Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) Germany: Launching June 2024

Discover the Germany Opportunity Card 2024: Eligibility, Process & Points System

Germany has over 2 million job vacancies, and to address this, plans to recruit 400,000 foreign workers annually. This presents a prime opportunity for international job seekers. With the introduction of the Opportunity Card in 2024, finding employment in Germany becomes more accessible, especially in sectors like healthcare, IT, and skilled trades. 

What does it take to obtain a Germany Opportunity Card? Let’s delve into the eligibility criteria, application process, and points system to find out.

What is the Opportunity Card?

With the Opportunity Card ("Chancenkarte"), candidates from non-EU countries can enter Germany to seek suitable employment. This points-based system aims to attract skilled professionals and address labor shortages.

It simplifies the process of obtaining a work permit and residence visa, making it more accessible for skilled professionals to seek employment in the country. Germany opportunity card visa serves as a gateway to fresh opportunities and a fulfilling life in German land.

Benefits of the German Opportunity Card

The Opportunity Card Germany offers several advantages for international workers, such as language training, job placement assistance, and cultural integration support. With this card, workers can thrive in a dynamic environment, enjoy a high quality of life, and pursue promising careers in one of Europe’s leading economies.

• Duration of Stay: Valid for 1 year, extendable to 3 years.
• Job Seeker Visa: Allows a 6-month stay for job seekers.
• Point-Based System: Requires 6 points out of a possible 14 for eligibility.
• Work During Job Search: Permits 2-week trial jobs while job hunting.
• Part-Time Employment: Allows part-time work (20 hours per week) during job search.
• Language Requirement: Optional, but A1 German or B2 English proficiency offers flexibility.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Opportunity Card, candidates must meet specific criteria:

• Be a non-European.
• Obtain at least 6 points on the Germany Opportunity Card system.
• Be 35 years old or younger.
• Have language proficiency (German or English).
• Prior residency in Germany (optional).
• Have 3 years of professional work experience.
• Have no criminal record.
• Demonstrate financial means to sustain themselves in Germany.

Applications must be submitted through the German Embassy.

Points Distribution at a Glance

Basic Requirements

• Language Skills: German (A1) or English (B2)
• Vocational Training: Minimum two years
• Financial Means: Proof, such as a part-time job contract (up to 20 hours/week)

Points Allocation

• Four Points: Partial recognition of foreign qualifications or permission to practice regulated professions (e.g., teachers, nurses, engineers)
• Three Points: Five years of professional experience in the last seven years, plus two years of vocational training, or good German skills (B2)
• Two Points: Two years of professional experience in the last five years, age under 35, or German skills (B1)
• One Point: Age under 40, previous stay in Germany (at least six months), very good English skills (C1), reasonable German skills (A2), vocational training in an area of labor shortage, or applying with a spouse.

Point-Based System for the German Opportunity Card
Criteria	Points Allocated
Qualification (Degree)	Up to 6 points if you hold a university degree.
Experience	Up to 3 points based on relevant work experience.
Age	2 points if under 35, or 1 point if between 35 and 40 years old.
German Language	Up to 3 points based on proficiency in German.
Previous stays in Germany	1 point if you have lived in Germany for at least 6 months.
Spouses	1 point if your spouse also qualifies for an Opportunity Card.

How to Apply for the Opportunity Card in Germany?

To simplify your queries for Opportunity Card Germany how to apply searches we have curated a clear and easy five-step format below.

These step-by-step Germany Opportunity Card application instructions are designed to guide applicants through each stage of the application process, ensuring a smooth and straightforward experience.

• Step 1 - Document Gathering: Begin by gathering the required documents, which typically include proof of your qualifications, professional work experience, etc. Ensure all your documentation according to Opportunity Card Germany requirements is in order and readily available.
• Step 2 - Online Application: Access the online application portal provided for the Opportunity Card. Fill out the application form accurately and completely, providing all the necessary details and attaching the requested documents.
• Step 3 - Point-Based Evaluation: Your application will undergo an evaluation based on the point-based system. Points are assigned for criteria such as qualifications, work experience, age, language skills, previous stays in Germany, and other relevant factors.
• Step 4 - Eligibility Assessment: The authorities will assess your eligibility based on the points you have accumulated. If you meet the required criteria and have the minimum points, your application will proceed to the next stage.
• Step 5 - Opportunity Card Issuing: Successful applicants will be issued the German Opportunity Card, which allows them to stay in Germany for a specified period and search for employment opportunities.

