Are you planning to move to Germany with the Opportunity Card? If so, this blog post details the Germany Opportunity Card Application Process.
Introduction to the Germany Opportunity Card Application
Are you eyeing a career in Germany but lack a concrete job offer? Germany’s Opportunity Card might be the key to realizing your dreams of working and living in this vibrant European nation.
What is the Opportunity Card?
The Opportunity Card allows individuals without a job offer in Germany to enter the country and actively seek employment opportunities. Whether you’re a skilled worker or not, this card opens doors to job prospects in various sectors across Germany.
Qualification Criteria for the Opportunity Card
For Skilled Workers:
To be eligible as a skilled worker, your foreign higher education or vocational qualification must be equivalent or comparable to a German qualification. Additionally, you must demonstrate the ability to financially support yourself during your stay in Germany.
For Non-Skilled Workers:
If you don’t meet the criteria as a skilled worker, you can qualify via a point system. The basic requirements are:
- Recognized Qualification: Your foreign higher education or vocational qualification must be recognized by your home country.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in either German (minimum A1 level) or English (minimum B2 level).
- Financial Support: You must prove your ability to financially support yourself during your stay in Germany.
Point System
To qualify for the Opportunity Card, you need to score at least 6 points. Points are awarded based on the following criteria:
- Qualification and Work Experience: Points are given for recognized qualifications and relevant work experience.
- Language Skills: Points are awarded for proficiency in German and English.
- Age: Younger applicants receive more points.
- Previous Stay in Germany: Previous six-month stays in Germany for specific purposes earn extra points.
- Spouse or Partner: If your spouse or registered partner meets the requirements for the Opportunity Card, you gain additional points.
Benefits of the Germany Opportunity Card
If you score six or more points and meet the conditions for the Opportunity Card, you can apply for it. The card is valid for up to one year, allowing you to look for a job and support yourself financially. Benefits include:
- Work Trials: You can do work trials for up to two weeks each.
- Secondary Employment: You can take up secondary employment for up to 20 hours per week.
- Qualified Employment: Once you find a qualified job, you can apply for the respective residence title at the competent foreigner’s authority in Germany.
How to Apply for the Germany Opportunity Card
Steps to Apply:
- Self-Check Tool: Use the self-check tool on the ‘Self-Check: Opportunity Card’ subpage of the ‘Visa & residence’ section on the ‘Make it in Germany’ webpage to assess your eligibility.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare all necessary documents, including proof of qualifications, work experience, language skills, and financial support.
- Submit Application: Submit your application to the German embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence.
- Await Decision: After submission, wait for the decision. Processing times can vary, so apply well in advance of your planned move.
- Receive Opportunity Card: If approved, you will receive your Opportunity Card, allowing you to enter Germany and start your job search.
Who Can Apply for the Germany Opportunity Card?
Applicants must be considered ‘skilled workers’ in Germany, with foreign higher education or vocational qualifications equivalent or comparable to German qualifications. You must also prove financial self-support during your stay. If you do not meet the skilled worker criteria, you can apply through the point system.
Basic Requirements for the Germany Opportunity Card
- Foreign Higher Education or Vocational Qualification: Recognized by your home country.
- Qualifications from German Chambers of Commerce Abroad: Accepted if obtained in the “category A”.
- Language Skills: German (minimum A1) or English (minimum B2).
- Financial Support: Proof of financial self-support.
Scoring Points for the Germany Opportunity Card Application
You need at least 6 points to qualify. Points are awarded based on:
Qualification and Work Experience
- 4 points: Partially recognized qualification in Germany.
- 3 points: Five years of professional experience in the last seven years.
- 2 points: Two years of professional experience in the last five years.
- 1 point: Work in a bottleneck profession.
Language Skills
- 3 points: German language skills at level B2.
- 2 points: German language skills at level B1.
- 1 point: German language skills at level A2 or English language skills at level C1.
Age
- 2 points: Under 35 years old.
- 1 point: 35 to 40 years old.
Previous Stay in Germany
- 1 point: Six consecutive months stay in Germany within the last five years.
Spouse or Registered Partner
- 1 point: Spouse or partner meets the Opportunity Card requirements.
Conclusion
The Germany Opportunity Card Application process provides a valuable pathway for skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland to live and work in Germany. By meeting the basic requirements and scoring the necessary points, individuals can enter Germany, search for employment, support themselves financially, and gain work experience. This innovative scheme addresses skill shortages in key sectors and offers a streamlined approach for international talent. If you meet the eligibility criteria, the Opportunity Card could be your ticket to a successful career and life in Germany.
