How to apply for the Opportunity Card of Germany?

Applying for the opportunity card of Germany has been made easy according to the new rules. Paying €75, having a degree or vocational qualification, and language proficiency are the basic prerequisites of the job search opportunity card in Germany.

Since the opportunity card job search visa of one year will begin on 1 June 2024, applicants can well in advance prepare their documents to apply for the visa. To submit the visa application for this applicants need to understand the the following:

• requirements of the opportunity card;
• understanding the qualification recognition system;
• points-based system of the opportunity card;
• qualification required for the opportunity card;
• understanding points calculator for the opportunity card;
• cost of the whole process;
• processing times; and
• lodging the visa applications.

Step 1- Check the requirements of the opportunity card

Immigrants from third countries need a visa to enter Germany to look for a job. The newly introduced opportunity card provides an opportunity to find work in Germany according to skills and occupation to be an eligible skilled worker.

You should check the following requirements if you are interested in applying for the opportunity card:

Qualifications

There are three scenarios of qualifications as eligibility factors:

1. Educational qualification gained in Germany or full equivalence of qualification obtained abroad (recognition from Germany), or 

2. Government-recognized higher education or vocational qualification abroad (for vocational qualifications: at least two years training period): Apply for information from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB), or 

3. Professional qualification positively recognized by the BIBB from a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK) of category A: ask the AHK about the requirements.

If you qualify from the above-mentioned point 1, you directly qualify to apply for the opportunity card.

For above mentioned points 2 and 3, you further:

• you should score 6 points from the available points;
• you should have language proficiency either in English language at level B2 or German language A1.

You must also show for all above mentioned qualification eligibility scenarios, that you have enough financial resources for living costs in Germany.  You need to show it through a blocked bank account with a minimum of €11,208 per person. You can also prove it by having a “Statement of Declaration” (verpflichtungserklärung) which means a person in Germany can bear the cost of living for you. In this case, that person should be working full-time and earning enough money to be your financial sponsor. If you have a part-time job offer (20 hours per week) off from Germany, you do not need to prove financial requirements through the blocked account.

Step 2- Arrange documents

Once you qualify under the points-based system or full qualification recognitions, arrange all required documents to apply for the visa, the major required documents:

Mandatory documents

• attested copies of educational documents;
• in all 3 scenarios, which are above mentioned, you should arrange either your qualifications’ recognition from Germany or a degree, or vocational qualification from your country of origin;
• work experience certificates;
• language proficiency certificates.

Points scoring documents

• proof of work experience of 2 or 5 years. This can be in the form of a work experience confirmation letter from your current or previous employer;
• the documents related to the spouse if applying with you;
• proof of your previous stay in Germany for a minimum of six months if you want to get 1 extra point (it is however not mandatory). Please note the tourist stay cannot be accepted towards the proofs;
• proof of German language proficiency at CEFR level A2 to B2, or the English language at CEFR level C1 (for extra points only);
• proof of vocational training report from ZAB Germany; or
• proof of university degree qualification.

Step 3- Arrange an appointment and apply for an opportunity card

When you have completed above mentioned steps, arrange an appointment in the German embassy or consulate. Prepare well for this task as you may be in some countries asked to attend an interview. On the given day, apply to all the required documents. You must also pay a €75 fee as the processing charges.

Step 4- Getting the visa

You are awarded visa approval from the embassy. This is a sticker that is labeled on your passport. It is a national visa “D” type. This is then converted into a residence permit when you reach Germany.

Step 5- Enter Germany

Based on the visa label on your passport, you can enter Germany. Once you reach Germany, you should follow the following process:

• register your address at the local council office “Rathaus”;
• once you get the required job according to your qualifications you should get the work contract from the new employer;
• book appointment at the foreigner’s authority (Ausländerbehörde);
• submit the required documents and you will be awarded a residence permit;
• you will have to pay an extra amount of €100;
• if you cannot find a job in the first year of your stay in Germany, you can also apply for an extension of the opportunity card.