Alon Kraus & Co. specializes in civil and commercial legal counsel in Israel and in providing legal, business and financial services to Israeli clients in Germany, with a focus on Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and Leipzig. We combine knowledge of Israeli and German law to provide one transparent, practical solution—from the initial assessment through resolution. We begin every matter with a prompt assessment, an honest evaluation of risks and prospects, and a clear action plan—without empty promises.
Representation and Litigation Before Israeli Courts
- Contract Law & Litigation — Drafting and reviewing commercial and civil agreements, demand letters, and representation in contractual disputes before the Magistrates’ Courts, District Courts and in arbitration. We first seek a prompt, cost-effective solution and pursue full proceedings when necessary.
- Israeli Real Estate Law — Assistance with purchases and sales of apartments and other property, preliminary checks involving the Land Registry, Israel Land Authority, permits and liens, drafting sale agreements, and representation in real-estate disputes and construction-defect claims.
- Defamation — Advice and representation in claims and defenses under Israel’s Defamation Prohibition Law, including harmful publications on social media and online. In some cases, compensation may be claimed without proof of damage.
Legal and Business Services in Germany
- German Law Opinions in Israel — Expert opinions on German law for legal proceedings and transactions in Israel, in the language and format required by Israeli courts. Read the full information
- Business & Finance — Establishing and supporting business activities in Berlin and throughout Germany, including selection of an appropriate legal structure such as a GmbH, UG or Einzelunternehmen and opening a German bank account.
- German Taxation and Accounting — In cooperation with local accountants and tax advisers (Steuerberater): individual and corporate tax returns, tax planning and VAT matters (Umsatzsteuer / USt). Standard German VAT is 19%, with a reduced 7% rate for certain items.
- E-commerce — Amazon, eBay and Shopify — Assistance in establishing online stores selling to Germany and the European Union, VAT registration, the EU One-Stop Shop (OSS) scheme and reporting obligations when inventory is stored in Amazon FBA warehouses in Germany.
- Business Plans & Credit — Preparing business plans to obtain financing and credit in Germany and elsewhere.
Real Estate and Investments in Germany
- German Real Estate Acquisition and Management — Comprehensive assistance with buying, selling, managing and maintaining property. We assist from end to end: due diligence, drafting and reviewing the agreement with the German notary (Notar), registration in the land register (Grundbuch) and coordination of tax matters.
- German Real Estate Investment for Israelis — Comprehensive assistance for investors and owners: purchasing, selling and locating property, remote management, expense accounting, dealing with property-management companies (Hausverwaltung), and handling problematic tenants and eviction proceedings. Read the full information
Important: Buying property in Germany involves ancillary costs in addition to the purchase price. These may include real estate transfer tax (Grunderwerbsteuer), which varies by federal state (approximately 6% in Berlin and up to 6.5% in some states), notary and registration fees (approximately 1.5%–2%), and sometimes a broker’s commission (Makler) of up to approximately 3.57% including VAT. A residential property held by an individual for more than ten years may qualify for an exemption from German capital-gains tax (Spekulationssteuer), subject to the applicable conditions. These figures are general, accurate only as of the date written, and subject to legislative change.
Relocation and Settlement Services in Germany
- Registration with Public Authorities — Assistance with address registration (Anmeldung) at the municipality and with the German residents’ office (Bürgeramt).
- Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung) — Assistance in arranging public (gesetzlich) or private (privat) health insurance in Germany.
- Certified Legal Translations — Translation of legal documents between Hebrew and German.
Specialized Legal Services for Germans and Austrians
- Legal Services for German and Austrian Clients — Assistance for German-speaking clients with Germany/Austria–Israel matters, including contract law, Israeli real estate, commercial law, taxation and Israeli bureaucracy. Bilingual service in German and English bridges the two legal systems. Full information in German and English »
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Practice Areas
What does it really cost to buy an investment apartment in Berlin beyond the advertised price?
In addition to the purchase price, allow for ancillary acquisition costs (Kaufnebenkosten) of approximately 9%–12%: real estate transfer tax (Grunderwerbsteuer) of approximately 6% in Berlin, notary and land-register (Grundbuch) fees of approximately 1.5%–2%, and sometimes a broker’s commission (Makler). We prepare a complete calculation before you commit.
Do I need German VAT registration if I sell on Amazon or eBay to Germany from Israel?
In most cases, yes. Selling to customers in Germany above the applicable threshold, or storing inventory in Amazon FBA warehouses in Germany, requires VAT registration (USt) and ongoing reporting, and sometimes use of the EU OSS scheme. Together with local tax advisers, we assist with registration and setup of the required process for the platforms.
An Israeli court requires an expert opinion on German law. Can you provide one?
Yes. We prepare expert opinions on German law for proceedings and transactions in Israel, in the language and format required by Israeli courts.
Someone published harmful statements about me online. Do I have a claim?
Possibly. Israel’s Defamation Prohibition Law permits a claim for a publication that harms your reputation and, in certain cases, without proof of damage. Defenses may apply, including truth in publication and good faith, so every matter requires an individual review of the evidence.
Why Choose Alon Kraus & Co.?
Alon Kraus has more than 20 years of legal experience assisting businesses and individuals with a broad range of legal and administrative matters in Israel and Europe, with particular emphasis on business assistance in Germany—from complex commercial claims to helping Israelis navigate legal and administrative processes.
Alon Kraus provides value through energy, efficient work, technology intended to accelerate and reduce the cost of proceedings, and creative solutions to difficult and complex problems. Would you like to move your matter forward promptly? Schedule an introductory meeting »
The information on this website is general information only and does not constitute legal advice or a substitute for legal advice. Every matter requires individual review. Tax figures and rates are accurate only as of the date written and are subject to legislative change.