Opportunity Card Germany

The Opportunity Card is a new instrument within the framework of the Skilled Immigration Act that enables qualified skilled workers from non-EU countries to enter Germany to search for work without having to present an employment contract. It is based on a points system and offers the opportunity to make contacts with potential employers on-site.

The Opportunity Card offers several benefits: It enables entry for job search without a fixed employment contract, allows part-time work of up to 20 hours per week, permits trial work for two weeks per employer, and opens up the prospect of a permanent residence permit in Germany after a successful job search. Additionally, professional qualifications can be recognized retrospectively.

Applications are generally made at the German diplomatic mission abroad in your home country. For persons already legally residing in Germany, the responsible immigration office is the contact point. The application must include appropriate evidence proving that the requirements for the Opportunity Card are met. A self-check tool is available online to check in advance whether the requirements can be met.

Basic requirements are a completed vocational or university degree, language skills (at least A1 German or B2 English), and securing livelihood. Additionally, you must either have a qualification recognized in Germany or achieve at least 6 points in the points system, which considers various criteria such as professional experience, language skills, age, and other factors. Recognition of foreign degrees can be checked via the anabin database.

No, a fixed employment contract is not required to apply for the Opportunity Card. On the contrary: the Opportunity Card is specifically designed to enable entry for persons who do not yet have an employment contract but want to search for qualified employment in Germany.

To secure livelihood during the stay for job search, proof must be provided. This can be done through a blocked account with sufficient credit (generally at least 1,091 euros net per month), a declaration of commitment from a person living in Germany, or an employment contract for part-time work (up to 20 hours per week).

For proof of German language skills, various recognized tests such as the Goethe Certificate, TestDaF, or the German Language Diploma (DSD) are accepted. For English language skills, tests such as TOEFL, LanguageCert, or Cambridge Certificate are recognized. The certificates must certify the corresponding language level (at least A1 for German or B2 for English).

The Opportunity Card is often compared to the American Green Card, but differs in essential points. The Opportunity Card is initially a temporary residence permit for job search for one year, while the Green Card enables permanent residence with work authorization in the USA. However, the Opportunity Card can be converted into a longer-term residence permit after a successful job search.

With the Opportunity Card, holders can pursue one or more part-time jobs totaling up to 20 hours per week during their job search. Additionally, they may complete trial work for a maximum of two weeks per employer. The goal is to find a qualified full-time or part-time position, which can then form the basis for a long-term residence permit.

No, self-employment is not provided for under the Opportunity Card. The Opportunity Card primarily aims to attract qualified skilled workers for dependent employment. For self-employment in Germany, there are other residence permits such as the visa for self-employment according to § 21 of the Residence Act.

Under the Opportunity Card, holders may complete trial work with various employers, but for a maximum of two weeks per employer. This trial employment should aim at qualified employment, training, or a qualification measure and serves to test suitability for a specific position and to make contacts with potential employers.

The Opportunity Card is part of the Skilled Immigration Act. The relevant regulations came into force on June 1, 2023. The practical implementation and issuance of the first Opportunity Cards has been taking place since early 2024.

The duration of the procedure can vary depending on the individual case and the responsible diplomatic mission abroad. As this is a new instrument, there are not yet comprehensive empirical values available. It is recommended to compile all required documents early and submit the application in good time. Processing times for work visas are generally several weeks to a few months.

No, there is no fixed annual quota or upper limit for the issuance of Opportunity Cards. The number depends on demand and how many applicants meet the requirements.

Yes, family reunification is generally possible. Spouses and minor children can come to Germany under certain conditions. These include in particular proof of sufficient living space and securing the livelihood for the entire family. German language skills (usually A1) are also required for the spouse joining, unless exceptions apply.