Germany’s new Opportunity Card that aims to make it easier for non-EU citizens to enter the county for the purpose of searching for a suitable job becomes officially effective today, June 1, 2024.
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Foreigners who have been considering moving to Germany but are not sure of the job opportunities that the country offers will benefit the most from the Opportunity Card, SchengeNews reports.
If you are not a recognised skilled worker, you can come to Germany with the Opportunity Card to look for a job locally.
With the Opportunity Card, also known as Chancenkarte, non-EU citizens are not required to show proof of a permanent employment contract in order to be permitted entry into the country.
Moreover, the Opportunity Card permits a prolonged stay in the country and also entitles its holders to a trial job or part-time job.
In case foreigners find a suitable job while in Germany on an Opportunity Card, they then can apply for long-term residency, the process for which is easier as foreigners already have a job offer.
Who Is Eligible for the Opportunity Card?
The Opportunity Card is issued to skilled workers or to those who score six or more points in the points system.
Skilled workers who have a German or foreign university degree or professional qualification do not need to meet any other special requirements to obtain an Opportunity Card.
On the other hand, those who are not skilled workers can only obtain the Opportunity Card through the points system.
To obtain an Opportunity Card, non-EU citizens must show proof that they have completed two years of vocational training or hold a university degree. Moreover, they must have sufficient German and English language skills at the A1 and B2 levels, respectively.
Applicants are also required to prove that they are financially stable in order to be eligible for the Opportunity Card.
The Opportunity Card is issued to candidates recognised as skilled workers or those who score at least six points using the points system. In addition, their means of support must be guaranteed for the duration of their stay.
When applying for the Opportunity Card, applicants are ranked using the point system. To secure an Opportunity Card, the applicants must reach at least six points.
Points for Opportunity Card Are Distributed This Way
In line with the system created by the German authorities, four points are given to those who hold professional qualifications recognised in Germany and to those who have permission to practice regulated professions, such as nurses, engineers, and teachers, among others.
Three points are awarded to those who have five years of professional experience and a preceding two years of professional training, as well as those who have German language skills at the B2 level.
Two points are given to those who have professional experience with previous vocational training in the last five years. Those who are not older than 35 at the time of application and have language skills at the B1 level also get two points.
Lastly, one point is awarded to foreigners not over 40 who have previously stayed in Germany for at least six months. Stays as a tourist do not countr. A point is also given for English language proficiency at the C1 level, German language proficiency at the A2 level, and those who have completed vocational training or hold a university degree in an area that is dealing labour shortages.
What Are the Main Advantages of the Opportunity Card?
The Opportunity Card aims to remove the complicated entry procedures that hinder the immigration of qualified workers from abroad to Germany.
On the basis of the Opportunity Card, non-EU citizens can stay up to a year in Germany to look for a suitable job.
During this time, foreigners can take unlimited part-time or trial jobs of up to 20 hours per week, and once a suitable job is found, the stay can be extended, giving non-EU citizens the opportunity for full-time employment.
As soon as full-time employment is secured, Opportunity Card holders can then apply for another residence title.