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The German government has introduced an opportunity card for qualified and skilled foreign workers to stay in Germany and seek employment without needing additional documentation of a permanent employment contract.
Using the points system, the Opportunity Card is issued to candidates recognized as skilled workers or those who score at least six points. Their means of support must also be guaranteed for the duration of their stay.
Other applicants must provide proof of a foreign university degree, recognized vocational qualification, or German Chamber of Commerce Abroad certification, and a foundational understanding of German (level AI CEFR) or English (level B2 CEFR).
Opportunity cards are usually valid for one year if the holder can sustain themselves during that time. The holder may work up to 20 hours a week in secondary employment during that time; if they cannot obtain another resident title due to employment-related reasons but have been offered suitable employment, the opportunity card may be renewed for an additional two years.
To be eligible for an opportunity card, applicants must be from a country outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland and would like to apply for a German Opportunity Card.
Option 1: Applicant must have a foreign professional or academic qualification fully recognized in Germany. Alternatively, they must have obtained their university degree or professional qualification in Germany.
Option 2: Applicant must have scored a minimum of six points in the points system in addition to meeting the following requirements:
They must have completed their vocational or academic training.
The qualification must be recognized by the country in which the applicant obtained it.
The qualification must have required at least two years of vocational training.
