Germany, as the strongest economy in Europe, is dependent on highly qualified skilled workers from all over the world to counter demographic change and the shortage of skilled labour. Since 1 June 2024, there has been a promising possibility for many international jobseekers with a university degree or completed vocational training: a visa to look for a job by obtaining an Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte). This special visa allows qualified people from non-EU countries to travel to Germany for a limited period of time to look for a suitable job on site. For people who have already studied, researched or completed a qualification programme in Germany, there is also a simplified option under Section 20 AufenthG to subsequently obtain a visa to search for a job.
At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our German immigration lawyers offer comprehensive legal support in these matters. With many years of experience in German immigration and residence law, we provide expert advice on applying for residence permits. On request, our team will take care of communication with the relevant authorities and ensure that the application is processed quickly. We also offer support with the recognition of foreign qualifications and comprehensive advice on labour law issues such as employment contracts, dismissals and salary issues.
Opportunity Card 2025: New Way for Qualified Professionals to Find a Job in Germany
Since 1 June 2024, new regulations have been in force in Germany for job-seeking stays, which are intended to facilitate access to the labour market for skilled workers from third countries (countries that are neither members of the EU nor the EEA, with the exception of Switzerland). As part of the third stage of the Skilled Labour Immigration Act, the Opportunity Card was introduced. This replaces the previous Job Seeking Visa and enables qualified persons from non-EU countries to enter Germany for a period of up to twelve months in order to find qualified employment or take part in recognition measures.
Like the previous job-seeking visa, the Opportunity Card enables jobseekers from third countries to look for work in Germany without having to have a concrete job offer prior to arrival. A fundamental difference to the previous job-search visa is that not only people with a university degree are eligible to apply, but also those who have completed at least two years of vocational training. In addition, holders of an opportunity card are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week while looking for a job.
Requirements for the Opportunity Card
There are two main options for qualifying for an opportunity card. In both cases, you must also prove that you can support yourself in Germany. This may be through a blocked account or a declaration of commitment.
1st alternative: You are a skilled worker within the meaning of the law, i.e. you have obtained your university or professional qualification in Germany, or your foreign qualification is fully recognised in Germany. If you are soon aiming to obtain your university or professional qualification in Germany, you have the option of applying for a more favourable job-seeking visa in accordance with § 20 AufenthG.
2nd alternative: You can fulfil sufficient requirements within the framework of the points system. If your degree is not fully recognised in Germany, it is still possible to obtain points for other qualifications. Points are awarded for the following criteria:
- For a certain length of professional experience:
- 2 points for two years of professional experience in the last five years,
- 3 points for at least five years of professional experience in the last seven years.
- If the qualification is for a shortage occupation.
- For language skills in German or English:
- 1 point for German language skills at level A2,
- 2 points for German language skills at level B1,
- 3 points for German language skills at level B2 or better,
- 1 point for knowledge of English at level C1 or better.
- If there have been longer (6 months or more) non-tourist stays in Germany in the last five years.
- For age:
- 2 points for people under the age of 35,
- 1 point for persons under 40 years of age,
- as well as for the spouse’s potential as a skilled worker.
Our German immigration and residence lawyers will be happy to check whether you have enough points.
Residence permit to look for a job following a stay in Germany, Section 20 AufenthG
According to § 20 AufenthG, foreigners who have successfully completed a
- degree programme,
- research activity,
- vocational training,
- qualification programme to determine the equivalence of their professional qualification or
- assistant or helper training in a state-recognised or comparably regulated training occupation in a profession in the health and care sector
in Germany can stay for up to 18 months and look for a job if their livelihood is secured. You are free to work during your job search without any restrictions. Our lawyers specialising in immigration and residence law will be happy to advise you on applying for such a residence permit.
What Should I Do When I Find Gainful Employment in Germany?
As soon as you have found a permanent job, you should start applying for a German residence permit. As this process also takes a lot of time and effort, it is important to take the necessary steps in good time. Once you have submitted your application, you are generally allowed to stay in Germany while it is being processed. However, it is advisable not to wait until shortly before your visa expires before submitting your application.
Schlun & Elseven: Comprehensive Support in Residence Law
Setting up a new life in Germany can be a challenging journey. However, with the support of an experienced partner, this process is made much easier. We provide you with personalised advice and take care of the entire application for your residence permit – from the initial assessment to communication with the relevant authorities.
As a multidisciplinary law firm, we also offer you support in other areas such as labour law, company law and family law. So you can concentrate on the essentials: Your professional and personal future in Germany.
Practice Group: Our German Immigration Lawyers
Practice Group:
Our German Immigration Lawyers
Contact Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte
Please use our online form to outline your request to us. After receiving your request, we will make a brief initial assessment based on the facts described and provide you with a cost offer. You can then decide whether you would like to engage our services.
