The long-awaited Opportunity Card of Germany which is a residence permit to search for gainful employment starts today. As of 1 June 2024, candidates from non-EU countries can apply for the opportunity card through the online portal of the German government named “Counselor Service Portal” or at the Embassy or Consulate of Germany in their country of origin.
The new opportunity card is a part of the Skilled Labor Immigration Act which makes it easier for skilled workers to settle and work in Germany through easier and quicker ways.
Till now, the German embassies, consulates and Digital portal of Counselor Servie have not started accepting applications for the Opportunity Card. It is expected that they would start accepting the applications in the first week of June.
This visa is extendable for two years in Germany even after a year’s visa has expired. The opportunity cardholders will be able to work part-time till they find relevant gainful employment. After that, they can be awarded a residence permit in Germany that will help them be eligible for faster permanent residence and citizenship paths.
Application for the opportunity card can be made through the following possibilities:
- A qualification recognition from Germany, or a degree completed in a German university. These candidates can apply directly as recognized skilled workers without a scoring system;
- All other candidates, who hold a university degree, or a vocational qualification that requires two years of professional training can apply for the opportunity card through the points-based system.
For both above cases, candidates must show that they have the financial means to support themselves in Germany for a complete year. This can be proven by:
- a blocked bank account with a minimum of €11,208 per person.
- having a “Statement of Declaration” (verpflichtungserklärung) which means a person in Germany can bear the cost of living;
- having a part-time job offer (20 hours per week) off from Germany.
Interested candidates should score a minimum of six points which can be calculated as follows:
| Skills | Maximum Score |
| Age | 2 |
| Language Proficiency | 3 |
| Skilled worker potential of spouses or life partners | 1 |
| Previous stays in Germany | 1 |
| Professional Experience | 3 |
| Qualification from Bottleneck occupations (shortage occupations list) | 1 |
| Partial recognition of Qualification | 4 |
Do you want to apply for the Opportunity Card, use our following Articles with complete information: