Helmer Tieben – 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.
- Since 2005 Admitted as a lawyer
- Member of the Cologne Bar Association
- Master's degree in international tax law, University of Melbourne
- Consulting on German and English
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.
Areas of law
Termination of tenancy, rent increase, utility bill calculation, eviction proceedings: I represent tenants and landlords regarding residential and commercial premises. Commercial tenancy agreements often involve written form, index rent and termination periods.
Visa for spouse reunification, EU Blue Card, residence permit and naturalization. If the authorities do not decide for months, an action for failure to act may be the next step.
Many descendants of German immigrants are German citizens without knowing it. I examine the lineage through parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents and apply for recognition of citizenship – for clients in Germany and abroad.
Termination, Severance payment, Termination agreement, Job reference. There are only three weeks left for the lawsuit in the labor court against a termination (§ 4). KSchG)- the first appointment should therefore not be postponed.
From founding to disputes among shareholders: I advise on choosing the legal form, drafting the company agreement, and getting the company registered with the commercial register – also for foreign founders who additionally need a residence permit. Later, it often involves transferring shares, managing directors’ liability, or a shareholder dispute in a GmbH or GmbH & Co. KG.
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
As late-immigrants to Germany: Requirements, language test and procedure for the admission process
Anyone of German descent who lives in a state of the former Soviet Union or in another resettlement area can, under certain conditions, come to Germany as a late emigrant and acquire German citizenship there. Whether this is possible is decided by the Federal Administrative Office (BVA) in a multi-stage process – based on documents regarding descent and nationality, proof of language proficiency, and a detailed examination of the residence history. Note: This article serves general information and does not replace legal advice in a specific case. The requirements depend heavily on your documents, your country of origin, and your family history. For your specific situation, please contact a lawyer. The most important information in a nutshell: Late emigrants can become German citizens if they are of German descent, have the legally required residence history in an area of resettlement, and leave this area through the admission procedure (§ 4 BVFG). German citizenship requires German descent, a commitment to German ethnicity, and the ability to have a simple conversation in German (§ 6, para. 2, BVFG). The admission certificate must be present before departure in principle. After departure, permanent residence in Germany must be established within six months. Spouses and adult descendants need basic knowledge of the German language for inclusion; minor descendants do not. Upon arrival, registration in Friedland and registration at the place of residence are required by the BVA
Transferring shares in a GmbH: Notary, procedure, costs and shareholders list
How are company shares transferred? Through a notarial deed of assignment (§ 15, paragraph 3, GmbHG). The underlying purchase or gift agreement also requires the notarization (§ 15, paragraph 4, GmbHG); however, a contract concluded informally can be remedied by effective notarial assignment. The acquirer is only considered a partner of the GmbH when they is listed as a partner in the trade register (§ 16, paragraph 1, GmbHG). Most enforcement issues do not arise during the actual registration, but through overlooked consent reservations, unclear participation relationships, or incompletely coordinated enforcement conditions. These issues are at the center of our advice in commercial and corporate law. In a nutshell: Company shares are transferable and inheritable (§ 15, paragraph 1, GmbHG). The articles of association can, however, be linked to further conditions, in particular to approval (§ 15, paragraph 5, GmbHG). Notarial form: for the assignment and for the obligation to assign, including the ancillary agreements that, according to the will of the parties, form part of the business. Healing: A contract concluded informally is valid through the formally correct, effective assignment (§ 15, paragraph 4, sentence 2, GmbHG). Shareholders' register: In the event of the involvement of a notary, he or she must submit the new list to the commercial register (§ 40, paragraph 2, GmbHG). Only he or she legitimizes the acquirer vis-à-vis
Index rent in commercial properties: calculation, adjustment and lock-in period
In short: In commercial lease law, the lease agreement determines when and how an index rent changes. There is no statutory lock-in period like for residential premises. The clause must meet the requirements of the Price Clause Act; if it is a general business condition imposed by the landlord, it must also withstand review by the AGB control board. If it fails to meet these requirements, it is null and void from the outset under the BGH judgment of March 11, 2026 (XII ZR 51/25). Tenants should therefore check the basis for already paid increases. Landlords should in particular review the reference month and the adjustment mechanism of their clauses. In a nutshell: contract and Price Clause Act (PrKG); § 557b BGB does not apply to ordinary commercial space lease agreements. Eligibility: The clause must be linked to a permissible consumer price index, and one of the long-term obligations of § 3 PrKG must be present, such as a tenant’s right to terminate the lease or a tenant’s right to renew the lease for a total of at least ten years. Suspension period: Only if it is contractually agreed. PrKG and contract law must be examined separately: A mere breach of PrKG generally only becomes effective after a legally binding determination (§ 8 PrKG); a breach of contract nullifies the clause from the outset (BGH, judgment of 11.03.2026, XII ZR 51/25). In the BGH case, the complaint concerns a reference month that is more than two years before the rental period begins and a contradictory adjustment mechanism. What is an index rental in a commercial lease agreement? In an index rental, the rent
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.