Is it forbidden to acquire a commercial shop with the help of a government official – without paying a bribe – given that I was unable to find work through normal means?

Intercession (shafa'ah) is permissible and religiously encouraged if it is for a good cause, based on the Almighty’s saying: ﴿Whoever intercedes with a good intercession will have a share from it﴾ and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Intercede, and you will be rewarded," "Allah helps the servant as long as the servant helps his brother," and "Whoever can benefit his brother, let him do so."

The criterion for intercession is for a person to use their prestige, influence, or authority to help another obtain their right, provided that the obstacles are not based on a binding religious reason. If you seek your right and find someone to help you, there is no blame upon you. If you cannot attain your right except by paying a bribe to those with influence, there is no sin upon you; rather, the sin is on the one who forced you into it. Bribery is forbidden if it is for invalidating a right or upholding falsehood, but if it is for obtaining a right or averting injustice, there is no harm in it.