Helmer Tieben. Your lawyer in Cologne
Helmer Tieben has advised clients worldwide on German citizenship by descent since 2005 - from the US, Canada, Israel, Australia, and beyond. His Cologne-based practice covers confirmation of existing citizenship through descent (§ 4 StAG), acquisition by declaration for historical gender discrimination (§ 5 StAG — deadline 19 August 2031), and reparation naturalisation for descendants of Nazi persecution victims (Art. 116 GG / § 15 StAG). Domestically, the firm also advises tenants, landlords, and employees across all areas of tenancy and labour law.
Your lawyer in Cologne
The Cologne law firm offers legal advice for private individuals, freelancers and medium-sized companies. Our Online law firm also offers flexible consulting options via the Internet, ideal for clients who need a Lawyer online would like to make use of.
The offices are located in Cologne's Südstadt district near Chlodwigplatz and can be easily reached by car or tram from all parts of Cologne.
In order to provide you with comprehensive advice, Mr Tieben works closely with other lawyers in Cologne, tax advisors, business consultants, notaries and insurance specialists. This co-operation strengthens the Cologne law firm its interdisciplinary expertise and guarantees comprehensive legal support.
Here you can also find out about legal fees. It is also possible to obtain legal advice online via our online law firm. This digital solution of our Online law firm enables you to have direct contact with your Lawyer Colognewithout travelling in person.
Legal advice online - your flexible solution
Our law firm offers you the opportunity to obtain legal advice online. This form of consultation is efficient and saves time, especially if you cannot come to Cologne in person. You receive the same legal quality as in person, only digitally and from any location.
Labour law comprises the main legal norms that define the rights and obligations of an employee. As Lawyer for labour law Cologne Mr Tieben competently assists his clients with labour law issues. He is recognised as an experienced Lawyer labour law Colognewhich provides comprehensive advice to both employees and employers.
Tenancy law covers both the renting and letting of residential and commercial property. As an experienced Lawyer for tenancy law Cologne Mr Tieben advises tenants and landlords in all matters relating to tenancy law.
The law concerning foreigners and nationality covers all legal regulations regarding entry, residency, and naturalisation — including the determination of German nationality by descent, acquisition by declaration under § 5 StAG, and restitutionary naturalisation for descendants of victims of Nazi persecution. The law firm advises clients both domestically and abroad. You can obtain an initial assessment via our free preliminary check.
15
Years of experience as a lawyer
3
Areas of Expertise
1
E-bike
2000+
Clients
500+
Court dates
Lawyer Tieben
Helmer Tieben studied law at the University of Cologne and also completed a Master's programme at the University of Melbourne in Australia, graduating with a Master of International Tax.
Since being admitted to the bar in Cologne in 2005, he has worked for a large auditing firm and a large German transport company before becoming self-employed.
Tieben's areas of practice include the following Tenancy Law, Immigration Law and the Employment and Labour Law. His clients include private individuals, medium-sized companies and the self-employed. He also advises as Contract law lawyer Cologne clients in contract drafting, breaches of contract and claims for damages.
Should you require legal representation, please contact Mr Tieben on the following telephone number 0221 - 80187670 or by email: info@mth-partner.de
Client testimonials
We were recommended Mr Tieben and were successfully represented by him in a tenancy law matter. We felt that we were in good hands right from the start. Very competent, personable and easy to reach by phone.
GC. ( Tenancy law )
Very competent, reliable, fast and friendly. All my concerns were dealt with carefully. Absolutely recommendable!
S.K. ( Tenancy law)
We have used Mr Tieben's advisory services several times, particularly in the areas of internet law and labour law. Mr Tieben has always shown himself to be reliable and very competent. Conclusion: definitely recommendable.
V.M. ( Labour law)
Latest blog posts
Disputing utility bills: deadlines, receipts and objections
Not every landlord's statement of operating costs has to be paid by the tenant without comment. Many operating cost statements contain errors that can lead to the operating cost statement not even being due. However, the errors in the operating cost statement must be precisely described and criticised.
