The experience shows that many business traveler do not know what "business trip" in terms of German immigration law means.
Often, people travel to Germany for certain activities but they are not aware of the fact, that the planned activities are not covered by "business activities" in terms of German immigration law. The result is: illegal work!
The consequences can be up to a paying a fine or even a lifelong ban to Germany.
If you want to avoid any complication at the entry to Germany, during your stay in Germany and when leaving Germany, leaves and trees recommends to run a "business traveler assessment" ("bt assessment"). Such a "bt assessment" will examine and define whether your planned activities in Germany are legally covered by terms of a business trip. leaves and trees can advise what to do in order to be covered by a business trip. leaves and trees can also help to get further permissions if needed and requested.
In general, you get this service of „bt assessment“ within 1 business day once all necessary information are available.
leaves and trees strongly recommends to do such a „bt assessment“ before of every planned business trip to Germany in order to avoid the following possible consequences:
- high risk that your entry to Germany will be denied at the German border control if you do not have the proper documents and you do not have the correct answers if you get interviewed by a immigration officer
- existing risk that the German customs will interview you even if you are already inside of Germany, e.g. by the German custom officers at an exhibition / fair in Germany
If the custom officers are of the opinion that the activities you perform require a „work permit“ but which you do not have since you are here for “business only” and not for “work”, the officers can punish you with a fine, you might be deported and finally you might get a lifelong ban to Germany!
Therefore, leaves and trees recommends to have a lawyer's letter drafted and signed by a lawyer at leaves and trees. You can present this to the immigration officer if necessary. Such a lawyer's letter in the most cases can help to avoid any miscommunication with the immigration officer.