For those looking for a job in Germany, the ‘Opportunity Card’ could be the best starting point. The German ‘Opportunity Card’ is a residence permit that allows foreign workers to enter Germany to seek employment. There is no prerequisite to hold a job offer as one can search for employment after arriving in Germany if they hold the ‘Opportunity Card’.
The Opportunity Card is issued for a period of up to one year. If you receive an employment contract or a job offer for qualified employment during your stay, you can obtain a follow-up Opportunity Card or another residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment from the local foreigners authority in Germany, provided you fulfill the relevant requirements. The Opportunity Card allows you to extend your stay for up to two years.
Opportunity Card Eligibility
What is required to be met as the most essential condition is a score of at least six points. Opportunity Card is available to skilled foreign workers fulfilling two major conditions: Scoring six points on the points system, and secondly, having a guaranteed means of financial support during their stay in Germany. You may also demonstrate financial stability, such as by working part-time (up to 20 hours per week).
You can apply for an Opportunity Card online through the Consular Services Portal or at your German mission. When applying online, you can use a points calculator to calculate how many points you will receive for your qualifications, knowledge, and living situations, unless you are already qualified as a skilled worker.
Points System
Using the points system, you may adjust the required selection criteria to your own needs. To secure the Opportunity Card, you must earn a total of six points.
4 points for a foreign vocational qualification that can be recognised under German standards, even if additional qualifications will be required later.
3 points for at least 5 years’ professional experience within the last 7 years or good German language skills at B2 level.
2 points for ‘satisfactory’ German language skills (B1 level), 2 years’ professional experience within the last 5 years, and being under 35.
1 point for ‘adequate’ German language skills (A2 level), a previous stay of at least 6 months in Germany within the last 5 years, aged 35-39, C1 English skills.
One point is also awarded to applicants who are not over 40 years old and for a previous stay in Germany (at least six months). You must provide documented proof of this. Previous stays as a tourist do not count.