The German government has started issuing the ‘Chancenkarte’ or ‘Opportunity Card’ from June 1 to address the country’s shortage of workers and skilled workers, after which non-Europeans are now eligible. Working legally in Germany can be a bit easier.
The Opportunity Card makes it easier for candidates to find work in Germany. This enables applicants to work in Germany without lengthy identification procedures. Prerequisites are (at least) two years of vocational training or a university degree and sufficient knowledge of German (A1) or English (B2)!
The Opportunity Card entitles the holder to a two-week trial job or a part-time job (up to 20 hours a week). Candidates holding an opportunity card are allowed to stay in Germany for up to one year. In the meantime, they can focus on job hunting. It is possible to extend your stay for up to two additional years with the Opportunity Card. You can apply for this at the local foreigner registration office.
Below we provide a translation of the information about this card taken from the website ‘Chanson Kart’ for Sangat Mag readers. At the end of this article, there are also detailed answers to important questions you may have in mind
In German its name is Chansonkart. This is a residence permit to stay in Germany, allowing non-European workers to come to Germany to look for work.
Under this new scheme, eligible persons will be able to find a job while staying in Germany for a period of one year. During their stay for the purpose of seeking employment, the holders of the Opportunity Card will be eligible for part-time employment and can work up to 20 hours a week. Apart from this, they will be able to work there for two weeks on a trial basis to get a new job.
The Opportunity Card is a points-based system, similar to the ‘green card’ used in the US, that allows professionals with specialized skills to come to the US.
A points system can be used to determine whether you are eligible for an Opportunity Card based on your qualifications, education and circumstances.
You need a minimum of six points to get an opportunity card, but the good thing is that if you have a professional qualification that is recognized in Germany, you can do so without getting the minimum points. Can apply for opportunity card as a skilled worker.
Whether you are a skilled person or you wish to get a chance card under the points system, you must fulfill the following basic conditions:
To get an opportunity card, you must have completed your degree or at least two years of training in a skill recognized by the country.
In order to obtain this card, you must either speak German or have a B-level command of English under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
In addition, the applicant must prove that they have enough financial resources to cover their expenses until they find a job in Germany.
Adnan Hussain, associated with the Cass consultant firm, says, “This card is a particularly good opportunity for young people, who previously had to wait to get sponsorship for a job or go on a visit visa to find a job there. Try to.”
He said, “Now you can go to Germany without any sponsorship and look for jobs under the points system like in Canada.”
It should be noted that this card is based on a points system, according to this system a person has to earn at least six points to get a chance card if they meet the basic conditions:
● Educational qualifications: If you can prove your educational qualifications to German standards and establish partial equivalence as a result, you will be eligible for four points.
● Vocational qualification: You will receive one point if you are qualified in a profession for which there is a shortage of skilled workers in Germany.
● Professional Experience: You will be eligible to earn two points if you have acquired at least two years of professional experience relevant to your qualification in the last five years. And if you have at least three years of professional experience in the last seven years, you get three points.
Four points are awarded for partial recognition of a foreign professional qualification or for permission to practice a formal profession (eg teacher, nurse or engineer). Very few applicants meet these criteria.
● Language Proficiency: One point if you have Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level A2 proficiency in German, two points for B1 level and B2 or above. Three points will be awarded for You can also get an extra point if you have a C1 or higher level of English language skills.
● Age: If you are under thirty-five years of age, you get two points, while thirty-five to forty-year-olds get one point.
●Your connection to Germany: If you have lived legally in Germany for at least six months in the last five years, you will get one point. This includes accommodation for education, language acquisition or gainful employment. It does not include visits made for tourist and recreational purposes.
● Joint Application: If you apply for an Opportunity Card jointly with your spouse, one of you can get an extra point provided you meet all other conditions.
Advantages of Opportunity Card:
Are you from a non-EU country and want to work in Germany? Take advantage of the Opportunity Card Germany, which gives you a one-year residence permit to look for a job. You do not need a permanent employment contract! You can easily apply for Opportunity Card through points system.
Finding a suitable job in Germany has never been easier. The points system with the Opportunity Card allows you to enter without a fixed employment contract.
Benefits of Opportunity Card at a Glance:
New and easy way to enter Germany
12 months stay in Germany possible, permanent residence permit possible
income more than 1000 euros per month.
