Working in Germany with the Opportunity Card.
Opportunity Card Germany
With the Opportunity Card (“Chancenkarte”), candidates can enter Germany to look for a suitable job. They do not have to show proof of a permanent employment contract. The Opportunity Card is issued to candidates recognised as skilled workers or those who score at least six points using the points system. In addition, their means of support must be guaranteed for the duration of their stay.
Some highlights of the Opportunity Card are:
- Easy, fast and legal entry to Germany;
- Possibility of permanent residence in germany;
- Securing your livelihood with a Good Income;
- Immediate work permit after successful application.
Working with the Opportunity Card in Germany
The Opportunity Card makes it easier for candidates to find work in Germany. It enables applicants to work in Germany without a lengthy recognition procedure. The prerequisite is (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 take a two-week trial job or part-time job (up to 20 hours a week). Candidates holding the Opportunity Card are allowed to stay in Germany for one year. During this time, the focus should be on finding a job. It is possible to extend your stay with the Opportunity Card by up to two additional years. ZED Global Consultant’s team can help you submit the correct profile so that your opportunity card visa is a successful journey to Germany.
Who is eligible for the Opportunity Card?
Opportunity card is based on using the points system, you can match the required selection criteria with your own requirements. You must reach a total of six points to secure the Opportunity Card. The basic requirements are
- English language skills at level B2;
- (at least) two years of vocational training or a university degree that is recognised in Pakistan;
- proof of financial capability;
- applicant’s age (at the time of applying).
Advantages of the Opportunity Card
The Opportunity Card allows potential workforce from Pakistan who would like to come and work in Germany. This gives you a one-year residence permit to look for a job. You do not need a permanent employment contract and can void unecessory delays. You can easily apply for the Opportunity Card via the points system and our team can assist you. Furthermore, we have highlighted the following advantages also:
- New and easier way to enter Germany
- 12-month stay in Germany possible, prospect of permanent residence permit
- Work permit for employment up to 20 hours per week
- Chance to find a qualified part-time / full-time job
FAQs
How can I apply for the Opportunity Card?
You can visit the office of ZED Global Consultants at Office no. 506, 5th Floor, Makkah Tower, Adamjee Road, Saddar, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, discuss your current profile. The team at ZED Global will assist you thorugh the process and score your profile. If it is suitable to apply, your application will be submitted for the Opportunity Card at the relevant German mission or German Consulate. If you are already in Germany, simply submit the application to the relevant local Foreigners’ Registration Office.
What is the procedure for applying for the Opportunity Card?
The team at ZED Global Consultants is here to help and guide you through the process of your applicaiton to ensure that the success chances are increased tremendously.
You can contact our office and book an appointment to visit in person. The applcant shall bring along their documents including:
- a valid passport;
- Academic Hisotory & proof of education,
- language skills (if any),
- visa history (if any);
- financial means (salary,savings, etc)
- Previous / Current Employment Details;
- Past work experience details (if any).
Once these documents are shared with our team, we will evaluate your profiel under the points based system and score your profile for eligibility.
When your score is favourable, our team will proceed with the request for submission at the respective embassy. When the embassy calls you for the interview, the applicants take along their filled application and supporting documents.
When can I apply for the Opportunity Card?
The Opportunity Card Program was introduced on 01 June 2024. Therefore it is open for new applications.
Do I need a permanent employment contract if I want to apply for the Opportunity Card?
You do not need an employment contract in Germany if you want to apply for the Opportunity Card nor you need any invitation or work permit.
How do I prove my two-year vocational training?
You can prove your vocational training by means of final certificates or a certificate from your employer. This can be a copy of a training contract or confirmation from the training company.
Which language tests can I use?
To receive the Opportunity Card trough the points system, basic knowledge of German at level A1 or English at level B2 is required. Other language skills play a role in the points system. German at level A2 is awarded one point, German at level B1 is awarded two points, German at level B2 is awarded three points. English language skills at level C1 earn one point (also in addition to German language skills).
To support your English Language skills, you may choose to take an IELTS exam.
Is self-employment also possible under the Opportunity Card?
Self-employment within the scope of the Opportunity Card is possible if you apply for a change to another residence title at the local Foreigners’ Registration Office. Within the framework of the Opportunity Card, employment of up to 20 hours per week and a two-week trial job (an unlimited number of times) are permitted.
Is there the possibility of later admission of family members within the framework of the Opportunity Card?
As the holder of an Opportunity Card, you are not automatically entitled to have your family join you. This is only possible if you change from the Opportunity Card to another residence title. If you apply for the Opportunity Card together with your spouse, children may come to Germany with you.
How long does the process take to get an Opportunity Card?
It can take several weeks or months from the time you apply at the German Mission.
What financial means do I have to prove?
In order to prove sufficient financial means for the Opportunity Card, you usually have to present sufficient bank balances or regular proof of income. In doing so, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to secure your livelihood and, if applicable, that of your family members in Germany without having to rely on public funds from Germany.
The level of financial means that must be proven can vary from case to case. Since 1 January 2024, the assumed annual standard requirement for a blocked account is 12,324 euros per person. The account may only allow the withdrawal of a certain amount per month. However, as mentioned, you may be able to prove your balance or income in other ways.
Another way of proving sufficient income is to sign an employment contract with a German employer for 20 hours per week before applying for the Opportunity Card. The regulations on the type of job are very generous here. For example, you can work in a restaurant or at a bakery. Thanks to the minimum wage that applies in Germany, such an employment contract should also be sufficient for proving financial means to the embassy.
As an Opportunity Card holder, can I also 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 must apply for a separate work permit and residence permit there.
Can you study in Germany with the Opportunity Card?
The Opportunity Card allows you to work in Germany but not to take up studies.