Job search in Germany becomes easier: Country to issue ‘opportunity card’ from June

To be sure, applicants must score a minimum of six points to receive an opportunity card.

Germany’s new Skilled Immigration Act (FEG) will require a new opportunity card (Chancenkarte) which will enable third-country nationals to seek employment, from June 1, 2024.

With the new law, existing mechanisms for skilled workers with a university degree, such as the EU Blue Card, will continue and in some cases be extended.

The opportunity card can be obtained in two ways. Firstly, third-country nationals who receive full recognition of their foreign qualifications and are therefore considered “skilled workers”.

All other applicants must provide evidence of a foreign university degree, a vocational qualification of at least two years’ duration (in each case recognised by the state in the country of training) or a vocational qualification issued by a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad. In addition, a basic knowledge of German (level A1 CEFR) or English (level B2 CEFR) is required.

If these requirements are met, points are awarded for criteria such as recognition of qualifications in Germany, language skills, professional experience, age, links to Germany, and the potential of accompanying partners or spouses.

To be sure, applicants must score a minimum of six points to receive an opportunity card.

It's important to note that opportunity cards are issued for a maximum of one year, provided that the holder is able to support themselves for that period. It allows the holder to do work trials or take up secondary employment for a maximum of 20 hours per week during their stay in Germany.

If an applicant is subsequently unable to obtain another residence title for employment purposes but nevertheless has an offer of qualified employment, the opportunity card can be extended for a further two years.