How to get an Opportunity Card for Job Search in Germany 2024

Opportunity card for Job Search in Germany 2024

Are you keen on traveling to Germany to seek an appropriate job? Discover the requirements for obtaining a job seeker opportunity card.

The opportunity card boosts your chances of networking with German employers and obtaining skilled employment in Germany.

What are the criteria for obtaining an opportunity card?

Are you from a nation outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland and interested in applying for an opportunity card? You have the following options available:

Option 1: You possess a foreign professional or academic qualification that is fully recognized in Germany. Alternatively, you completed your university degree or professional training in Germany.

If you earned your university degree or professional qualification in Germany, you can directly apply for a residence permit for job seekers under Section 20 of the Residence Act. This permit extends your job search period to 18 months instead of one year, and allows you to work part-time without restrictions during this time.

For more information, read the “Prospects after graduation” section and the “Prospects after your vocational training” section. 

Option 2: You meet the following requirements and achieve a minimum of six points in the points system:

You have accomplished vocational or academic training successfully. It's crucial that the qualification is acknowledged by the country of origin. Moreover, your vocational training should have entailed at least two years of training. To strengthen your visa application, you'll need a favorable outcome for this qualification, which you can request online through the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).

If you've finished Category A vocational education and training at a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK) that complies with the standards of the Vocational Training Act [BBiG], this certification might also be applicable. For additional details, kindly explore the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) website.

Language Proficiency Evidence: You must demonstrate either German language proficiency at a minimum level of A1, as outlined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), or English language proficiency at a minimum level of B2 (CEFR).

Capability to finance living expenses:

For Option 1 & Option 2, it's imperative to possess adequate financial means to support your job search endeavor in Germany. Throughout the visa application process, you can substantiate this capability by either having a blocked bank account (with a minimum of €1,027 net per month, as of 2024) or presenting a declaration of commitment.

How does the points system for opportunity cards work?

The points system becomes relevant only if Option 2 applies to you, meaning you cannot demonstrate having a German qualification or that your foreign qualification is fully recognized. Alongside evidence of formal qualifications and requisite language skills, you must meet the following criteria to accumulate points:

Equivalence of qualification: If your foreign qualification has been found partially equivalent upon application for recognition, you'll receive four points. Similarly, if compensatory measures are required for a regulated profession before acquiring a license, you'll still earn four points.

Shortage occupation qualification: Holding a formal qualification in a shortage occupation grants you one point. To identify such occupations, refer to the List of shortage occupations.

Professional experience: Points are awarded based on your professional experience post-graduation. Two points are granted for a minimum of two years' experience within the last five years. If you possess at least five years' experience within the last seven years, you'll receive three points.

Language proficiency: Additional points are awarded for German language skills beyond level A1 (CEFR). A2 proficiency earns one point, B1 earns two points, and B2 or higher earns three points. An extra point is given for English proficiency at level C1 or higher, or if you're a native speaker.

Age: Two points are awarded to individuals up to 35 years old until the day they reach 35. Those aged between 35 and 40 receive one point.

Previous residency in Germany: Proving legal residence in Germany for at least six months within the last five years earns one point. Examples include study, language, and work stays. Tourism or visitation stays are not considered. Evidence can be provided through old passports containing relevant visas and entry stamps.

Skilled partner potential: If your spouse or partner meets the opportunity card requirements, you'll receive one point. They can also undergo the self-check for the opportunity card.

Please be aware that all details provided in the aforementioned categories must be substantiated with relevant evidence or certificates during the visa application process.

What are the advantages provided by the opportunity card?

Initially, opportunity cards are issued as job search opportunity cards, valid for up to one year. This card enables you to actively search for employment opportunities in Germany, including seeking employment or establishing yourself as self-employed.

During your job search period, you are permitted to engage in one or more part-time jobs (secondary employment) with a combined total of up to 20 hours per week. Additionally, you can participate in job trials for a maximum of two weeks per employer as part of your job search efforts. The objective of these job trials must be to secure qualified employment, an apprenticeship, or enrollment in a qualification program.

To maximize the effectiveness of your job search period, it's advisable to commence preparation as early as feasible. This involves structuring your application in a manner that persuades a German employer. Additionally, identifying key contact points can greatly aid your search. For further details, please consult the Finding a job section.

Should you identify a particular job opportunity, seek an apprenticeship, or aspire to establish yourself as self-employed, you can proceed to apply to your nearby foreigners authority for one of the available residence permits tailored to your situation. These permits may include those for qualified employment, vocational training, professional qualification recognition, or self-employment.

In the event that your job aligns with the criteria for qualified employment, yet you do not qualify for any other residence permit, your opportunity card can be extended for a duration of up to two years through an opportunity card extension.

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