You are from a non-EU nation and want to work in Germany. Take advantage of the Opportunity Card Germany, which grants you a one-year residency permit to look for work.
Do you come from a non-EU nation and wish to work in Germany? Germany created the Opportunity Card (“Chancenkarte”), a new programme aimed at non-EU citizens who want to work in the country. This card permits you to live lawfully in Germany for up to a year while actively looking for work in your industry.
This is how it works.
The Opportunity Card aims to recruit qualified people from non-EU nations to Germany. It allows people to enter the nation primarily to look for work, even if they don’t already have a permanent job contract.
Flexibility: Unlike typical visa schemes, which frequently demand a verified job offer before to admission, the Opportunity Card provides flexibility. It allows eligible individuals to enter Germany and actively seek employment opportunities that match their talents and qualifications.
Points-Based System: You must get at least six points based on factors such as qualifications, work experience, German language abilities (or English at a higher level), and age.
Limited Work Options: You can support yourself while looking for work by working part-time (up to 20 hours per week) and participating in two-week employment trials with potential employers.
Overall, the Opportunity Card provides a chance
Holders of the Opportunity Card are normally encouraged to actively pursue employment that matches their qualifications and skill set. The card makes this procedure easier by granting legal status and residency in Germany during the job search time.
Implementation: The Opportunity Card reflects Germany’s overall policy for attracting skilled workers and diversifying its labour market. It supports attempts to expedite immigration procedures and make Germany a more appealing location for global talent.
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Overall, the Opportunity Card allows talented people to:
- Get your foot in the door and connect with German businesses.
- During job interviews, demonstrate your worth to potential employers.Gives you a one-year window to find a qualified job that will lead to a longer-term work visa.
Important things to remember:
- The Opportunity Card does not guarantee you a job.
- You’ll need to be financially self-sufficient throughout the year.
- If you find a suitable job, you can extend your stay and switch to another work visa.
- Proficiency in either German or English is required.
- Candidates must demonstrate sufficient financial means, including income from a part-time employment, to support themselves in Germany for a year, which amounts to more than 12,000 Euros.
- Those over 40 are at a disadvantage because the Opportunity Card is aimed at a younger professional profile. A potential applicant must get at least six points to be eligible for the Opportunity Card.
Prerequisites for Opportunity Cards
- Using the points system, you may adjust the required selection criteria to your own needs.To secure the Opportunity Card, you must earn a total of six points.
- Basic prerequisites include German language abilities at level A1 or English language skills at level B2, as well as (at least) two years of vocational training or a university degree recognised in your country of origin. Y
- You must also demonstrate financial stability, such as by working part-time (up to 20 hours per week). You can show this with an employment contract.
- (There are no points awarded for the fundamental criteria!) Additional requirements for the points system include language abilities, professional experience, age, and a “connection to Germany”. The age criterion is your age at the time of application.
Points Distribution for the Opportunity Card at a Glance
Basic prerequisites include either German language skills at level A1 or English language skills at level B2, as well as at least two years of vocational training in accordance with the laws of the country of origin. You must also have adequate financial resources. A part-time employment contract (up to 20 hours per week) can serve as proof of this.
Four points are given for partial recognition of a foreign professional qualification or licence to practise a regulated profession (such as teacher, nurse, or engineer). Very few applicants meet these requirements.
Three points are awarded for five years of professional experience (within the last seven years) in the learned profession, as well as two years of prior professional training in accordance with the laws of the country of origin. Alternatively, you will gain three points for good German language skills at level B2.
Two points are awarded for two years of professional experience preceding vocational training (within the last five years). If you are under the age of 35, you will receive an additional two points. German language abilities at the B1 level are also worth two points.
Applicants under the age of 40 who have previously lived in Germany (for at least six months) receive one point. You must offer documentary evidence of this. Previous tourist stays do not count.
One point is additionally awarded for very excellent knowledge of English (C1), acceptable understanding of German (A2), having completed your vocational training/university degree in an area of official labour shortage in Germany, or applying for the Opportunity Card with your spouse.
