For talented professionals who meet the requirements, the Germany Opportunity Card provides a workable way to gain temporary residency.
With the introduction of the opportunity card by the German government, foreign nationals who possess acknowledged qualifications and abilities can now remain in Germany and look for work without requiring further proof of a permanent employment contract.
The Opportunity Card is available to skilled workers or those who meet the minimum point requirement in the points system which is six. Additionally, they must ensure that they have sufficient funding for their stay in Germany.
Proof of a foreign university degree, an accredited vocational certificate, a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad accreditation, and a basic command of either English (level B2 CEFR) or German (level A1 CEFR) are required for all other applicants.
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Opportunity cards are only good for a maximum of one year if the possessor can make ends meet in that period. The holder may engage in work trials while in Germany or work up to 20 hours per week in secondary employment during that period. The opportunity card may be renewed for an extra two years if the applicant has been provided acceptable employment but is unable to get another resident title for reasons connected to their employment.
With the Opportunity Card, individuals can find employment in Germany more easily. It allows applicants to work in Germany without requiring a protracted recognition process. It is required to have either a university degree or a minimum of two years of vocational training in addition to being fluent in either German (A1) or English (B2).
Germany Opportunity Card Eligibility:
If you are from a nation outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland and want to apply for a German Opportunity Card, you have two options:
Option 1: You hold a foreign professional or academic certification that is fully acknowledged in Germany. Alternatively, you earned your university degree or professional certificate in Germany.
According to Section 20 of the Residence Act If you have completed a vocational or university degree in Germany You will be immediately eligible to apply for a job seeker residence permit. This allows you to work part-time without any restrictions and gives you an additional eighteen months to find work instead of one year.
Option 2: You complete the following criteria and receive at least six points in the scoring system.
You have finished your academic or professional training. The nation in which you earned the qualification needs to accept it. Furthermore, a minimum of two years of occupational training must have been necessary for your vocational qualification. You can apply online at the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) for this qualification which will be necessary to support your visa application.
This qualification may also be acceptable if you have completed Category A vocational education and training at a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK) that satisfies the Vocational Training Act standards.
Points are awarded for things like age, work history, language ability, age recognition of qualifications in Germany, ability to bring spouses or partners and if these requirements are met ties to Germany. Applicants must obtain a minimum of six points to be awarded an opportunity card.
