Germany is opening its doors wider to skilled non-EU workers with the introduction of the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), launching on June 1, 2024. This innovative work permit allows qualified foreign nationals to live in Germany for a year while seeking employment in hopes of addressing the nation’s significant skilled labor shortage.
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Eligibility criteria and points system
To qualify for the Opportunity Card, applicants must either have recognized professional or academic qualifications or meet specific criteria in a points system. For instance:
Education: Up to 4 points for recognized qualifications
Experience: 2 to 3 points for recent professional experience
Language skills: German language skills of at least level A1 or English language skills of at least level B2
Age: 1 to 2 points for being under 40
Ties to Germany: Points for previous stays and for applying with a spouse
Job search and employment prospects
The Opportunity Card permits holders to take on part-time jobs (up to 20 hours per week) or trial work experiences to support themselves while searching for full-time employment. This flexibility aims to facilitate smoother integration into the German job market and a higher chance of securing long-term positions, particularly in high-demand fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare.
Pathway to permanent residency
Securing a full-time job within the year allows Opportunity Card holders to transition to longer-term residency. This process is streamlined by the fact that the applicant already resides in Germany and has a job offer, simplifying the transition from temporary to permanent status.
Application process
Applications for the Opportunity Card can be submitted either at the German consulate in the applicant’s home country or at the local Foreigners’ Registration Office in Germany. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their living expenses for the year, either through savings or part-time employment.