From June 1, 2024, Germany introduced the “Opportunity Card” scheme. People with expertise in various fields can apply. It is a point system based on age, education, experience, language etc.
The Germany Opportunity Card is a residence permit that allows workers from third countries to enter Germany to seek employment. It can also be used to find measures for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Germany.
A points system is used to determine whether you are eligible for an Opportunity Card based on your qualifications, knowledge and circumstances. It requires at least six points. If you have a recognized vocational qualification in Germany, you can apply for an Opportunity Card as a recognized skilled worker without having to achieve the minimum points. In both cases, you must also fulfill the basic requirements.
Germany Has Allowed 60,000 Work Visas This Year
Opportunity Card is issued for a period of up to one year. If you find a suitable job during your stay, you can obtain a residence permit later for the purpose of further search (follow-up opportunity card) or gainful employment from the local foreign authority in Germany.
Germany opportunity card visa requirements
Points based Opportunity Card must meet the following basic requirements:
- Completion of a degree or at least two years of training recognized by the State in which it was obtained.
- German language skills at least level A1 or English language skills at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- Sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses for the duration of your stay in Germany.
Germany opportunity card points
If the basic requirements listed above are met and there is no direct qualification as a skilled worker, the minimum six points required by the following criteria can be obtained to obtain an Opportunity Card.
- Partial recognition of a foreign academic qualifications
If you have already gone through the process of recognizing your foreign qualification and this has resulted in partial equivalence, you will receive four points for this. The same applies in the case of a formal profession if compensatory measures are required to practice licensure. (4 Points)
- Qualification in a shortage occupation
If your qualification belongs to a so-called shortage occupation, you get one point. A shortage occupation is an occupation in which there is a shortage of skilled workers. In the list of shortage occupations attached here, you can find out if your professional field is one of them. (1 Point)
If you can prove that you have at least two years of professional experience relevant to your qualifications that you have acquired in the last five years, you will receive two points. If you have at least three years of professional experience in the last seven years, you will get three points. (2-3 Points)
You will receive one point for German language proficiency at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), two points for level B1 and three points for level B2 or above. You’ll get an extra point for English language skills at C1 or above and at native speaker level. (1-4 Points)
People who are not more than 35 years old get two points. One point is given for age 35 to 40 years. (1-2 Points)
If you have legally and continuously resided in Germany for at least six months in the last five years, you will receive one point. This includes staying for study, language acquisition or gainful employment. Stays for tourism purposes (eg holidays or family visits) are exempt. (1 Point)
- Joint applications with your partner
If you want to enter Germany together with your spouse or registered partner and you both apply for an Opportunity Card at the same German mission, one point can be awarded for one of the two applications, provided Other requirements should also be met. (1 Point)
Click here to apply now
