The Chancenkarte – Opportunity Card is one of the most significant innovations introduced in the 2024 Skilled Immigration Act. It is designed for qualified professionals from non-EU countries and is based on a points system that evaluates various criteria. The aim is to allow these individuals to come to Germany without a prior job offer and seek employment locally.
The Opportunity Card is a new type of residence permit that enables individuals to travel to Germany to look for work. There are two pathways to obtain the Opportunity Card:
As a Skilled Professional:
- The individual already qualifies as a skilled professional under German immigration law. This means having a German, recognized, or comparable foreign university or vocational qualification. In this case, no additional special requirements are needed to receive the Opportunity Card.
Without Skilled Professional Status:
For those who do not qualify as a skilled professional, the Opportunity Card can be obtained under the following conditions:
- Holding a foreign vocational qualification or university degree recognized by the country of acquisition.
- Possessing basic German language skills (level A1) or strong English proficiency (level B2).
Once these basic requirements are met, applicants can earn points in various ways. Points are awarded for:
- A (partial) recognition certificate from a German recognition authority.
- Proficiency in German and/or English.
- Work experience related to the vocational qualification or university degree.
- Qualifications or degrees in occupations facing a labor shortage.
- Meeting specific age requirements when applying for the Opportunity Card.
- A lawful prior stay in Germany.
- A partner who also fulfills the Opportunity Card requirements and applies for it.
Currently, a minimum of six points is required to qualify for the Opportunity Card, which can only be achieved by combining various attributes.
The Points System:
The system evaluates multiple factors, including:
- Qualifications: University degrees and vocational qualifications.
- Work Experience: Relevant professional experience gained in recent years.
- Language Proficiency: Knowledge of German (minimum A1) and/or English (minimum B2).
- Age: Younger applicants receive additional points.
Applicants who accumulate at least six points can obtain the Opportunity Card, allowing them to search for work in Germany for up to one year. Under certain conditions, it can be extended. During this period, applicants are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week in secondary employment or undergo a probationary period of up to two weeks with a company.
Benefits for Professionals and Companies:
The Opportunity Card provides numerous advantages. For professionals, it offers a flexible way to explore the German job market and connect with potential employers. For companies, it allows them to meet and hire qualified candidates locally without waiting for lengthy recognition processes.
This instrument is specifically designed to address labor shortages in professions where finding qualified workers is challenging. It supports the integration of professionals into the German labor market and facilitates recruitment from abroad.
During the job search period, part-time work and probationary employment are permitted. The Opportunity Card is usually granted for one year. In cases where job searches lead to qualified employment but do not yet fulfill all requirements for a work permit, the Opportunity Card can be extended for up to two years with the consent of the Federal Employment Agency.
You can find out more about the law at https://fachkraefteeinwanderungsgesetz.de.