The Opportunity Card has been launched by Germany from 1 June 2024 and the aim is to simplify the process of immigration for skilled professionals from non-EU nations. If you are a professional seeking to immigrate to Germany from India, an Opportunity Card can be a good option for you.

The latest initiative allows eligible candidates to arrive in Germany and look for jobs without the requirement of family sponsorship or a permanent job offer. It marks a major transition in immigration policy and enhances employment prospects for overseas professionals and students.

Benefits of Germany Opportunity Card

The following are Germany Opportunity Card Benefits

  • An easy process for entry:  the process is simplified for lawful arrival in Germany
  • 1-Year Residence Permit: The initial validity is 12 months and there exist extension possibilities
  • Earning Prospects: Potential to earn income of up to 1000 Euros per month
  • Flexible Hours of Work: Even 20 hours of work is authorized that benefits overseas students with employment while studying
  • Job Search Period: Offers time to get a qualified full-time or part-time position

Unique Features

Job offer not required for application

The chief alluring aspect of Opportunity Card is that a job offer is not needed. As indicated by the name itself, the card offers an opportunity to qualified applicants to look for a job opportunity in Germany. They can look for a job after arriving in Germany on this Card.

Simple qualifying criteria

The eligibility criteria for the Opportunity Card in Germany are simplified. Candidates who have vocational or academic qualifications can file an application for this Card. There are two pathways through which applicants can obtain the Opportunity Card.

No compulsory German language skills requirement

One major advantage of the Opportunity card is that there are no mandatory German language skills qualifying criteria. Applicants can qualify even with skills in the English language.

However, if you have skills in the German language at the specified level, this will be an extra advantage. If applicable, you can also score points for this.

Settlement options

Opportunity Card offers amazing settlement options after candidates are successful in getting a job in Germany. This is another major advantage of the Card. Candidates who are in Germany on the Opportunity Card and get a job can apply for the EU Blue Card subject to fulfilling specified criteria.

Qualifying pathways

Germany Opportunity Card is hugely appealing owing to the benefits offered to the applicants. Candidates have to fulfill the specified criteria for eligibility.

Applicants can qualify for the Germany Opportunity Card through any of the two pathways:

First Pathway

For the first pathway, applicants must possess a qualification that is fully accepted in Germany. Candidates who have a Master’s, Bachelor’s, or any other qualification that is acknowledged fully in Germany can qualify for this pathway to Opportunity Card. They can file an application for the Opportunity Card through this pathway.

Second Pathway

The second pathway to becoming eligible for an Opportunity Card is for applicants whose qualifications are partially recognized in Germany. These applicants must also possess compulsory skills in language. They are also required to obtain 6 points. Candidates who fulfill all these criteria can file an application for the Opportunity Card through this pathway.

The compulsory language skills needed for this pathway are proficiency in the German language at the A1 level or proficiency in the English language at the B2 level.

The allocation of points is according to diverse parameters such as recognition of credentials, work experience, proficiency in English language, proficiency in German language, age, spouse, and any lawful stays in Germany previously.

Germany Opportunity Card Points System

The points system is only for those candidates seeking to apply through Pathway-2 for the Opportunity Card. This means they do not have a German qualification or their overseas qualifications are not fully recognized in Germany.

The allocation of points for the Germany Opportunity Card is as follows:

  • 4 Points: Offered to applicants whose professional credentials are recognized in Germany and those who are allowed to practice licensed professions like Teachers, Engineers, and Nurses
  • 3 Points: Offered to applicants who have 5 years of professional experience and 2 years of vocational training and proficiency in the German language at B2 level
  • 2 Points: Offered to applicants who are aged less than 35 years, have the latest vocational training and work experience and have proficiency in the German language at the B1 level
  • 1 Point: Offered to applicants who are aged less than 40 years, have earlier stayed in Germany as non-tourists for a minimum of 6 months, and have proficiency in the German language at A2 level or proficiency in the English language at C1 level

If you wish to apply for a Germany Opportunity Card from India, contact the Top Immigration Consultants in India Nationwide Visas.