Opportunity card: Germany gets a new residence permit
In summer 2023, the German Bundestag passed the Act on the Further Development of Skilled Immigration to make Germany more attractive for highly qualified workers from abroad. Among other things, it included changes to the EU Blue Card and simplifications for IT specialists and people with professional experience. The law also introduced a new residence permit in the Residence Act (AufenthG): The opportunity card. After a long wait, this will now enter into force on June 1, 2024 in force, regulated in the specially created Section 20a Residence Act. We explain what the Chancenkarte is, how it works and what advantages it brings.
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Julia Robl
Legal situation before the introduction of the opportunity map
Until now, it has been a principle of German migration law that foreigners should only receive a visa for long-term entry to Germany if they have an employment contract or at least a concrete job offer could present. There were only a few exceptions to this principle: Skilled workers within the meaning of § Section 18 (3) AufenthG could apply for a special visa to look for a job in accordance with § 20 Para. 1, 2 AufenthG as well as foreigners who had successfully completed a course of study, vocational training or training as a nursing assistant or care assistant in Germany.
However, most foreigners who wanted to settle in Germany, live and work here, had to look for a job before entering the country. Understandably, this is not exactly easy when you are abroad.
Advantages of the opportunity card
The German government has also recognized this problem and has therefore to combat the shortage of skilled workers introduced the opportunity card. It enables foreigners with great potential to enter Germany even without an employment contract or a concrete job offer. to come to Germany. This means that these people can take their time to look for a job in Germany - the opportunity card is valid for up to 12 months. At the same time they can up to 20 hours per week work up to 20 hours a weekwork. Of course, this offers the holders of the Chancenkarte many advantages: they can get used to working life and customs in Germany more quickly and, at the same time, make a significant contribution to securing their livelihood - a basic requirement. basic requirement for obtaining the Chancenkarte. They can also improve their German language skills. However, companies also benefit from the large number of motivated workers with great potential entering the labor market.
The points system of the opportunity card explained simply
There are two ways to obtain an opportunity card: Either as a skilled worker or via a points system. Specialists do not even have to take the detour via the points system. In any case, some general requirements must be met, such as sufficient financial means to secure their livelihood must be available. We explain these in detail on our main page on the opportunity card.
The points system of the opportunity card is based on Section 20b AufenthG, which has also been newly introduced. This provision contains a catalog of characteristics for which a certain number of points are awarded. For example, there are up to 3 points for particularly good German language skills, up to 3 points for relevant work experience, but also 2 points if you are not over 35 years old. Who at least 6 points can apply for an opportunity card. However, this also requires that the applicant has at least German language skills at level A1 or alternatively English language skills at level B2 as well as state-recognized training in the country of origin. education of at least two years' duration or a study has successfully completed a degree. You can find out more about these basic requirements for the Chancenkarte here.
Would you like to check whether you have enough points? Then we recommend our free points calculatorwhich you can use to quickly and easily check whether you meet the requirements for the opportunity card. There you will also find a clear tablewhich lists all the criteria and the corresponding number of points.
Search Opportunity Card and follow-up Opportunity Card
Basically, the opportunity map for job search intended for job hunting. It is therefore also called search opportunity card. It is issued for up to twelve months and allows you to pursue a part-time job for up to 20 hours a week while looking for a job and to work for a maximum of two weeks on a trial basis.
When you have finally found a job, you can, for example, apply for an EU Blue Card, an ICT card or other residence permit for gainful employment change. However, if none of these residence permits are suitable for you, you can instead apply for a so-called follow-up opportunity card for a period of up to two years. This enables you to live in Germany and work in the job you have found.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Opportunity Card (FAQ)
Where can I apply for an opportunity card?
You must submit the opportunity card to your German diplomatic mission abroad i.e. the embassy or consulate responsible for your region. You can find out which one this is using the consulate finder of the Federal Foreign Office to find out.
If you are already in Germany, you must apply for the Chancenkarte at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence. immigration office where you live.
What language skills do I need for an opportunity card?
In order to receive a Chancenkarte, you must have at least basic German language skills (level A1) or English language skills at level B2 level. An exception to this only applies to skilled workers within the meaning of § 18 Para. 3 AufenthGi.e. persons with a foreign university degree recognized in Germany, a university degree or vocational training qualification obtained in Germany, or a foreign training or university degree that is comparable or equivalent to a German degree.
If you can prove that you have particularly good language skills, you will be awarded points system of the opportunity card more points. For German language skills at the level B2 or better is awarded 3 pointsfor German language skills at level B1 is awarded 2 pointsand 1 point for knowledge of German at level A2. For knowledge of English at the level C1 or better, you will also receive 1 point.
You should send the relevant language certificates to the Foreigners' Registration Office together with your application for a Chancenkarte.
Can I check whether I have enough points for an Opportunity Card?
Yes, that's why we have developed our free points calculator. It allows you to quickly and easily understand the points system of the Opportunity Card. If you would like to use our calculator to find out whether you are eligible for an opportunity card, click here.
I am a skilled worker. How many points do I have to collect to receive an Opportunity Card?
The points system does not apply to does not apply. Specialists therefore do not need a minimum number of points. According to § Section 18 (3) AufenthGwho has completed vocational training or a studies either in Germany or has acquired such a qualification abroad, provided that the foreign qualification is recognized in Germany or is considered equivalent or comparable.
Will my stay with an Opportunity Card count towards the length of stay for a settlement permit?
To obtain a settlement permit according to § 9 AufenthG, you must fulfill several requirements. One of these requirements is that you must have resided in Germany for a certain minimum period, generally five years. The time during which you can use an job search opportunity card in Germany with an opportunity card, does not count towards this period. This is regulated by § 20a Para. 6 AufenthG. However, the situation is different with the so-called follow-up opportunity card which you will receive if your job search with the Search Opportunity Card was successful and you would now like to work. Any periods of residence with this residence permit can be fully credited towards a settlement permit.
How long is an opportunity card valid for?
The Chancenkarte is a residence permit that entitles foreigners to look for a job in Germany. But how long is an opportunity card valid for? In general, an opportunity card can be valid for up to one year be issued. However, how long you can stay in Germany with your card depends exclusively on the the expiration date of your own Chancenkarte. You will find this expiration date on the front of your residence permit.
If your job search in Germany was successful, you must switch from your Search Opportunity Card to another residence permit for gainful employment for gainful employment. If you do not meet the necessary requirements for a residence permit, the immigration authority can grant you for up to two further years a follow-up opportunity card for up to two more years. This allows you to stay in Germany for longer.
How can I prove that my livelihood is secure?
The prerequisite for obtaining a Chancenkarte is that you are able to support yourself. You must be able to prove that your own livelihood and, under certain circumstances, that of your close family is secure. This proof can be provided, for example, by a so-called blocked account from which you may only withdraw a certain amount each month. In 2024, you must have 934 euros per monthfor each month, i.e. a total of 11,208 euros for one year. Also a declaration of commitment can also serve as proof of your livelihood.
If you want to pursue a part-time job during your job search with the opportunity card and have already signed an employment contract , you can also use this to prove that you have sufficient income.