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List of Blue Card Jobs in Germany

Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt rank as the leading cities for EU Blue Card jobs in Germany. The table below provides a comprehensive list of job roles that are covered under the German opportunity card.

This list serves as a reference for individuals interested in exploring the available employment opportunities associated with the card.

Available Job Roles of Germany Opportunity Card
Job Roles	Job Roles	Job Roles
Nurses	Carers	Catering and Hospitality Professionals
Electrical Engineers	IT specialists	Craftspeople
Carpenters	Warehousing and Storage Professionals	Professionals in Food
Manufacturing	Data Processing Equipment	Machinery
Metal	Retail Workers	Construction Workers

Application Process

1. Document Gathering: Collect necessary documents (qualifications, professional experience)
2. Online Application: Fill out the form accurately and completely
3. Point-Based Evaluation: Application assessed based on points system
4. Eligibility Assessment: Authorities evaluate eligibility based on accumulated points
5. Opportunity Card Issuing: Successful applicants receive the Opportunity Card, allowing a specified stay in Germany

German Opportunity Card V/s Employment Visa

The table below presents a clear distinction between the German Opportunity card and an employment visa, highlighting their key differences.

German Opportunity Card v/s Blue Card
Opportunity Card	Employment Visa
Similar to a JobSeeker visa for those without a job offer from Germany	Applied when you already have a job offer/contract from Germany
Specific eligibility criteria must be met to apply	Requires a job offer from Germany and a recognized degree certificate
There is a limit on how many can be issued each year	There is no theoretical limit on the number that can be issued each year
Knowledge of the German language can improve your chances	German language proficiency is not required

German Opportunity Card v/s Jobseeker Visa

The table provided below offers a clear comparison between the German Opportunity Card and the Jobseeker Visa, illustrating the key differences between the two.

German Opportunity Card v/s Jobseeker Visa
Opportunity Card	Jobseeker Visa
German language proficiency might be needed, depending on eligibility	German language proficiency is not required
Grants 12 months for job search, extendable under certain circumstances	Provides 6 months for job search
Available to degree holders and professionals with 3+ years of experience	Typically for highly skilled professionals with 5+ years of experience
Limited number of cards allotted each year	No official information on yearly quotas
No need to show positive employer responses before applying	Requires positive employer responses during the application
No clear bank balance requirement was specified	Proof of funds need to be provided
Allows part-time work (up to 20 hours/week) until a full-time job is obtained	Does not permit any kind of work

Additional Information

• Duration of Stay: Initial one-year period, extendable up to three years
• Work During Job Search: Permitted to work part-time while searching for a job
• Permanent Residence: Potential for extending stay with job offer

Germany Opportunity Card Fees

The application fee for the Germany Opportunity Card varies based on the complexity of each case but typically ranges from €100 to €150.

Processing Times

Processing times generally range from three to six months. Applicants should apply well in advance of their intended move date to account for any potential delays.

Opportunity for Skilled Professionals

The Germany Opportunity Card offers a valuable chance for skilled professionals in various sectors, such as tech, healthcare, and more, to advance their careers in a vibrant and welcoming environment. This card could be your gateway to a prosperous future in Germany.

Conclusion

The Opportunity Card is a significant opportunity for skilled professionals to live and work in Germany, offering a streamlined process for immigration and access to a robust job market. 

For more detailed information and application support, please visit the official Germany Opportunity Card website or contact Think Europe Services. Your new adventure in Germany awaits!

Assistance with Your German Visa Application

If you're considering moving to Germany and need assistance with the visa procedure, Think Europe Services is here to assist you. Our team of German immigration specialists can evaluate your eligibility for different pathways and aid you in preparing and submitting your visa application. Contact us today to speak with an advisor.