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Germany Opportunity Card also known as Chancenkarte is an initiative designed to attract skilled professionals from non-EU countries, simplifying the process of seeking employment in Germany. This new residence title allows qualified individuals to enter Germany for up to 12 months to search for a job or pursue vocational training without the lengthy recognition procedures that were previously required. Keep reading this blog post to find information about the German Opportunity Card, how to apply for it, eligibility requirements, documents needed and much more.
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Understanding the German Opportunity Card
The German Opportunity Card is a new immigration initiative aimed at attracting skilled workers from non-EU countries to Germany. This card was launched on 1 June 2024 and aims to simplify the immigration process for skilled professionals coming from non-EU countries.
This card facilitates the entry of qualified professionals to fill labour shortages in various sectors, particularly in technology, engineering, healthcare, and skilled trades. Let us look deeper and learn more about the Germany Opportunity Card.
What is Germany Opportunity Card?
The Germany Opportunity Card is a residence permit which allows workers from third countries (non-EU countries) to enter Germany to seek employment. Additionally, it can be used to look for policies that would allow foreign professional credentials to be recognised in Germany.
Also Read: Germany Skilled Worker Visa for Indian Nationals
How to Apply for German Opportunity Card
You can apply for the German opportunity card either by going through the online application process or in person at a German embassy or consulate. Here is the application process to acquire the German Opportunity Card.
Online Application Process for German Opportunity Card
If you wish to apply for the Opportunity Card online, then you must go through the following steps:
- Start by registering yourself on the official website of the Federal Foreign Office. You will have to provide your email and phone number for the two-factor authentication.
- Go through the points system and check whether you meet the requirements or not. You must have a minimum of 6 points to move ahead.
- Fill out the electronic visa application form.
- Attach electronic copies of the required documents in PDF, JPG or PNG format and no larger than 10 MB.
- Present yourself at the German embassy or consulate to pay the rest of the fees and for complete biometric information.
In-Person Application Process for German Opportunity Card
If you are unable to apply go through the online application form then you must make an appointment with the German embassy or consulate in your home country and submit your application form in person.
| Note: If you are a citizen from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom or the USA, you can easily apply after entering Germany at the local Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners Office). |
German Opportunity Card Requirements
To prove your eligibility for the German opportunity card, you will have to present the following documents, which are as follows:
- Valid Passport: Must be issued within the past ten years, be valid for at least three months at the planned time of entry, and have two blank pages.
- Proof of your residence in your home country (official certificate of residence, identity document)
- Proof of completed vocational training (vocational school certificate or Technical college certificate)
- Financial documents (Proof of Blocked Account in Germany and Declaration of Commitment)
- Proof of valid German Health Insurance and German Travel Insurance.
- Written notice of recognition from a competent German authority if you have completed your training from outside Germany.
- Proof of German language skills
- Proof of English language skills
- Proof of recent job/vocational training place search in Germany (emails, offer letter or agency enquiries)
- Finally, if you and your partner are applying then you will need to provide proof of your relationship (marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate)
German Opportunity Card Application Fees
You must pay the EUR 75 charge for a German Opportunity Card in local currency using the relevant exchange rate. The German embassy or consulate will determine the payment method.
Processing Time for Opportunity Card
The processing of your Opportunity Card application could take a few weeks or up to six months. Once your application has been processed, you will receive notification from the German embassy or consulate.
Eligibility Criteria for German Opportunity Card
To become eligible for the Germany Opportunity Card, a points system based on one’s qualifications, knowledge and circumstances. If a person has a vocational qualification or degree obtained or recognised in Germany, they can apply for the Opportunity Card as a skilled worker without having to achieve a minimum number of points.
A minimum score of six points is required to be eligible for the card. In both cases, the person will have to fulfil the basic requirements mentioned below.
