FAQs
1. What are the advantages of the Opportunity Card?
Applicants from non-EU countries can enter Germany more easily and look for work there more quickly. In addition, holders of the Opportunity Card have the chance to apply for a permanent residence title in Germany. Companies also benefit from this. For potential employers, the Opportunity Card greatly expands the pool of applicants.
Due to a deficit of skilled workers, Germany would have a shortage of about 16 million workers by 2060 – without immigration from abroad. (Source: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action) Many companies are already dependent on the support of individuals. With the Opportunity Card, both applicants and employers gain a long-term perspective on a positive development in the labour market.
2. How can I apply for the Opportunity Card?
You can apply for the Opportunity Card at the relevant German mission abroad in your country of origin (for example, at the German Embassy or German Consulate). If you are already in Germany, simply submit the application to the relevant local Foreigners’ Registration Office.
3. When can I apply for the Opportunity Card?
You can apply for the Opportunity Card from 01 June 2024 at the local Foreigners’ Registration Office or the relevant German mission abroad in your country of origin. It expands the previous Skilled Immigration Act (in force since 1 March 2020) to include another residence title for qualified non-EU citizens. While the Skilled Immigration Act facilitates entry and residence, the Opportunity Card is explicitly intended to help people who do not yet have a permanent employment contract in Germany and want to look for a job locally.
4. Is the opportunity Card comparable to the Green Card?
The Green Card is a residence permit for the USA that is subject to strict conditions. A job-based Green Card requires a job offer, while family-based Green Cards can be applied for by family members in the US state. There is also a lottery process by which applicants can win the Green Card. Through the Green Card, US citizenship can be acquired after about 3-5 years.
The Opportunity Card in Germany differs from the Green Card in that it allows a period of residence of one year. You do not have to have a job offer or an employment contract or a family relationship. However, you must score at least six points in the points system for the Opportunity Card.
5. Do I need a permanent employment contract if I want to apply for the Opportunity Card?
You do not need an employment contract in Germany if you want to apply for the Opportunity Card. However, you must have sufficient language skills (German A1 or English B2) and (at least) two years of vocational training or a university degree according to the rules of your country of origin. You must also have sufficient financial means. Proof of this can be provided by means of an employment contract for a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week).
After receiving the Opportunity Card, you will receive a 12-month residence permit. During this time, you may look for a suitable job here or have your professional qualification recognised retroactively. You are allowed two weeks of work on a trial basis (an unlimited number of times) as well as part-time employment of up to 20 hours per week. The hours may be distributed flexibly.
6.What are the criteria for the Opportunity Card?
According to the points system, you must obtain at least six points to receive the Opportunity Card. The criteria are as follows:
- Language skills
- Work experience
- Age
- Link to Germany
7. How can I prove a previous six month stay in Germany?
You can prove your previous stay in Germany by means of a tenancy agreement, for example. In this regard, service charge statements that you received in the course of your tenancy also apply. Employment contracts and service contracts as well as wage payments also count as proof. Tourist stays are excluded.
8.What is a recognition partnership?
With the so-called recognition partnership, the applicant’s recognition procedure only begins in Germany. The applicant’s qualifications are subsequently recognised by way of a recognition procedure. In return, applicants are allowed to pursue qualified employment in Germany from day one. The recognition partnership allows a so-called “post-qualification” with the help of a corresponding contract between employer and applicant. In a written agreement, both must state that they will carry out the procedure as soon as possible. Employers must be capable of providing training or post-qualification.
9. Who is a skilled worker?
In Germany, a skilled worker is someone who has vocational training recognised in Germany or a university degree. As a recognised skilled worker, you receive the Opportunity Card immediately (without a points system) and may also pursue qualified employment in the future. With a recognition partnership, you can have your professional qualification recognised retrospectively so that you can work in Germany immediately after entering the country.
10. What does it mean that my vocational training must be state recognised?
For a recognition partnership or to receive the Opportunity Card, you must prove that your vocational qualification is recognised by the state. The recognition does not necessarily have to have taken place in your country of origin, but in the country where you completed your training. “State-recognised” here means that your qualification is based on state legislation and was awarded to you by an authorised person. Certificates can either be based on vocational training (of at least two years) or a university degree.
11. Which language tests can I use?
To receive the Opportunity Card, basic knowledge of German at level A1 or English at level B2 is required. Other language skills play a role in the points system. German at level A2 is awarded one point, German at level B1 is awarded two points, German at level B2 is awarded three points. English language skills at level C1 earn one point (also in addition to German language skills).
German tests
GER
- Consists of four areas: Listening, reading, speaking and writing
- Includes six levels (like all German tests)
- Free online placement test
A1 (understand simple German sentences)
A2 (basic knowledge)
B1 (intermediate)
B2 (good Intermediate)
C1 (advanced knowledge)
C2 (excellent knowledge / mother-tongue level)
Goethe Certificate
- German tests at Goethe-Institut
- Online courses available
- Certificates internationally recognised
- Free placement test
- Choose a language course at your level
(A1 – A2 for language beginners, B1 – B2 for advanced knowledge, C1 – C2 as final levels)
- Exams available after each level
- Costs around 100 – 300 euros
TestDaF / Test German as a Foreign Language
- German language skills tested at competence levels B2 – C1
- Offered in over 1000 test centres worldwide
- Tests reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression, oral expression
- Available digitally
- Costs around 215 euros
DSD / German Language Diploma of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs
- Developed for foreign students
- Exams twice a year at special DSD schools worldwide
- Two diplomas available: DSD1, DSD2
- Reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression, oral expression
- Free of charge
- Suitable for candidates at language levels A2, B1, B2, C1
English tests
TOEFL / Test of English as a Foreign Language
- Online at special test centres
- Duration around 4 hours
- Reading comprehension, listening comprehension, speaking (conversation) and written expression (essay)
- Costs around 200 euros
- Important: Participation at short notice is not possible. You must register in good time at a test centre if you need a TOEFL certificate
IELTS / International English Language Testing Systems
- British English as well as American English tests
- Duration around three hours
- Two variants: General (for expatriates and people who want to stay abroad for a longer period of time) and academic (for students who want to apply to a foreign university)
- Listening (comprehension), reading (comprehension), writing (phrasing), speaking (conversation)
- Costs around 226 euros
- Provided by the British Council, available in 17 cities in Germany
Cambridge Certificate
- Special feature: You must first choose your language level and then pass the test
Various categories:
A1 – A2 Basic Users = Elementary language use
B1 – B2 Independent Users = Independent language use
C1 – C2 Proficient Users = Competent language use
- Duration around 3-4 hours
- Consists of reading and use (text and reading comprehension), writing (formal language), listening (comprehension), speaking (conversation)
- Costs around 200 euros
- Offered by Cambridge University at 2700 test centres worldwide
12. Do tourist visits count as a prior stay?
In the points system for the Opportunity Card, you will find the criterion “Relevance to Germany”. This is not about language skills, but about previous stays in Germany (at least six months). Tourist trips (e.g. short stays within the framework of the Schengen Agreement, 90 days within 180 days) do not count here. Short-term trips to other EU states during the previous stay, on the other hand, are not a problem as long as the main focus of the stay continues to be in Germany.
13.Can you study in Germany with the Opportunity Card?
The Opportunity Card allows you to work in Germany but not to take up studies. If you want to study in Germany, you must apply and be accepted for a degree program. There are special requirements and procedures for this, which may vary from university to university. You may also have to prove that you have sufficient knowledge of German or take a language test. If you have already completed vocational training or a degree in your home country, parts of your training or studies can be credited towards a degree program in Germany.
