Opportunity Card Germany
What is the Opportunity Card?
If you want to work and earn in one of the leading countries in the world, come to Germany. Germany has been opening its doors to skilled workers from non-EU nationals to manage the shortage of qualified workers across various sectors. Germany has introduced a new immigration tool, Opportunity Card (“Chancenkarte”), which allows qualified and experienced individuals to enter Germany for one year and look for relevant jobs in the German market.
This card operates on a points-based system and evaluates applicants based on criteria such as education, work experience, language skills, and age. This model is quite similar to the immigration model used by Canada and Australia which selectively admit individuals who could fulfil the shortage of skilled workers and benefit its economy.
Furthermore, if you have an academic degree or vocational qualification you obtained in Germany or are recognized in Germany, you don’t need to fulfil the minimum points requirement. You can directly apply for an opportunity card as a skilled worker. But you must meet the basic requirements in both cases.
Why the Opportunity Card is Important?
The opportunity card is important for several reasons, not only from Germany’s point of view but also for potential immigrants:
Addressing Labor Shortages:
Germany faces a workforce shortage due to low birth rates and an aging population due to various factors like healthcare, engineering, IT, and manufacturing. German officials have predicted that by the end of 2060, there will be a shortage of 16 million workers without skilled immigration from abroad. This opportunity card is a strategic response to tackle this issue.
Enhancing Economic Competitiveness:
Germany is the fourth largest economy in the world. Attracting skilled workers abroad boosts its productivity, innovation, and economic growth and helps Germany maintain or improve its financial position.
Streamlining Immigration Processes:
Traditionally, a visa is granted to skilled workers after getting a job offer from a company in Germany. However, the Opportunity Card allows potential skilled workers to enter Germany first and then find a job.
Supporting Germany’s Long-Term Demographic Goals:
The German population is getting older. There are fewer workers than retired people which hinders its economic growth and social welfare systems. It is estimated that by the end of 2035, Germany will have around 4 million older population aged 67 or above. Bringing young talent through opportunity cards in the country will contribute to the workforce and support the country’s pension and healthcare systems in the future.
Eligibility Criteria for Opportunity card
Basic Requirements:
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Educational Qualifications:
The minimum educational requirement to apply for the Opportunity Card as a skilled worker is a university degree or two years of vocational training obtained or recognized in Germany.
The minimum education needed to qualify for the Opportunity Card on a point basis is an academic degree or vocational qualification recognized in your country of origin.
- Language Proficiency:
The required level to apply on a point basis is German proficiency level A1 or your English language skills must be at least at level B2.
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Proof of Financial Stability:
Whether you apply on a point basis or as a skilled worker, you must demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Germany. You need to open a blocked account or a declaration of commitment for this purpose. The amount for a blocked account is currently 1027 euros for a month.
Overview of the Points System for Germany’s Opportunity Card:
If your qualification from your home country is fully recognized in Germany, you are eligible to apply as a skilled worker. If this’s not the case e.g., your qualification is partially recognized or you do not have gained your qualification in Germany then you need to get at least a score of six points to obtain your Opportunity Card. The criteria for the points are given below.
Education:
- You will get 4 points if your qualification is found partially equivalent to the result of the process of recognition or equivalence of qualification. Furthermore, this also applies to regulated professions, even if you need to complete extra steps (like training or exams) to get a license to practice.
Qualification in a field with a shortage of professionals:
- You will get 1 point if your qualification is in the shortage occupation. You can easily find out whether your occupational field is in shortage or not in the list of shortage occupations.
Professional experience:
- You will receive 2 points if it’s proven that you have gained at least 2 years of professional experience within the last 5 years relevant to your qualifications. Moreover, 3 points will be awarded to you if having 5 years of experience gained within the previous 7 years.
Language skills:
The more proficiency you have in German, the more points you will get. You will get 1 point if your German proficiency level is at A2, 2 points at the B1 level, and 3 points for the B2 level or above. Furthermore, you will also be awarded points if your English language proficiency is at the C1 level or if you are a native English speaker.
Age:
- 2 points will be awarded to you if you age below 35 years. If you are above 35 then you will receive 1 point.
Prior Experience and Connections with Germany:
Have you ever legally resided in Germany in the last 5 years for education, employment, or language acquisition for at least 6 months? If yes, then 1 point will be awarded to you. No points will be given if you have just visited Germany for tourism purposes, e.g., to spend holidays or visit family.
Submitting a Joint Application with a Partner
If your spouse/registered partner is also skilled and fulfills the requirements of the opportunity card, your application will get 1 point. Both of you have to submit your application for the Opportunity Card to the same German mission.
