Germany has introduced the Opportunity Card visa system to attract skilled workers from outside the European Union, allowing them to live and seek employment in the country for up to a year if they meet specific criteria.
The new visa system, launched on June 1, 2024, as part of the Opportunity Card program, enables non-European Union (EU) citizens to move to Germany for a year to explore job opportunities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the shortage of skilled labor in sectors such as engineering, IT, and healthcare. Germany currently needs approximately 400,000 skilled workers to fill these specialized roles.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Opportunity Card, applicants must have completed at least two years of vocational training or hold a relevant university degree from their home country. Proficiency in German or English is required. Additionally, candidates must show they have sufficient financial resources, including income from part-time employment, to support themselves in Germany for a year, amounting to over 12,000 Euros.
Eligibility is determined using a points system that evaluates language skills, professional experience, age, and ties to Germany. A minimum of six points is necessary to obtain the Opportunity Card.
The initial residence permit duration for first-time recipients has been extended to 24 months, compared to the previous 18 months allowed for completing adaptation measures. This permit can be extended for an additional 12 months, allowing a maximum residency period of three years. Furthermore, the allowance for secondary employment during the qualification process has been increased from 10 to 20 hours per week, making it easier for aspiring skilled workers to enter the job market.
Germany has also simplified the process for recognizing foreign qualifications under the new Skilled Immigration Act, introducing two new pathways. Individuals whose qualifications require a skills analysis to determine equivalence may obtain a residence permit for up to six months to complete this assessment. Applicants must demonstrate German language proficiency at level A2 or higher (CEFR) for this pathway.
To streamline the immigration process for family members accompanying skilled workers, Germany has abolished the requirement for spouses or minor children to provide evidence of sufficient living space when joining certain skilled professionals in the country. This adjustment aims to facilitate a smoother transition for families moving to Germany with skilled workers.
