Opportunity Card Germany
Finding work more easily
Opportunity Card opens up new opportunities for companies and qualified foreign nationals
From June 1, 2024, there will be another residence permit in Germany: the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), regulated in the newly created Section 20a of the Residence Act (AufenthG). It is a result of the Act on the Further Development of Skilled Immigration, which was passed by the Bundestag in summer 2023. The opportunity card is aimed at skilled workers and other well-trained foreigners with high potential and is intended to make it easier for these people from non-EU countries to enter Germany to look for work. The opportunity card also offers many advantages to companies looking for highly qualified employees. In this article, we explain what the opportunity card is all about and how you, whether you are an employee or a company, can take advantage of it.
Opportunity Card - advantages for skilled workers and companies
It goes without saying that a“ Opportunity Card ” offers many advantagesto foreigners looking for work. Unlike most other residence permits, it allows individuals to live in Germany without first having to present a concrete job offer. This means they can begin their job search directly within the country. As a result, applicants have greater flexibility; they can attend on-site job interviews and take advantage of the opportunity for a trial period of up to two weeks per potential job. In addition, foreign nationals with a “ Opportunity Card ” permit can hold a part-time job for up to 20 hours per week while searching for work, which is, of course, subject to the German minimum wage. This allows them to gain initial insights into working life in Germany, become familiar with the language and local customs, and face less time pressure when searching for permanent employment.
However, a “ Opportunity Card ” not only makes it easier to find a job; it also makes it possible to take steps toward the recognition of foreign educational qualifications directly in Germany. Foreign nationals whose educational qualifications have been assessed by a German authority as requiring them to complete additional adaptation or compensatory measures in order for their degree to be recognized in Germany are automatically awarded four of the six points required for a “ Opportunity Card ” (more on this below).
Companies can also benefit from the introduction of the opportunity card. First of all, the possibility of a personal interview and the option of employment on a trial basis for up to two weeks are of course also advantageous for them in order to get to know potential employees better. In addition, the opportunity card brings many well-trained workers to Germany, the majority of whom will take up part-time employment to finance their job search. As the opportunity card allows such employment for up to 20 hours per week and no approval from the Federal Employment Agency is required, companies can quickly and unbureaucratically find workers who want to prove themselves in a new environment.
Requirements for obtaining an Opportunity Card
In order to receive an opportunity card, a number of general requirements must first be met. For example, you must be able to prove that you and, if applicable, your relatives are able to support themselves . This means that you must not be dependent on state aid in order to be able to live in Germany. To do this, you usually need either a blocked account or a declaration of commitment. However, you can also prove that you have the necessary financial means with an employment contract for a part-time job of up to 20 hours per week, which you are allowed to do with the Opportunity Card.
In addition, only those who are residing abroad or who already hold a “residence title ” (residence permit ) in Germany under Sections 16–21 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) (residence title for educational or employment purposes) may apply for a “ Opportunity Card .”
And the last general requirement: you can only obtain an Opportunity Card as a skilled worker or through a points system. In this way, the federal government wants to ensure that only foreigners who are particularly highly qualified or have great potential can benefit from the Opportunity Card.
Opportunity Card for skilled workers
According to Section 18(3) of the Residence Act (AufenthG), all foreign nationals are considered to have a German academic or vocational qualification ( skilled worker) if they either hold a German academic or vocational qualification or have obtained such a qualification abroad that is recognized in Germany or is comparable to a German qualification. You can find information on whether a specific foreign college or university degree is recognized in Germany in the online database anabin. If your degree is not listed in the database, you must apply to the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) for an individual, fee-based evaluation of your credentials.
Even before now, skilled workers could obtain a temporary residence permit ( residence permit ) to look for work under Section 20 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). However, the “ Opportunity Card ” (work permit for skilled workers) offers several significant advantages over the “ residence permit ” (temporary residence permit for skilled workers). For example, a“ Opportunity Card ” can be grantedfor up to one year, whereas the “ residence permit ” is limited to a maximum of six months. Furthermore, unlike the “ residence permit ” under Section 20 of the Residence Act, a “ Opportunity Card ” allows skilled workers to hold a part-time job for up to 20 hours per week even while searching for work , thereby helping them cover their living expenses.
Opportunity Card through points system
For skilled workers, the Opportunity Card therefore offers an excellent opportunity to come to Germany even without a signed employment contract. But even those who are not skilled workers can apply for an Opportunity Card. This is based on a system that awards points for various characteristics. For example, points can be collected for German language skills, training that requires further measures to be recognized or professional experience, but also for being under 40 years of age or having a good command of English. Anyone who can collect at least six points can also receive an Opportunity Card. Here we explain exactly how the points system is structured and how many points are awarded for which characteristics.
In order to receive an Opportunity Card according to the points system, in addition to achieving the minimum number of points, you must also have German language skills at level A1 or alternatively English language skills at level B2. You must also be able to prove that you have completed at least two years of vocational training or a university degree abroad and that this degree is recognized by the state there. Alternatively, a professional qualification issued by a German chamber of commerce abroad will also grant you access to the points system. You can also find more detailed information on these restrictions and exceptions to them on our page on the points system of the Opportunity Card.
