Alex Richstein: author, entrepreneur, legal professional and founder of FIRMDER
Alex Richstein is an entrepreneur, the founder of FIRMDER and an author of specialist articles about immigration to Germany. He lives and works in Germany, runs a blog and explores relocation, residence procedures, settling in, German bureaucracy and building a new life in the country.
Alex combines an entrepreneurial approach with a strong interest in migration and a focus on practical outcomes. His articles aim to give clear answers to the questions people face when considering Germany: what actually works, what does not and how to plan a move without unnecessary misconceptions or mistakes.
As a business owner, Alex looks beyond individual procedures to the whole journey, from the first relocation plans to living, working, integrating and developing further in Germany. His articles therefore go beyond factual summaries to help readers understand how the immigration process fits together.
His main topics include immigration to Germany, residence titles, the EU Blue Card, the Opportunity Card, language courses, university, business immigration, family-based residence, housing, integration and everyday life in Germany.
His approach rests on three principles: honesty, a systematic method and practical relevance.
No empty promises, myths or supposed shortcuts.
Useful information that helps people make informed decisions and navigate life in Germany.
Alex writes for people who want to move to Germany with careful preparation, informed decisions and a realistic understanding of their options.
Selected specialist articles on immigration to Germany, residence titles, the EU Blue Card, business immigration and settling in.
Jewish immigration to Germany in 2026: eligibility, documents and ZWST
Jewish immigration is an admission procedure for eligible applicants from the successor states of the former Soviet Union, excluding …
Spätaussiedler in 2026: eligibility and admission to Germany
The Spätaussiedler procedure is a statutory admission route for people of German ethnic affiliation from designated areas of origin a…
Studying in Germany in 2026: applications, admission and student visas
Study and vocational training can provide routes to residence in Germany. Many public degree programmes are tuition-free but charge s…
Germany’s Opportunity Card 2026: requirements, points and job search
The Opportunity Card is a residence route for seeking employment or a qualification recognition measure in Germany without requiring …
Moving to Germany for work in 2026: visas, routes and documents
Working in Germany can support a move where the conditions are met. Common residence routes include: For regulated professions, incl…
Buying a business in Germany: due diligence, contract and handover
When buying a business in Germany, distinguish early between a share deal and an asset deal. The structure affects taxation, liabilit…
Business immigration to Germany in 2026: formation and residence
Forming or acquiring a business can form part of a section 21 application, but does not itself grant residence rights. Foreign&hellip…
Ethnic German resettlement: finding and obtaining documents
For preparation, organise documents into three groups: personal evidence such as passports and civil-status certificates; evidence of…
German residence permits and health insurance in 2026
A German residence permit generally requires adequate health insurance; it is generally part of the requirements under section 2(3) o…
Moving to Germany for work in 2026: visas and requirements
In 2026, a move to Germany for work can follow several routes: the EU Blue Card (§ 18g AufenthG), residence for…
Germany freelance visa 2026: requirements and application
In 2026, the German freelance visa is governed by section 21 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) with different rules for liberal…
Jobs in Germany for Russian professionals: finding work and moving in 2026
Working in Germany as a Russian professional is generally possible through the usual residence routes for non-EU nationals. Individua…