The Germany Parliament announced a modification in their immigration policies on Friday (June 23rd, 2023).
Germany’s new opportunity card (Chancenkarte) allows non-EU skilled employees to stay in the nation for a minimum of one year without a job. This new residence permit permits them to look for work while in Germany and to work part-time until they find work and convert their residence permit status to a skilled worker visa.y
What exactly is an Opportunity card ?
An opportunity card is a new, controlled method of luring qualified employees from outside the EU to Germany.
The German government revealed plans to implement a new method of luring international talent to Germany in September 2022, coining the phrase Opportunity card (Chancenkarte).
German Opportunity Card Requirements
Anyone with a degree recognized in Germany meets the requirements for an opportunity card right away. Anyone with two years of vocational training or a university degree that is recognized by the state in their native country is also eligible to apply for an opportunity card.
The draught resolution states that applicants must demonstrate basic German language skills (A1) and earn six points using a specified mechanism. Language abilities, professional experience, age, and “a reference to Germany” are all taken into account.
Eligibility criteria for an opportunity card
To be eligible for the opportunity card in Germany, you must satisfy the following conditions:
- Age: You should be under the age of 35.
- Qualifications: A university degree or professional qualification is required.
- You should have at least three years of job experience.
- Language: A knowledge of German or previous residency in Germany is essential.
To be qualified for the opportunity card, at least three of the four prerequisites must be met.
The more conditions you meet, the greater your chances.
Furthermore, because this new type of visa has yet to be implemented, there is no complete understanding of the specific eligibility criteria and how the points will be determined.
Advantages Germany's Opportunity Card
- The opportunity card will undoubtedly aid Germany’s efforts to attract talented international labour.
- Companies in Germany typically favor candidates who already reside in Germany or the European Union.
- With the establishment of the opportunity card, skilled professionals who want to work in Germany can move there even if they do not have a job offer.
- This is comparable to the current Jobseeker visa. Continue reading to learn the distinction between the opportunity card and the jobseeker visa.
Drawbacks of the German opportunity card
- There will be a yearly limit on the number of opportunity cards distributed. It basically means that there will be more applicants and fewer visas available under this category each year.
- This programme does not make everyone eligible for a visa. You will be eligible only if you match the previously specified eligibility conditions.
- It may result in additional verifications and bureaucracy, resulting in longer visa approval wait times.
- If you are an IT specialist, you can typically find work in Germany that is in English. However, the eligibility criteria for the opportunity card will force you to study German even if you do not need it for your employment.
- There is also a 35-year age limit.
Conclusion
In my opinion, the opportunity card is a fantastic effort by the German government.
To remark further on this topic, we clearly need greater information on the eligibility criteria and how to apply for this visa.
We will have a better understanding of the benefits of this new form of visa once we have clarity and a framework in place.
In general, this is fantastic news for anyone looking to relocate to Germany and work in Europe’s largest economy.