With effect from June 1, the German government’s introduction of the Opportunity Card (“Chancenkarte”) will come into force.
Germany’s current skills shortage and an aging population have led the country to pursue immigration law changes to attract foreign talent. Launched under Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act, the Opportunity Card is one of the government’s solutions for combatting these challenges. The German Opportunity Card will open to applicants from countries located outside of the European Union (EU), presenting a pathway for skilled professionals to explore career options in one of Europe’s largest economies. Unlike other work authorization options and visas in Germany, the Opportunity Card serves as a unique opportunity for skilled foreign nationals to enter Germany to connect with prospective employers in the country, without having previously received a job offer.
The new scheme means foreign nationals can reside in Germany for up to one year while actively searching for employment. It is possible to extend your stay with the Opportunity Card by up to two additional years. You must apply for this at the local Foreigners’ Registration Office. This pathway grants individuals the freedom to explore various career options without the immediate pressure of securing employment before arrival. This is an example of how the German authorities wish to streamline the job-search process for skilled foreign nationals.
One of the key advantages of the Opportunity Card is its flexibility. Holders can explore diverse industries and job opportunities across Germany, aligning their skills and aspirations with the German labor market’s and its employers’ needs. This flexibility empowers foreign nationals to make informed career decisions, pursue growth opportunities and contribute to Germany’s thriving economy. Specifically, German officials and employers anticipate that the Opportunity Card will allow German employers to hire highly skilled foreign national workers.
The Germany Opportunity Card provides significant advantages for employers. It opens a larger talent pool of applicants who are qualified professionals. The revamped legal framework will simplify the entry process for those seeking employment in Germany. With this procedure, employers no longer need to go through pre-approvals with the Federal Employment Agency, streamlining the hiring process and allowing applicants to enter the workforce more quickly. Overall, the Opportunity Card allows employers to access a broader talent pool and facilitate a more efficient hiring process.
Germany’s Chancenkarte will operate under a points-based immigration system. Qualified applicants must hold certain skills or background experience to gain eligibility points for the card. Similar to other work visa and residence permit types in Germany, applicants must meet certain requirements when it comes to skills, such as:
- Third-level education (though, in some cases, extensive work experience may outweigh the requirement for a diploma or degree)
- German language skills (A1) or English language skills (B2)
- Background experience
Holding certain skills determines the number of points a potential applicant receives. To qualify for the Opportunity Card, applicants must score at least six points to qualify. For example, applicants can earn up to six points for a valid university degree or vocational training certificate. Points vary based on the skills of the applicant.
Points distribution for the Opportunity Card at a glance
- Basic requirements: Sufficient German language skills at level A1 or English language skills at level B2 as well as at least two years of vocational training according to the rules of the country of origin. You must also have sufficient financial means. Proof of this can be in the form of an employment contract for a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week), for example.
- Four pointsare awarded for partial recognition of a foreign professional qualification or for permission to practice a regulated profession (e.g. teacher, nurse or engineer). Very few applicants meet these criteria.
- Three pointsare awarded for five years of professional experience (in the last seven years) in the learned profession as well as a preceding two years of professional training according to the rules of the country of origin. Alternatively, you receive three points for good German language skills at level B2.
- Two pointsare awarded for two years’ professional experience preceded by vocational training (in the last five years). If you are not older than 35, you also get two points. German language skills at level B1 are also awarded two points.
- One pointis awarded to applicants who are not over 40 years old and for a previous stay in Germany (at least six months). You must provide documented proof of this. Previous stays as a tourist do not count.
- One pointis also awarded for very good knowledge of English (C1), reasonable knowledge of German (A2), if you had your vocational training/university degree in an area of official labor shortage in Germany, or if you apply for the Opportunity Card together with your spouse.