Work permit for employment up to 20 hours per week
Opportunity to find an eligible part-time / full-time job.
Frequently Asked Questions
● How do I apply for an Opportunity Card?
You can apply for an Opportunity Card at the relevant German mission abroad in your home country (for example, at a German embassy or a German consulate). If you are already in Germany, simply submit an application to the relevant local foreigner registration office.
In this case, please note that you must already have a valid residence permit or visa. To get an Opportunity Card, you must meet the necessary requirements and, if applicable, provide evidence, for example, of your professional experience (vocational training + work experience) or your language skills ( German A1 or English B2). You should also have sufficient financial resources. For example, you can prove through an employment contract for part-time employment (up to 20 hours a week).
● What is the procedure for applying for an Opportunity Card?
You can apply for an Opportunity Card at the German mission abroad in your home country. To do this, you must fill out an application and have a valid passport. You should also have proof of your education, language skills, previous experience, etc. You should also have sufficient financial resources. You can prove your financial security through an employment contract for part-time work (up to 20 hours a week). If you are interested in such a part-time job, please register for our newsletter.
The responsible authority checks how far the applicant meets the criteria (based on points system). Applicants should carry appropriate evidence (employment references, certificates). If you have already lived in Germany for a long time, for example, you can prove residence with the help of rental agreements, employment contracts or utility bills.
● When can I apply for an opportunity card?
From June 1, 2024, the application process for an Opportunity Card has begun at the local foreigner registration office or at the relevant German mission abroad in your home country. It expands the previous Skilled Immigration Act (in force from 1 March 2020) to include another title of residence for eligible non-EU nationals. Although the Skilled Immigration Act facilitates entry and residence, the Opportunity Card is clearly intended to help those who do not yet have a permanent employment contract in Germany and wish to find a job locally. .
● How can I prepare for an Opportunity Card in advance?
To get an Opportunity Card, you must submit an application to a German mission abroad (for example, a German embassy or a German consulate). To do this, you should have important documents ready, such as your passport as well as proof of language skills and your professional training. You will also need them for the next steps with the Aliens Registration Office.
The basic requirements for the Opportunity Card are language skills in German (A1) or English (B2) and (at least) two years of vocational training or a university degree. You should also have sufficient financial resources. For example, this can be evidenced by an employment contract for part-time employment (up to 20 hours a week). If you cannot prove that you have the language skills or professional qualifications required by the laws of your home country, you must meet these criteria before applying for an Opportunity Card.
● Is the Opportunity Card comparable to the Green Card?
A green card is a residence permit for the United States subject to strict conditions. A job-based green card requires a job offer, while a family-based green card can be applied for by family members in the US state. There is also a lottery process through which applicants can win a green card. U.S. citizenship can be obtained through a green card after about three to five years.
In Germany, the Opportunity Card differs from the Green Card in that it allows a one-year residence period. You don’t have to have a job offer or an employment contract or a family relationship. However, you must score at least six points in the points system for the Opportunity Card.
●Do I need a permanent employment contract if I want to apply for an Opportunity Card?
If you want to apply for an opportunity card, you do not need an employment contract in Germany. However, you must have sufficient language skills (German A1 or English B2) and (at least) two years of professional training or a university degree according to the laws of your home country. You should also have sufficient financial resources. For example, this can be evidenced by an employment contract for part-time employment (up to 20 hours a week).
After obtaining an Opportunity Card, you will receive a 12-month residence permit. During this time, you can find a suitable job here or get your professional qualifications recognized retrospectively. You are allowed two weeks of work on a trial basis as well as part-time employment of 20 hours per week. Hours can be distributed flexibly.
● What are the criteria for Opportunity Cards?
According to the points system, you must earn at least six points to get the opportunity card. The criteria are: language skills, work experience, age, link to Germany
● What are my employment options?
After obtaining the Opportunity Card, you will receive a 12-month residence permit for Germany. During this period, you are allowed to search for suitable employment. Possible areas of activity are two-week trial jobs and part-time jobs with up to 20 hours per week. Trial work must be qualifying or intended for subsequent training. If you get a part-time / full-time job, you have to apply for another (longer) residence title for Germany at your local foreigners’ registration office. We assume that this change of residence title will be possible quickly and without bureaucracy.
