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European lawyers providing services; information on the temporary exercise of the profession
A European lawyer may work as a lawyer in Germany on a temporary and occasional basis under the professional title of his home country.
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Procedure details
Description
Persons who are authorized to work independently as lawyers in a member state of the European Union, another state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area or in Switzerland under one of the professional titles listed in the Annex to the Act on the Activities of European Lawyers in Germany (EuRAG) (European lawyers) may work temporarily and occasionally as lawyers in Germany (so-called European lawyers providing services).
A European lawyer is a person who is authorized to use one (or more) of the following professional titles:
- in Belgium: Avocat/Advocaat/Lawyer
- in Bulgaria: Адвокат (advocate)
- in Denmark: Advokat
- in Estonia: Vandeadvokaat
- in Finland: Asianajaja/Advokat
- in France: Avocat
- in Greece: Δικηγόρος (Dikigoros)
- in Ireland: Barrister/Solicitor
- in Iceland: Lögmaur
- in Italy: Avvocato
- in Croatia: Odvjetnik/Odvjetnica
- in Latvia: Zvērināts advokāts
- in Liechtenstein: lawyer
- in Lithuania: Advokatas
- in Luxembourg: Avocat
- in Malta: Avukat/Prokuratur Legali
- in the Netherlands: Advocaat
- in Norway: Advokat
- in Austria: Rechtsanwalt
- in Poland: Adwokat/Radca prawny
- in Portugal: Advogado
- in Romania: Avocat
- in Sweden: Advokat
- in Switzerland: Advokat, Rechtsanwalt, Anwalt, Fürsprecher, Fürsprech/Avocat/Avvocato
- in Slovakia: Advokát/Komerčný právnik
- in Slovenia: Odvetnik/Odvetnica
- in Spain: Abogado/Advocat/Avogado/Abokatu
- in the Czech Republic: Advokát
- in Hungary: Ügyvéd
- in Cyprus: Δικηγόρος (Dikigoros).
European lawyers providing services are generally authorized to provide advice in the field of German law. However, the restriction applies that they may only act as a representative or defender of a client in court proceedings and in official proceedings for criminal offenses, administrative offenses, official misconduct or breaches of professional duty in which clients may not conduct the legal dispute themselves or defend themselves in consultation with a lawyer admitted in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Lawyers' Act (Einvernehmensanwalt).
Requirements
A prerequisite for the temporary exercise of the profession in Germany is that the professional title that may be used under the law of the country of origin is used. Anyone who is entitled to use the professional title "Rechtsanwalt" (e.g. in Austria) must also state the professional organization to which they belong in their home country (e.g. Vienna Bar Association).
The authorization to practice the profession of a lawyer in the country of origin must be proven upon request by the competent bar association, the court or the authority before which the European lawyer providing services appears.
Required documents
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Certificate of membership of the legal profession issued by the competent authority in the home Member State
Fees
none
Deadlines
none
Related links
Related issues
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Professional practice company; application for admission by lawyers
Lawyers may join together to form professional associations for the joint practice of their profession. Associations with members of other professions are also possible. These must generally be approved by the bar associations.
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Legal profession; application for admission as a lawyer of a member state of the World Trade Organization
Lawyers from member states of the World Trade Organization (WTO) can apply for admission to a German Bar Association.
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Legal profession; application for determination of the equivalence of a professional qualification
If you have completed training abroad that allows you to work as a lawyer, you can have this qualification recognized. This recognition allows you to work as a lawyer in Germany.
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Legal profession; application for admissionThe activity under the German title "Rechtsanwalt" requires a license according to § 4 of the Federal Lawyers' Act (BRAO).
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Bar Association; application for admission as a European lawyerThe permanent establishment of a European lawyer to practice the profession in Germany requires admission to a German bar association.
Status: 05.03.2025
Editorial responsibility Bayerisches Staatsministerium der Justiz
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