Here are the following basic requirements which must be fulfilled to be eligible for the Opportunity Card:
Scoring System At a Glance
Let us now look at the points systems which are used for checking eligibility for the German Opportunity Card.
| Points | Description |
| Basic Requirements | At least two years of occupational training by the regulations of the country of origin, as well as adequate German language proficiency at level A1 or English language proficiency at level B2. |
| One Point | Applicants who have previously visited Germany for at least six months and who are under 40. Documentary evidence of this is required. Prior tourist stays are not included. One with very good knowledge of English (C1) and reasonable knowledge of German (A2), |
| Two Points | 2 years of work experience, followed by five years of vocational instruction. You also receive two points if you are under 35. Additionally, two points are given for level B1 proficiency in German. |
| Three Points | 5 years of work experience (within the last seven years) in the learnt profession, plus two years of professional training prior to that, in accordance with national regulations. As an alternative, you get three points for having strong B2 German language proficiency. |
| Four Points | Authorisation to practise a regulated profession (such as teaching, nursing, or engineering) or for the partial recognition of a foreign professional qualification. |
Also Read: German Documentation Requirements for a Work Visa
Duration of German Opportunity Card
The Germany Opportunity Card will only be issued for a period of up to one year. The local foreign authority in Germany may grant you a follow-up Opportunity Card or another residence permit for gainful employment if you receive an employment contract or a legally binding job offer for qualified employment while you are there, as long as you meet the necessary conditions.
Also Read: How to Book an Appointment for a Germany Visa?
What to do After Obtaining the German Opportunity Card?
Once you have followed through all the steps above and entered Germany with an Opportunity card, here are the following steps which you must complete.
- To register your residence, make an appointment at the Bürgeramt, the Residents’ Registration Office.
- Look for work and submit applications. You are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week or for up to two weeks during trial work periods in the interim.
If you find a job, make sure you apply for a German residence permit to get employed and begin with your job.
Also Read: PSW Visa in Germany For Indian Students
Difference Between Job Visa vs Germany Opportunity Card
Now that we have gained all the knowledge about the Germany Opportunity Card, it is time to go deep into the difference between a German job seeker visa and the Germany Opportunity Card as both are for skilled workers.
| Particulars | German Job Seeker Visa | German Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) |
| Minimum Qualifications | University degree or recognised vocational training in Germany | Professional certification accompanied by 2+ years of vocational training and appropriate job experience |
| Language Requirements | B1-level German if the student is pursuing vocational training | A1-level German or B2-level English |
| Visa Duration | Up to 6 months | Up to 1 year |
| Financial Requirements | EUR 947 per month – approximately which will total to EUR 5,604 for the 6 months | EUR 1,027 per month – approximately, totalling to EUR 12,324 for the year |
| Work Permission | No permission during the visa period | Can work part-time up to 20 hours per week. |
| Where to Apply? | German embassy/consulate | Online or at the German embassy/consulate. Can also apply from Germany. |
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FAQs
If you are from a non-EU nation, the Opportunity Card grants you a legal residence status that enables you to search for work in Germany without a set employment contract. Up to 20 hours a week of part-time work is feasible, in addition to a two-week trial position. Additionally, you can use the Opportunity Card to have your vocational certification accepted retroactively.
The appropriate German mission overseas in your home country is where you can apply for the Opportunity Card. Simply send the application to the appropriate local Foreigners’ Registration Office if you are already in Germany.
You must meet the standards and, if relevant, submit documentation of your professional experience (vocational training plus job experience) or language proficiency (German A1 or English B2) to receive the Opportunity Card. You also need to be financially stable. An employment contract for a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week), for instance, can serve as evidence of this.
Non-EU applicants have easier access to Germany and can search for employment there faster. Opportunity Cardholders also have the opportunity to apply for a German permanent residence title. Businesses gain from this as well. The Opportunity Card significantly broadens the candidate pool for prospective employers.
A person with a university degree or acknowledged vocational training is considered a skilled worker in Germany. You get the Opportunity Card right away (without a points system) as an acknowledged skilled worker, and you can also look for future qualified jobs.
Final certifications or an employer-issued certificate are two ways to demonstrate your occupational training. This could be a confirmation from the training company or a copy of a training contract. Furthermore, “state recognition” must be confirmed by a recognition authority that the German government has not yet defined.
So this was all about the “Apply for German Opportunity Card.” Want regular updates on study abroad universities and jobs abroad opportunities? Then make sure to subscribe to Leverage Edu today!
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