● How can I prove my stay in Germany for the last six months?
For example, you can prove your previous residence in Germany through a tenancy agreement. In this regard, service charge statements received by you during the tenancy also apply. Employment contract and service contract as well as payment of wages also count as evidence. Tourist stays are excluded.
● What is an identity partnership?
With the so-called recognition partnership, the process of identifying the applicant begins only in Germany. Applicants’ qualifications are subsequently recognized through an accreditation process. In return, applicants are allowed to obtain a qualified job in Germany from day one. Recognition partnerships allow so-called “post-qualification” with the help of a relevant agreement between the employer and the applicant. In a written agreement, both must state that they will carry out this procedure as soon as possible. or should be able to provide a subsequent qualification.
● What is a skilled worker?
In Germany, a skilled worker is someone who has a recognized vocational training or university degree in Germany. As a recognized skilled worker, you get an instant (without points system) Opportunity Card and can also get qualified employment in the future. With a recognition partnership, you can have your professional qualifications recognized retrospectively so that you can work in Germany immediately after entering the country.
● What is skilled employment?
With vocational training, you can get a decent job as a skilled worker. After applying for the relevant residence permit, you can later have your qualifications recognized in Germany through a recognition partnership. To work in a regulated profession (eg in the health sector) you need a professional practice permit. This must be obtained before the residence permit. If you have a foreign university degree, you can apply for a “European Blue Card” to obtain a qualified job in Germany. The Federal Employment Agency (BA) will check that your qualifications are suitable for your future job. It comes from employment.
You are eligible for an “EU Blue Card” if you meet the minimum salary threshold of 55,200 euros per year (source: Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community) and if you can prove that you have completed a university degree. Special rules apply to certain professions (doctors, skilled workers in the natural sciences and mathematics, and IT professionals): here, an annual gross salary of 43,056 euros is sufficient (source: Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community). IT workers do not need to provide proof of their education to work in Germany, they just need a solid job offer with an annual gross salary of at least 52,560 euros.
● How do I prove my two-year professional training?
You can prove your professional training with a final certificate or a certificate from your employer. This can be a copy of the training contract or a confirmation from the training company. Additionally, an accredited institution not yet defined by the German government will have to confirm “state recognition.” We are working on listing relevant training courses for selected countries. You can read more about it in our blog. With an identity partnership, you can prove your professional competence retrospectively.
● What does it mean that my vocational training must be recognized by the state?
In order to obtain a recognition partnership or opportunity card, you must prove that your professional qualifications are recognized by the state. Not necessarily in your country of origin, but in the country where you completed your training. Here “state-recognised” means that your qualification is based on state legislation and has been awarded to you by an authorized person. The certificate is either vocational training (minimum of two years) or university. can be based on the degree of
● What language tests can I use?
To obtain an Opportunity Card, a basic knowledge of German at level A1 or English at level B2 is required. Second language skills play a role in the points system. German at level A2 is given one point, German at B1 level is given two points, German at B2 level is given three points. English language skills at level C1 earn one point (except for German language skills).
German test GER
Consists of four areas: listening, reading, speaking and writing
Six levels (like all German tests)
Free online placement test
A-1 (understand simple German sentences)
A-2 (basic knowledge)
B-1 (intermediate)
B Two (Good Intermediate)
C One (Advanced Knowledge)
C Two (Excellent Knowledge / Mother Tongue Level)
Goethe Certificate
German Test at the Goethe Institute
It should be noted that online courses of Goethe Institute are available.
Internationally recognized certificate
Free placement test
Choose a language course at your level
(A1 – A2 for beginning language, B1 – B2 for advanced knowledge, C1 – C2 as final level)
for all levels Later exams are available.
Costs around 100-300 euros.
Test German as a Foreign Language TestDaF
German language skills tested at competency level B2 – C1.
Offered in over 1000 test centers worldwide.
Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Written Expression, Oral Expression tests
are available digitally.
It costs about 215 euros.
DSD/German Language Diploma of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs
Designed for foreign students.
Exams twice a year in specialized DSD schools worldwide
Two diplomas available: DSD1, DSD2
Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Written Expression, Oral Expression
Free of charge
Suitable for candidates at language level A2, B1, B2, C1.
