What is the Opportunity Card?
The Opportunity Card is a new immigration program in Germany that is scheduled to start in Spring 2024. It aims to make immigration easier for skilled workers from non-EU countries, especially in areas where there is a shortage of qualified workers in Germany, such as metal construction, crafts and care. The Opportunity Card is a residence permit for seeking employment or measures to recognize foreign professional qualifications in Germany.
What is the difference to the EU Blue Card?
While the EU Blue Card is aimed at highly qualified specialists, the Opportunity Card opens the doors to a wider range of skilled workers from different professional fields, especially in shortage occupations.
What advantages does the Opportunity Card offer?
The Opportunity Card entitles the holder to work for an average of a maximum of 20 hours per week and offers the possibility of trial employment for up to two weeks at a time. It also grants flexibility with regard to the recognition of foreign qualifications and allows you to work in Germany while looking for a full-time position.
How do you apply for the Opportunity Card?
The exact details of the application process have not yet been published, but it is expected that applicants will be able to apply for a chance card online by submitting the required documents and being assessed through a points system.
What requirements are there for the Opportunity Card?
- The applicant must be a specialist OR achieve a sufficient score according to a specific scoring table.
- The livelihood must be secured.
- The applicant must have either a recognized foreign professional qualification or a state-recognized foreign university degree.
- At least sufficient German language skills or English language skills at least at level B2 are required.
- There are further criteria based on age, professional experience, length of stay in Germany and other factors that are evaluated in a points system.
When can you apply for the Opportunity Card?
It is expected that the Opportunity Card will be introduced in spring 2024 and can be applied for from this point onwards.