Germany's new Opportunity Card, effective from June 1, 2024, is designed to facilitate the entry of non-EU citizens into the country for the purpose of finding employment. Here are the key points about the Opportunity Card:
- Purpose and Eligibility: The Opportunity Card allows non-EU citizens to enter Germany without needing a pre-existing employment contract. Its primary aim is to help skilled workers and those meeting specific criteria to find suitable employment within Germany.
- Points System: Applicants must score at least six points in a points system to be eligible for the Opportunity Card. Points are awarded based on factors such as professional qualifications, professional experience, language skills (German and English), and previous stays in Germany.
- Benefits: Holders of the Opportunity Card can stay in Germany for up to a year to search for a job. During this period, they can take up part-time or trial jobs (up to 20 hours per week). Once they secure full-time employment, they can extend their stay and apply for long-term residency more easily.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Skilled workers with a German or foreign university degree or professional qualification do not require additional special requirements.
- Non-skilled workers can obtain the Opportunity Card by meeting the point requirements, which include vocational training, language skills, and financial stability.
- Process: Applicants need to demonstrate their qualifications, language proficiency, and financial stability. The application involves ranking applicants based on the points system, ensuring those with the highest scores are prioritized.
- Long-term Residency: Finding a suitable job while holding the Opportunity Card facilitates the process of obtaining long-term residency in Germany, streamlining the transition from job seeker to resident.
Overall, the Opportunity Card represents Germany's efforts to attract skilled workers and alleviate bureaucratic hurdles for non-EU citizens seeking employment opportunities in the country. Contact EU Helpers for assistance if you are seeking a job in any part of Germany or Europe.