English Test
TOEFL/Test of English as a Foreign Language
At specialized test centers the online
duration of about 4 hours
reading comprehension, listening comprehension, speaking (conversation) and written expression (essay)
costs about 200 euros.
Important: Attendance at short notice is not possible. If you need a TOEFL certificate, you should register at the test center in good time.
International English Language Testing System IELTS
British English as well as American English test
duration approximately three hours
Two types: general (for foreigners and people who want to live abroad for a long time) and academic (for students who want to apply to a foreign university)
Listening (understanding), reading (understanding), writing (sentencing), speaking (conversation)
cost about 226 euros.
Provided by the British Council, available in 17 cities in Germany.
Cambridge Certificate
● How is the European Blue Card related to the Opportunity Card? What special rules apply to IT professionals?
As a foreign IT professional, you do not need a university degree or formal vocational training to obtain an “EU Blue Card”. For example, only an “informal qualification”, i.e. two years Professional experience (at academic level), must be proven by employer’s certificate. A fixed employment contract specifying a gross annual income of more than 40,000 euros is required. In the case of collective bargaining agreements, low income is also sufficient as evidence.
● What are the rules for a 20-hour part-time job?
Is self-employment possible under Opportunity Card?
Self-employment is possible under the scope of the Opportunity Card if you apply for a change to another title of residence at the local foreigner registration office. Within the framework of the Opportunity Card, up to 20 hours of employment per week and two weeks of trial employment (unlimited number of times) are permitted.
● What rules apply to probationary employment?
With an Opportunity Card, you are allowed to do an unlimited number of trial jobs that last for two weeks. The trial work must be employable or aimed at the possibility of subsequent training so that you can obtain possible follow-up residency titles. In principle, you can switch between different test jobs without any problems.
● How do I prove that I am a “skilled worker”?
As a skilled worker, you must have a professional qualification or a university degree. You do not need to be a recognized skilled worker to apply for an Opportunity Card. Instead, you have to prove that you have completed (at least) two years of professional training / university degree according to the laws of your country. A certificate of completion or a written confirmation from your employer or training institution can serve as proof.
This does not apply to IT professionals, who do not need to prove a university degree or professional training, but must provide two years of professional experience and a current employment contract. You can later have your professional qualifications recognized in Germany through a recognition partnership. If you do not have the relevant documents required for proof, a competency analysis may be an option.
● How can I get my professional training recognized?
With a recognition partnership, you can have your degree recognized in Germany and work at the same time. The identification process starts just for you in Germany, so you can find work from day one. “Post-qualification” is supported by the employer and must be applied for at the relevant foreign registration office or at the German mission abroad in the home country.
For the identification procedure, you must provide proof of your professional training and work experience, for example a written confirmation from your workplace. If this evidence is missing, a competency analysis can be considered, with which you can prove your knowledge and skills in practice.
● Is the number of Opportunity Cards limited each year?
German authorities can issue as many opportunity cards as they want. However, this may change if demand is high. If there is a high demand for opportunity cards, the authorities are allowed to set a certain quota.
● From which countries can I apply for an Opportunity Card?
If you are from a non-European country, you can apply for an Opportunity Card. To do this, you must submit an application to the German mission in your country and provide proof in the form of language skills and professional experience. You can earn opportunity cards through points system. Calculate your points for the chance card now!
● What are the three pillars of immigration?
With the skilled labor pillar, skilled workers with a university degree or recognized vocational training can immigrate to Germany in order to find gainful employment. The purpose of the experience pillar is to make it easier for foreigners to enter Germany by not requiring a university degree, but two years of professional experience. With the potential pillar, persons from third countries can prove their skills and knowledge through a points system for the Opportunity Card.
The basic requirement is (at least) two years of professional training according to the rules of the country of origin, as well as sufficient language skills (German A1 or English B2). To get an Opportunity Card, you must have sufficient financial resources. This is possible with part-time employment (up to 20 hours a week). Evidence of this can be provided, for example, by an employment contract that you have concluded before applying for an Opportunity Card. If you are interested in such a part-time job, please register for our newsletter.
● Is there a possibility of subsequent entry of family members within the framework of the opportunity card?
