your purpose.
The next soft skill you need is analytical and critical thinking. You must analyze complex legal issues and investigate the evidence and develop a strategy to dispute in court or legal issues. The critical thinking feature helps you to gather and connect the related information and make the best decision.
Then comes problem-solving. Legal disputes are often complex challenges that need creative and strategic problem-solving skills. You must find practical solutions for your client and prove the ability to solve your problem.
You also need research skills. There is a case that you must research about it to find the dark spot and evidence to support your claims. Research in the database and compiling evidence is your tool to solve the issue.
You also need attention to detail, time management, Interpersonal skills, empathy and emotional intelligence, negotiation skills, professionalism and ethics, and public speaking.
Developing these soft skills is a long and tedious process. You should work hard, practice, and improve yourself to become a successful lawyer in Germany.
How to become a lawyer in Germany?
You have two ways to become a lawyer in Germany. The first one is to study for a law degree there. You must find a law school that offers a BA or MA degree to international students. You must determine the requirements and apply to the university and get admission. Then you must apply for a German student visa. You must complete your studies, pass the bar exam and become a member of the bar association.
The second way is when you study and get your degree in a foreign country. In this case, you must send your degree and documents to German officials; they assess them and determine whether you can work as a lawyer in Germany. Then you must pass the bar exam and state examination. After becoming a member of the bar association, you must look for a job position, sign a contract with the employer and apply for a work permit. After it is issued, you must apply for a work visa to move to Germany.
These two ways help you to become a lawyer in Germany.
Is it worth getting a job in Germany as a lawyer?
The answer depends on you. The process of immigrating to Germany as a lawyer is long and tedious. You must get language fluency and pass recognition. There are bar and state examinations, so you must work hard to pass them.
But living in Germany has so many benefits and features. Germany is one of the top immigration destinations in Europe.
- Strong, stable economy
- A diverse and multicultural country
- The free and high-standard education system
- Public free healthcare
- Efficient public transportation
- Helpful laws for immigrants
You should compare the pros and cons of immigration to Germany as a lawyer and determine if it’s worth it for you.
Let’s sum up immigrating to Germany as a lawyer
This Visa Library article explained how to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer. This is the comprehensive guideline to immigrate and work there as a lawyer.
It explained the requirements, eligibility principles, process, salary, and so many of your FAQs about becoming a lawyer in Germany.
You can learn about the immigration process for different jobs or visa options from the menu of this website.
If you have questions, write them down in the comment section. The Visa Library team will answer them.
Frequently asked questions on how to immigrate to Germany as a lawyer
The recognition process can take up to 3 years, and studying for a law degree takes 7-11 years.
Yes, you can become a lawyer in Germany after passing the recognition or validation of your degree.
It’s up to you, but you can say yes, it is hard to become a lawyer in Germany.
- Published by
- Max-B.
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