Germany’s Opportunity Card Visa Route: A New Pathway for Non-EU Workers &

Germany’s Opportunity Card Visa Route: A New Pathway for Non-EU Workers

From June 2024 the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) opens new ways for non-EU nationals to find a job in Germany.

Germany is hoping to combat its shortage of skilled workers with a new work visa pathway for young non-EU residents including the UK nationals hoping either to eventually secure a long-term job or simply work in the country for a while.

Holders of this visa are guaranteed a 12-month stay in Germany to look for a job. With the Opportunity Card, you can take on part-time or casual jobs for up to 20 hours a week, and even participate in two-week trial jobs.

If you secure suitable employment during your stay, you can transition into a qualified part-time or full-time position.

Germany requires around 400,000 new skilled employees a year to cover the shortage, especially in the fields of engineering, IT, and healthcare.

Eligibility Requirements for Germany's Opportunity Card

The Opportunity Card will use a points system to enable workers with the required skills to come to Germany more easily.

To qualify for Germany's Opportunity Card, you must meet one of the following criteria:

Recognised Qualifications: You possess a foreign professional or academic qualification that is fully recognised in Germany (teachers, nurses, engineers etc.). Alternatively, you have obtained your university degree or professional qualification in Germany.

Points System: If your qualifications are not directly recognised, you can still be eligible by scoring at least 6 points in the points system.

Points for education:
- 4 points: Diplomas and qualifications partly recognized by Germany.
- 3 points: 5+ years of work experience in the past 7 years in your qualified field.
- 2 points: 2+ years of work experience in the past 5 years in your qualified field.
- 1 bonus point is awarded if you have vocational training in one of Germany´s bottleneck professions, which include education, nursing and other health professions, crafts, construction professions, metal and mechanical engineering, and information technology.
Points for language skills:
- 3 points: German Level B2 and above.
- 2 points: German Level B1.
- 1 point: German Level A1 – A2.
- 1 bonus point: English Level C1 and above.

Points for age:
- 2 points: Under 35 years.
- 1 point: Between 35 – 40 years.
- Points for ties to Germany:
  - 1 point: Previous stays in Germany of at least 6 months in the past 5 years.
Points for spouse:
- 1 point: If you plan to move to Germany with your spouse, who is also eligible and planning on applying for the Chancenkarte.

Applicants must demonstrate that they can cover their living expenses. This can be proven through a blocked bank account or a declaration of commitment.

By meeting these criteria, you can unlock the opportunities provided by Germany's new visa route and start your journey towards a rewarding career in one of Europe's most dynamic economies.

Previously, most non-EU citizens needed to have a job offer before they could relocate to Germany. A visa for job seekers already exists, but the Opportunity Card is expected to make it easier and faster for people looking to find work in Germany.

How to apply for Germany’s Opportunity Card

Germany’s Opportunity Card launched on June 1, 2024. Candidates need to fill out an application form and attach identification, employment, and language documents as required.

Applicants also need to reach out to a few German companies to prove that you’re genuinely interested in working for them on a part-time basis, but you won’t need an employment contract.

You can apply for the Opportunity Card either at the Foreigners’ Registration Office or at the competent German mission abroad in your country of origin (for example at the German Embassy).

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