As an Opportunity Card holder, you are not automatically eligible to have your family join you. This is only possible if you convert from Opportunity Card to another residential title. Children can come with you to Germany if you apply for an Opportunity Card together with your spouse.
● How long does it take to get a chance card?
It can take several weeks or months from the time you apply at your relevant foreign registration office or at the German mission abroad in your home country until you receive a residence permit in Germany with an Opportunity Card. . The German authorities undertake to process the permit as quickly as possible and to check your documents as soon as possible.
●How does the transfer from Opportunity Card to Permanent Resident Permit work?
You must apply for another permit or for a permanent residence title in Germany at the local foreigners’ registration office. You can convert from an Opportunity Card to a follow-up residence title if you meet the criteria for other residence titles. This could be language skills or specialist knowledge in your profession. If you have found a part-time or full-time job in Germany with an Opportunity Card, this counts as a criterion for extending your stay in Germany. Changing residence title for regular employment is uncomplicated.
●Can I extend the opportunity card?
The duration of stay in Germany with the Opportunity Card is exactly one year. An extension of up to two years is possible under certain circumstances. If you already have an Opportunity Card but have since left Germany, you can apply again (after a gap of at least one year).
● What is a residence permit application for the purpose of competency analysis?
If you cannot prove your degree or professional experience with the necessary documents, you can test your skills and knowledge within the framework of a competence analysis in Germany. You should apply for the relevant residence title for this at the relevant foreign registration office. In doing so, you must prove that your vocational training qualifies you for a qualified job in Germany. You must have at least a sufficient knowledge of German (A1), as your proficiency will be tested in German.
With a competency assessment, you can have your vocational training recognized by the state in Germany. Your skills and knowledge are tested practically in a technical interview, through work samples or through trial work at the company. This is not a test but a practical proof of your ability. After a successful competency analysis, you will be granted full or partial recognition.
● What financial means do I have to prove?
To prove sufficient financial means for an Opportunity Card, you usually need to present a sufficient bank balance or regular proof of income. In doing so, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to secure your livelihood and, if applicable, your family members in Germany without relying on public funds from Germany.
The level of financial means that must be proven may vary from case to case. From 1 January 2023, the assumed annual standard requirement for a so-called blocked account is 12,324 euros per person. The account can only allow withdrawals of a certain amount per month. However, as mentioned, you can prove your balance or income in other ways.
Another way to prove sufficient income is to sign a 20-hour-per-week employment contract with a German employer before applying for an Opportunity Card. The regulations on type of employment are very liberal here. For example, you can work in a restaurant or bakery. Thanks to the minimum wage applicable in Germany, such an employment contract must also be sufficient to prove financial means to the embassy.
● As an Opportunity Card holder, can I work in other EU countries?
No, the Opportunity Card is limited to Germany and does not automatically entitle you to work in other EU countries. If you also want to work in other EU countries, you will need to apply for a separate work permit and residence permit there. However, there are various EU regulations that make it easier to work in other EU countries, especially if you already work or have lived in another EU country. Check with the competent authorities in the relevant EU country.
●How can I learn German with a chance card in Germany?
For opportunity card holders there should be integration courses and language courses in Germany where you can acquire basic language skills and knowledge of the country. Such courses are available in virtually every major city and are offered regularly. If you want to stay in Germany for a long time, you should take advantage of this offer.
● Can you study in Germany with an Opportunity Card?
The Opportunity Card allows you to work in Germany but not to study. If you want to study in Germany, you must apply for and be accepted into a degree program. There are specific requirements and procedures for this, which may vary from university to university. You must also prove that you have sufficient knowledge of the German language or take a language test. If you have already completed vocational training or a degree in your home country, parts of your training or studies can be combined into a degree program in Germany.
● What is the application for determining equivalence for unorganized occupations?
An application to determine equivalence for unregulated professions is a procedure that enables immigrants to have their professional qualifications acquired abroad recognized in Germany. In particular, it refers to professions that are not protected by specific professional regulations or laws. Such an application can be made, for example, for professions such as journalist, IT professional or management consultant. The procedure for determining equivalence is carried out by the competent bodies in the relevant German federal state and is usually related to the professional qualifications and training of the applicant. If equivalence is established, the applicant can use the qualification in Germany and, if applicable, obtain a work permit
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