GERMANY LAUNCHES OPPORTUNITY CARD FOR SKILLED WORKERS.

Finding a suitable job in Germany has never been an easier task because of the bureaucratic nature of the processes involved ranging from concern of citizen and naturalization, and spanning to the hassle of visa application/issuance and residency permit, down to health insurance, housing, and rental agreements, and even to the concern of education and student enrollments, etc.

The German government in a bid to remedy acute shortage of skilled labor in the country launched the OPPORTUNITY CARD. For skilled workers who intend to work in Germany, the newest antidote to all these challenges outlined above is the latest opportunity card launched by the government of Germany. 

For skilled workers who intend to work in Germany, the newest antidote to all these challenges outlined above is the latest opportunity card launched by the government of Germany.

WHAT IS OPPORTUNITY CARD ALL ABOUT? The opportunity card is a residency permit that will allow skilled workers from third countries (Non-European Union Countries) to enter Germany to seek employment as announced by the country’s Federal Foreign Office Consular Services Portal on June 1, 2024. It is a program that makes it possible for skilled workers to live and work in Germany as it affords the easiest way for candidates to find work in Germany without having to go through a lengthy recognition procedure.

With the opportunity card, a job seeker is entitled to take two-week trial job or part-time job of up to 20 hours a week and are allowed to stay in Germany for a period of one year which can be extended for a period of additional two years. During the period, the holder of the opportunity card is focused on finding a job.

PRECONDITION FOR THE OPPORTUNITY CARD: To be eligible or merit the opportunity card, candidates will first have to meet certain basic requirements and then score up to six points from the point system. However, if a candidate already has a vocational qualification in Germany, then such person can apply for the opportunity card without having to achieve minimum number of points but must still satisfy the basic requirements. The basic requirements and points are stated below.

Basic requirements: The basic requirements that one must possess include:

 • Sufficient German language skills at A1 or English language skill at B2.

• Minimum of two years vocational training in line with the country of origin.

• Sufficient financial means to cover living expenses for the for the duration of stay in Germany.

Point scale system: Having gotten the basic requirements above, candidates will have to gathered up to six points from the following point scale below.

One point: This is awarded if candidates meet up with the following:

• A very good knowledge of English and reasonable German on a C1 and A2 levels respectively.

 • Candidates not above 40 years and have stayed in Germany for a period of up to six months. Note that a staying period as a tourist is not counted.

• A vocational training/university degree in an area of official labor shortage in Germany.

• When applying for the opportunity card with a spouse.

Two points: Two points are awarded if: 

• Candidates holds professional experience that is preceded by vocational training in the last five years.

 • Candidates not older than 35, also German skill language of level B1

Three points: Three points would be awarded if:

• Candidate has five years professional experience from the last seven years in the learned profession as well as a previous two years of professional training in line with the rules of the country of origin.

• Good German language skills at level B2.

Four Points: A candidate receives four points on the ground that:

• Such candidate is awarded for partial recognition of a foreign professional qualification or for permission to practice a regulated profession like teacher, nurse, or engineer.

With the introduction or emergence of the opportunity card, skilled workers now have a new and easiest way to enter Germany with possibility of a permanent residence permit, income of about 1000 euros per month, working up to 20 hours per week, and a prospect of a qualified part-time/full-time job.

The opportunity card is issued for a period of up to one year, but candidate can obtain a subsequent residence permit for the purpose of further searching or taking up gainful employment from the local foreigners’ authority in Germany.

If you are a skilled worker and you want to leverage this opportunity of working in Germany, then contact us at Macklemore Solutions to handle all the processes for you. We are poised to taking off your shoulders all the hassles involved in the process.

What are you waiting for? Reach out to us now!