The Easiest Migration pathway ever in Germany - Get an Opportunity Card by December 2023

The Easiest Migration Pathway Ever in Germany - Opportunity Card for Job Seekers without Job Offer in 2023


Image: Sebastian Kahnert/dpa/picture alliance

Germany’s new opportunity card, requirements, and points calculator are the easiest ways to move to Germany in 2023.

Germany, with 2 million job vacancies, is currently undergoing reforms to its immigration laws. The objective is to provide simplified visa procedures and fresh avenues for skilled foreign workers to fill these vacant positions in the country.

In late June 2023, the German Parliament approved and launched the "Germany Opportunity Card for Job Seekers." This new work visa is designed for non-Europeans and enables them to come to Germany without a pre-arranged job offer for a period of one year. Often referred to as the "Green Card" or "Chancenkarte," it shares similarities with the Germany Job Seeker Visa but offers greater flexibility and the potential for a more extended stay in the country. The opportunity card provides a streamlined visa process and new avenues for foreign job seekers and refugees to enhance their career prospects in Germany.

A draft bill of the proposed opportunity card was presented and updated on the official website BMI - Legislative procedure - Act on the further development of the immigration of skilled workers (bund.de)


Image: Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa/picture alliance

The 'Opportunity Card' - Chancenkarte

Germany is implementing a new immigration system that utilizes a point system and introduces an "opportunity card" to attract qualified foreign workers. Under this system, foreigners without a pre-arranged job can come to Germany and have a year to secure employment. Applicants must possess a vocational qualification or a university degree to be eligible.

Points will be assigned based on factors such as proficiency in German and/or English, existing connections to Germany, and the potential for life partners or spouses to find employment there. The reforms also aim to simplify the process for prospective employers to bring their dependents with them.

With the opportunity card, individuals can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week while searching for a qualified job. Probationary employment is also permitted. Furthermore, asylum applicants who submit their applications by March 29, 2023, meet the necessary qualifications and have a job offer will be allowed to join the labor market. This provision also extends to those visiting on a tourist visa, eliminating the need to leave the country before returning for employment purposes.
Requirements of German Opportunity Card

Individuals who hold a degree that is recognized in Germany automatically fulfill the requirements to obtain an opportunity card. Additionally, those with either two years of vocational training or a state-recognized university degree from their home country can also apply for the opportunity card. This opens up the pathway for qualified foreign workers to avail themselves of the streamlined visa process and explore job opportunities in Germany.

According to the draft resolution, applicants must demonstrate basic German language skills (A1) and acquire six points according to a specific system. Language skills, professional experience, age, and “a reference to Germany” are recognized.

Points calculator for opportunity card

To be eligible for the opportunity card in Germany, you must satisfy three of the following four conditions:
Age: You should be under 35 years.
Qualifications: A university degree or professionally qualified.
Experience: You should hold at least 3 years of work experience.
Language: Either German language or previous residency in Germany is required.

At least 3 of the 4 conditions should be met in order to be eligible for the opportunity card.

The more conditions you satisfy, the better chances you have. Also, as this new type of visa is yet to be implemented, there is no full clarity around the exact eligibility criteria and how the points will be calculated.

How do you apply for the opportunity card in Germany?

To apply for the German opportunity card, the government has not yet decided on the process, but it may be as follows:

The application process for the opportunity card involves two options: using an online portal or completing a physical application form. The online visa portal may request you to upload personal, educational, and work-related documents, which will be reviewed by German authorities. If you meet all the requirements, you can then contact the German diplomatic mission in your home country to schedule a visa application appointment. After a few weeks, upon successful approval, you will receive the opportunity card visa, enabling you to travel to Germany.

In certain instances, it might be necessary to establish proof of sufficient funds to begin your journey in Germany. Additionally, certain documents may require notarization.

Once in Germany with the opportunity card visa, you can approach companies, introduce yourself, and explore potential work opportunities through trial periods.

Once employed by a company, you can visit an immigration office in Germany to obtain an extended visa, enabling you to work legally there.

If you cannot secure employment, you can stay in Germany for a full year, with the possibility of extending this duration for an additional two years.

During your job search period in Germany, you have the opportunity to work part-time, which can help ensure your financial stability.

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