The Opportunity Card is issued for a period of one year. If you secure employment during this time, your future residence in Germany won’t rely on the Opportunity Card. However, if you fail to find employment within the year, the permit cannot be automatically extended.

The Opportunity Card eases the process for non-EU nationals to enter Germany, search for employment, and eventually secure permanent residency if they meet the required conditions. It also helps employers gain access to a broader range of skilled workers to fill labor gaps.

Germany is projected to face a shortage of 16 million skilled workers by 2060 if immigration levels don’t increase. Many businesses are already dependent on foreign talent to meet their workforce demands, and the Opportunity Card provides a solution for both applicants and companies.

If you’re outside of Germany, you can apply for the Opportunity Card at the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country. If you’re already in Germany, the application can be submitted at the local Foreigners’ Registration Office.
ides a solution for both applicants and companies.

No, you do not need a permanent job offer to apply for the Opportunity Card. However, you must meet other requirements such as language proficiency, qualifications, and financial stability.

Yes, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week while you search for full-time employment or undergo the recognition process for your qualifications.

The points system evaluates applicants based on criteria such as language skills, professional experience, qualifications, and age. You must accumulate at least six points to qualify for the Opportunity Card.

A recognition partnership allows skilled workers to begin working in Germany while their qualifications are being officially recognized. This partnership involves an agreement between the employer and the worker to complete the recognition process.

Yes, if you find full-time employment and meet the necessary requirements, you can apply for a different residence permit or permanent residency, allowing you to stay in Germany long-term.

Currently, there is no fixed limit on the number of Opportunity Cards issued. However, if demand grows beyond capacity, the German authorities may introduce quotas.

If you previously held an Opportunity Card but left Germany, you can reapply for the card after taking a break of at least one year.

IT professionals are not required to have a formal degree to qualify for the Opportunity Card, but they must demonstrate at least two years of work experience in the field and meet the salary threshold.

Self-employment is not allowed under the Opportunity Card unless you switch to a different residence permit that allows it. However, you are permitted to work part-time or take trial jobs under the Opportunity Card.

No, the Opportunity Card is only valid for employment in Germany. To work in another EU country, you must apply for a separate work permit for that country.

Family reunification is not automatically granted with the Opportunity Card. However, you can apply for family reunification after securing a different residence permit that allows it.

If your qualifications are not immediately recognized, you may apply for a residence permit for a qualification analysis, which will assess your skills and allow you to demonstrate your competence through work samples, interviews, or trial jobs.

To be eligible for the Opportunity Card, you need to meet certain criteria. If you’re a recognized skilled worker, the key requirement is that you can support yourself financially. For applicants going through the points-based system, you must score at least six points. The criteria include:

• Language skills
• Work experience
• Age
• Connection to Germany

You can calculate your points for the Opportunity Card using our online points calculator.

To qualify for the Opportunity Card, you need to demonstrate basic proficiency in German (A1 level) or English (B2 level). The language skills contribute to the points system used to assess applicants. For example, A2-level German will give you one point, B1-level adds two points, and B2-level grants three points. Advanced English proficiency (C1 level) provides an extra point, even if you already have German language skills.

The three main pathways are Skilled Labour (for those with university degrees or recognized vocational training), Experience (for professionals with at least two years of experience), and Potential (points-based, assessing applicants for the Opportunity Card). For the Opportunity Card, you need two years of vocational training, basic language skills (German A1 or English B2), and proof of financial resources through part-time work.

The Experience Pathway requires a degree or vocational training and a job offer in Germany, allowing skilled workers to work in non-regulated professions. The Potential Pathway, via the Opportunity Card, doesn’t require a job offer but needs vocational training, language skills, and financial proof.

The Opportunity Card does not guarantee family reunification unless you switch to a different residence permit. However, if your spouse also applies, children may accompany you.

You must meet certain criteria, such as enhanced language skills or new qualifications. Finding a job in Germany can also help extend your stay or switch to a permanent residence permit.

Yes, it’s valid for one year and can be extended for up to two more years. After leaving Germany, you can reapply after a one-year break.

If you lack formal documentation of your skills, you can apply for a permit for qualification assessment, involving practical evaluations like interviews or work trials. Basic German (A1) is required for this process.

No, the Opportunity Card is only valid in Germany. To work elsewhere, you must apply for permits in other EU countries.

You can access language and integration courses in major cities. These courses help you improve your German and understand the culture, recommended for long-term stays.

The Opportunity Card allows work, not studies. For academic programs, you need to apply separately to universities and may need German language proficiency or transferable credits.

Non-regulated professions like IT or journalism require qualification recognition, assessed by German authorities. Once approved, you can work in Germany and may qualify for a work permit.