Hi Godson,
I hope I understood your situation correctly. Money laundering is treated as a serious offense under both German and EU law. Financial institutions and public authorities are obligated to report suspicious transactions, especially those involving significant sums, unclear sources, or recipients without evident financial means.
However:
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If the investigation did not result in charges, it usually implies that no sufficient evidence of illegal activity was found.
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If the matter remains unresolved or under investigation, it could appear in your background check and raise concerns during your application process.
Effect on Your Work Permit Application
Immigration offices routinely assess the legal and financial background of applicants. Specific attention is given to:
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Pending criminal cases or financial investigations
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Official criminal records
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Unexplained or suspicious financial activity
If no formal charges were filed and your record remains clear, the incident should not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a work permit. Nonetheless, if the matter is still listed as open, it could delay or complicate your application.
I would reach out to:
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Your lawyer to request confirmation that the investigation has been closed
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Or the authority that issued the original notice (e.g., public prosecutor's office or financial crimes unit)
Ask for written confirmation that the case has been resolved and that you have no criminal record or ongoing proceedings.
Continue Legal Support
Keep your lawyer informed about your current application. They can:
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Assist in obtaining official documents
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Respond to any further questions from the immigration office
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Help safeguard your rights throughout the process
No Feedback Often Means Closure
In many cases, if you are not contacted again after an investigation, it signals that the matter was closed without further action. However, explicit confirmation is still strongly recommended, especially for peace of mind and future legal clarity.
If complications arise, you may be eligible to request a review through a hardship commission (Härtefallkommission) in your federal state. These bodies can recommend permits in cases of strong humanitarian or integration grounds—even when legal obstacles exist.
in short:
It’s good that you’re approaching this with care. In most cases, if there were no charges and your lawyer handled everything correctly, the past incident will not affect your work permit. Still, it's wise to confirm everything formally. Proactive preparation now can help prevent delays or issues later.