Last week, in June 2023, the German Parliament passed the law and introduced the Germany Opportunity Card for Job Seekers. The New German Opportunity Card is a New type of German Work Visa for non-Europeans that allows them to come to Germany without a Job offer for one year. It is also known as the “Green Card”, or “Chancenkarte”. It is similar to the German Job Seeker Visa but has more flexibility and a longer stay.
The New German Opportunity Card is based on Point System and you only need 6 Points to get Germany Opportunity Card and you will be allowed to search for work and stay for one year. These 6 points you can cover with your basic education such as Degree, age, and experience (if you have one). You do need a Job offer for the Germany Opportunity Card Visa. I have covered everything in this post about Opportunity Card Germany.
What is a Germany Opportunity Card Visa?
It is a New type of Work Visa by the German Govt that is launched and approved and is expected to be implemented in early 2024.
On this Card, you can come to Germany without having a Job offer in advance and can stay for one year to look for work opportunities.
Germany is implementing all these new things due to the shortage of skilled workers in Germany.
Benefits of Germany Opportunity Card
- It is a Point Based System.
- You only need 6 points.
- You can stay for one year on an opportunity card.
- On Germany Job seeker Visa, the stay is six months.
- You can even work in Germany during the Job seeking period on this opportunity card,
- You are allowed to do part-time Jobs on this Card.
- You need basic knowledge of german language.
Understand the Point Based System for the German Opportunity Card
- Total Points: 14
- Required Points: 6
The German Opportunity Card is basically for the one who can qualify and get at least 6 points out of 14. This is Point based system just like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. But easier.
Check whether you will meet the requirements and reach the required 6 points
| Total Points | 14 |
|---|---|
| How many Points Required | 6 |
| Qualification (Degree) | Up to 6 points if you have a university degree. |
| Experience | Up to 3 points |
| Age | 2 points if you are under 35 or 1 point if you are between 35 and 40 years old. |
| German Language | Up to 3 points if you speak German |
| Previous stays in Germany | 1 point if you have previously lived in Germany for at least 6 months. |
| Spouses | 1 point if your spouse also meets the requirements for an opportunity card. |
Eligibility Criteria for Opportunity Card
To be eligible for the German Opportunity Card you must satisfy the criteria:
- This opportunity Card is for Non-Europeans.
- Get at least 6 Points.
- You must not have a criminal record.
- You must have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Germany.
- You have to apply through the German Embassy.
How to Apply for the Germany Opportunity Card
So, as the German Govt passed this New work Visa so we hope to expect that this work visa will finally be available by 2024. But you have to apply for the Opportunity Card at a German embassy or consulate in your home country.
Difference Between Germany Job Seeker Visa and Opportunity Card
| Aspect | Germany Job Seeker Visa | Germany Opportunity Card |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Seek employment opportunities | Explore various employment opportunities in Germany |
| Eligibility | Skilled individuals with a degree | Open to a wide range of individuals |
| Duration | Up to 6 months | up to 1 year. |
| Work Permission | Not allowed | Part time work allowed |
| Job Search | Allowed during visa validity | May or may not allow job search |
| Types of Opportunities | Focused on job prospects | Includes education, work, culture, etc. |
| Age Limit | No | 35 |
| Flexibility and Purpose | Limited to job search | More flexible, covering broader intent |
| Official Recognition | Officially recognized visa type | Yet to be implemented |
| Requirements | Degree, funds, travel insurance | Point based system |
FAQs
How Many Points Do You Need for a German Opportunity Card?
You need 6 points out of 14 to qualify for the New Germany Opportunity Card.
Who can Apply for the Germany Opportunity Card?
Anyone who is looking for Job opportunity to work in Germany and can qualify the Point based system. If you have a university degree you already qualified for the Opportunity Card.
More Ways to Come to Germany for Work
- Have a Job offer from any Germany Company. You may check Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Germany 2023
- You may also come to Germany without a Job on Germany Job Seeker Visa in 2023.