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How to apply for an Opportunity Card
You must file your application for a " Opportunity Card " with the German German mission abroad . If you are already residing in Germany, then your local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) is responsible for processing your application.
Applying to the German authorities is rarely easy. Although the Opportunity Card is intended to make it easier for foreigners to enter Germany without complications, even to look for a job, numerous problems can arise here too. If you want to make sure that your application is complete and has the best possible chance of success, please contact our experienced lawyers. The team at RT & Partner specializes in migration law and will help you to obtain your rights quickly and easily.
Search Opportunity Card and follow-up Opportunity Card
Do you meet the requirements and have you applied for your Opportunity Card with the appropriate authority? If so, you will receive a so-called “job-search permit” (Such-Opportunity Card) from the relevant immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) , which allows you to live in Germany for up to one year, work up to 20 hours per week, and, most importantly, look for a job. Once you have found a job using your job-search permit (Opportunity Card ), you can—provided you do not have another residence title for gainful employment (for example, EU Blue Card, residence permit for skilled workers, an ICT card, or another residence title for gainful employment) is available to you, you can apply for a so-called follow-upOpportunity Card for up to two additional years. However, since there are numerous different residence title in Germany, it is unlikely that you will actually need a follow-upOpportunity Card .
If you do not manage to find a job during your stay with the Search Opportunity Card and you are not granted another residence permit, you will have to leave Germany again. However, you can apply for a new Opportunity Card and try your luck a second time after you have been abroad for at least as long as you were in Germany with the Opportunity Card.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Opportunity Card (FAQ)
What language skills do I need for a Opportunity Card?
To receive a Opportunity Card , you must generally have at least basic knowledge of German (Level A1) or English proficiency at the B2 level . An exception to this rule applies only to skilled workers as defined in Section 18(3) of the Residence Act, i.e., individuals with a foreign college or university degree recognized in Germany, a completed college or university degree or vocational training obtained in Germany, or a foreign vocational or college or university degree that is comparable or equivalent to a German degree.
If you can demonstrate particularly strong language skills, you will receive points for this in the point system Opportunity Card . For German language skills at the B2 level or higher, there are 3 pointsare awarded for German language proficiency at the B1 level you receive 2 points, and 1 point for German language proficiency at the A2 level. For English proficiency at the C1 level or higher, you will also receive 1 point.
You should send the relevant language certificates, along with your application for the " Opportunity Card ," to immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) .
How can I prove that my livelihood is secure?
A prerequisite for obtaining a Opportunity Card is the ability to support yourself. You must be able to prove that you can support yourself and, under certain circumstances, your immediate family as well. This proof can be provided, for example, through a so-called restricted account , from which you are allowed to withdraw only a certain amount each month. In 2024, you must have 934 euros, for a total of 11,208 euros per year. A letter of commitment can also serve as proof that your living expenses are covered.
If you want to take on a part-time job while looking for work through the Federal Employment Agency ( Opportunity Card ) and have already signed an employment contract for that job, you may also be able to use it to prove that you have sufficient income.
How long is a " Opportunity Card " valid?
The " Opportunity Card " is a " residence title" that entitles foreign nationals to look for work in Germany. But how long is a " Opportunity Card " valid? Generally, a " Opportunity Card " is valid for up to one year . However, how long you can stay in Germany with your card depends solely on the expiration date of your own Opportunity Card. You’ll find this expiration date on the front of your residence permit.
If your job search in Germany was successful, you must transition from your job searchOpportunity Card to another residence title for gainful employment . If you do not meet the necessary requirements for any of the residence permit , the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) for up to two additional years a follow-up permitOpportunity Card . This allows you to stay in Germany for a longer period.
I am a skilled worker. How many points do I have to collect to receive an Opportunity Card?
The points system does not apply does not applyskilled worker . Skilled workers therefore do not need a minimum number of points. According to Section 18(3) of the Residence Act (AufenthG), a person who has completed vocational training or a degree either in Germany or has obtained such a qualification abroad, provided that the foreign degree is recognized in Germany or is considered equivalent or comparable.
Where can I apply for the " Opportunity Card "?
You must apply for the Certificate of Residence ( Opportunity Card ) at your German German mission abroad —that is, at the embassy or consulate responsible for your region. You can find out which one that is using the Consulate Finder on the Federal Foreign Office’s website .
If you are already in Germany, you must apply for the " Opportunity Card " at the office responsible for your place of residence immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) .
Will my stay with an Opportunity Card count towards the length of stay for a permanent residence permit?
To obtain a permanent residence 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 have held a job search opportunity card in Germany 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 permanent residence permit.
Can I check whether I have enough points for an Opportunity Card?
Yes. That's why we developed our free points calculator. It helps you quickly and easily understand the points system used by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority ( Opportunity Card ). If you'd like to use our calculator to find out whether you're eligible for a " Opportunity Card ," click here.