Setting up a UG (haftungsbeschränkt): Procedure, costs and mandatory reserves
You want to set up a corporate body without immediately providing the minimum deposit required for a cash-based GmbH formation (at least €12,500 in total and at least one quarter of each cash contribution share, section 7(2) GmbHG)? The Unternehmergesellschaft pursuant to section 5a GmbHG allows you to start with one euro of share capital. Legally, it is a variant of the GmbH, but it requires full cash payment, the building up of a statutory reserve and the legal form suffix „UG (haftungsbeschränkt)“. This guide explains how a UG is formed in Cologne, what it costs, which ongoing obligations must be fulfilled and in which scenarios it is worthwhile. At a glance Legal nature: Variant of the GmbH pursuant to section 5a GmbHG, not a separate legal form. Share capital: €1 to €24,999 (from €25,000 it is a GmbH). Must be paid in full in cash prior to registration; non-cash contributions are excluded (section 5a(2) GmbHG). Reserve obligation during the UG phase: One quarter of the annual surplus reduced by any loss carryforward must be transferred to a statutory reserve (section 5a(3) GmbHG). End of the reserve obligation: Only upon registration of a formal capital increase to at least €25,000 in the commercial register (section 5a(5) GmbHG). There is no automatic conversion. Legal form suffix: „Unternehmergesellschaft (haftungsbeschränkt)“ or „UG (haftungsbeschränkt)“ – mandatory (section 5a(1) GmbHG). Commercial register fee: €225 basic fee (no. 2100 HRegGebV). Crisis obligation: If imminent inability to pay debts arises, a shareholders' meeting must be convened without delay (section 5a(4) GmbHG) – stricter than for
Legal forms compared: Which one suits your start-up?
Choosing the legal form is one of the initial – and economically most long-term significant – decisions when starting a business. It determines your personal liability, the required capital investment, the tax burden, the disclosure requirements and your attractiveness to investors. This article provides an objective comparison of the six legal forms that are practically relevant for new businesses in Germany: sole proprietorship (Einzelunternehmen), civil law partnership (GbR), general partnership (OHG), limited partnership (KG), entrepreneur company with limited liability (UG (haftungsbeschränkt)) and private limited company (GmbH). At the end, you will find a decision-making aid featuring typical scenarios. At a glance: Sole proprietorships (Einzelunternehmen) and partnerships (GbR, OHG, KG): no minimum capital, startup-friendly, but unlimited personal liability – with the exception of the limited partner (Kommanditist) in a KG. Limited liability companies (UG, GmbH, PLC): liability is generally restricted to the company assets (following entry in the commercial register). In return, there is a requirement for a notary, commercial register entry and mandatory bookkeeping as a formal merchant (§ 6 HGB). Minimum capital: sole proprietorship/GbR/OHG/KG no minimum capital; UG from €1; GmbH €25,000 (§ 5 GmbHG); PLC €50,000 (§ 7 AktG). Taxation: limited liability companies are subject to corporation tax and trade tax; in the case of sole proprietorships and partnerships, profits are attributed directly to the owners or partners for income tax purposes. OHG, KG, PartG and registered GbR (eGbR) can opt for corporate taxation pursuant to § 1a KStG. Which structure is more favourable depends on the individual case – this question is one for a tax adviser. MoPeG reform since 1 January 2024: the GbR has legal capacity, can hold land and trademarks in its own name and
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. in which areas of law is the Cologne law firm active?
The Cologne law firm of lawyer Helmer Tieben specialises in employment law, tenancy law, immigration law and social law. As an experienced lawyer in Cologne, Mr Tieben advises both private individuals and companies on legal issues.
2 How can I make an appointment with a lawyer in Cologne?
Appointments can be made by telephone, email or conveniently via the online law firm. This means that clients also benefit from legal advice online, without having to travel long distances.
3. is it possible to obtain legal advice online?
Yes, you can obtain legal advice online via our online law firm. This digital solution is particularly suitable for clients with little time or from other regions.
4 Where is the Cologne law firm located?
The offices are located in Cologne's Südstadt district near Chlodwigplatz. The lawyers in Cologne are easily accessible both by public transport and by car.
5 Who are the firm's clients?
Clients include private individuals, the self-employed and medium-sized companies. As one of Cologne's experienced lawyers, Helmer Tieben advises clients individually and in a solution-orientated manner.
6 What distinguishes Mr Tieben as a lawyer for labour law in Cologne?
As Lawyer for labour law Cologne Mr Tieben has many years of experience and in-depth expertise. He assists employees and employers with dismissals, Cautions, employment contracts and all other labour law matters.
7 Who is my contact person for tenancy law issues?
Mr Tieben is your competent partner for all matters relating to tenancy law. Lawyer for tenancy law Cologne We are at your side, be it for cancellations, rent increases or disputes with the landlord.
8. with which other specialists does the law firm co-operate?
For comprehensive advice, Mr Tieben works closely with other lawyers in Cologne, tax advisors, business consultants and notaries. As a result, clients receive comprehensive legal and economic support. Our Cologne law firm also offers online appointments for clients who require fast and location-independent advice via the Online law firm wish.