Navigating the Opportunity Card in Germany
The Opportunity Card simplifies the process for candidates seeking employment in Germany, allowing them to work without undergoing a lengthy recognition procedure. To qualify, applicants must have completed at least two years of vocational training or hold a university degree, along with sufficient language proficiency in German (A1) or English (B2).
The Opportunity Card grants the holder the ability to take on a two-week trial job or work part-time (up to 20 hours per week). Cardholders are permitted to stay in Germany for one year, with the primary goal of securing employment. If necessary, the stay can be extended by up to two additional years by applying at the local Foreigners’ Registration Office.
Requirements for the Opportunity Card
To qualify for the Opportunity Card, you must accumulate a total of six points based on a points system that aligns the selection criteria with your personal qualifications. The essential requirements include proficiency in German at level A1 or English at level B2, along with at least two years of vocational training or a recognized university degree from your home country. Additionally, you must demonstrate financial stability, such as having a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week), which can be verified with an employment contract. It’s important to note that no points are awarded for meeting these basic requirements. Additional criteria for earning points include language skills, professional experience, age, and a “connection to Germany.” The age criterion is based on your age at the time of application.
Points distribution for the Opportunity Card at a glance
- Basic requirements: Sufficient German language skills at level A1 or English language skills at level B2 as well as at least two years of vocational training according to the rules of the country of origin. You must also have sufficient financial means. Proof of this can be in the form of an employment contract for a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week), for example.
- Four points are awarded for partial recognition of a foreign professional qualification or for permission to practice a regulated profession (e.g. teacher, nurse, or engineer). Very few applicants meet these criteria.
- Three points are awarded for five years of professional experience (in the last seven years) in the learned profession as well as a preceding two years of professional training according to the rules of the country of origin. Alternatively, you receive three points for good German language skills at level B2.
- Two points are awarded for two years of professional experience preceded by vocational training (in the last five years). If you are not older than 35, you also get two points. German language skills at level B1 are also awarded two points.
- One point is awarded to applicants who are not over 40 years old and for a previous stay in Germany (at least six months). You must provide documented proof of this. Previous stays as a tourist do not count.
- One point is also awarded for very good knowledge of English (C1), reasonable knowledge of German (A2), if you had your vocational training/university degree in an area of official labor shortage in Germany, or if you apply for the Opportunity Card together with your spouse.