Decision No. 1/80 of the EEC-Turkey Association Council

With approximately 1.5 million people, Turkish nationals constitute the largest group of foreign citizens in the Federal Republic of Germany. A certain portion of these migrants are Turkish workers and their family members who enjoy a special status under Association Council Decision No. 1/80 (ACD 1/80).

What does this mean? Individuals falling under this status formally receive a temporary residence permit, which, however, is backed by a fundamentally indefinite right of residence under European law. In May 2012, the Federal Administrative Court ruled that Turkish nationals falling under ACD 1/80 can claim a residence permit valid for at least five years, from which their permanent right of residence clearly derives. 

If you, as an affected person in this group, have received a deportation order, it may be worthwhile to challenge it. We will examine whether there are errors in the order or if the deportation is invalid due to the international agreement described above. Please contact us. 

You are a Turkish worker and

• You have been living and working in Germany for at least one year and wish to extend your residence permit?
• Your application for an extension of your residence permit has been denied?
• You are a family member of a worker and you wish to extend your residence permit?

Process and Support

• Initial consultation to discuss the next steps with the immigration authorities
• An out-of-court approach is initially possible, keeping costs low
• Requesting the files from the immigration office for a comprehensive review of the legal initial situation
• Legal examination of whether a residence permit was acquired in accordance with Decision No. 1/80 of the EEC/Turkey Association Council (ACD 1/80)
• If an out-of-court resolution is not achieved, administrative court proceedings may follow.

Goals and Prospects of Success

• Fast approval of applications by clarifying the facts with the competent authorities and obtaining the necessary consents
• Judicial enforcement of the claim for the issuance of a residence permit or the extension of an existing residence permit

Time Commitment and Duration of Proceedings

• Consultations are available at any time and on short notice.
• Detailed consultations, including written expert opinions, are available by arrangement.
• The processing time for application approval largely depends on the cooperation of all parties involved.
• The duration of the legal proceedings is primarily determined by the administrative courts.

Costs and Fees

• An initial consultation for consumers is available for a maximum of Euro 190.00 plus statutory value-added tax.
• The costs for further, including written, consultation and representation depend on the scope, complexity, and significance for the client.
• For court representation, billing is based on the Lawyers' Remuneration Act (RVG) or a flat fee agreement, with an early assessment of the anticipated cost risk.