Opportunity Card aka "Chancenkarte"
The latest attempt of the German government was to introduce this card, which we want to introduce to you. It's all about a residential status exactly between having a work permit with an employer and living at home. You have the chance to co-finance yourself here in Germany. In other words, this is a job-seeking permit allowing you to work for a certain number of hours. This "searching opportunity card" has become valid as of June 1, 2024. It is an opportunity to search, and if at first you do not succeed, you can get an extension for one more year ("follow-up opportunity card")
What are the requirements of an opportunity card?
The requirements of an opportunity card are determined in §20a AufenthG. You
- are a skilled worker,
or - have collected enough points,
- sufficient funds for your livelihood,
and - typically living abroad.
§ - §§§
What is a skilled worker? You know, I would not want to be in Germany if I were not skilled and had the best education from the most expensive school.
Germany wants and needs skilled workers, not untrained ones! Disregarding that, you might be great in your job with years of practical experience. Yet, if you have no diploma, you are a "nobody" for the typical German and mainly the German immigration authorities. However, this new opportunity card opens the door for a "nobody" a bit wider when you have collected enough points. There are two kinds of skilled employees – either with a German or acknowledged academic education, or a German or acknowledged vocational training.
§§
Gee, is there really no chance for me to come to Germany only having practical experience?
You might be formally a nobody, but that does not mean you are without any chance! In this context, it only means you are not eligible for the Opportunity Card.
§§§§
I am supposed to collect six points. Aha. How do I do that?
Immigration authorities also want to ensure you have a realistic chance of getting a job. For this reason, you have to collect points. Points are given for specific skills and maybe even for a previous stay in Germany.
§
Do I have sufficient funds to live? I might work and earn money that way.
You must finance your stay in Germany – from your own resources. You will typically need to show € 14,500 for the whole year, for a single. This can be your savings or other passive income. As you will learn in detail below, you can work during your stay. However, it will not be successful to argue: "I don't have enough savings, but I will work and earn money that way." The idea is not that you may have a job under this permit, but to introduce yourself to your potential employer with real "day-to-day" work and not only promises. During your stay, you can switch such jobs, better worded as "introductions", as quickly as you are dissatisfied with this one employer. The goal is for you to find your "permanent" employer.
§§
You keep mentioning I may or may not work. How much may I work with an Opportunity Card?
The Opportunity Card will allow you to work up to 20 hours weekly. Parallel to that, you may try out "real" employers to determine whether you can make a career with them.
§
Cool. Can I come to start my business this way?
Unfortunately, not! Even if you first came over to find a job, you later decided to start freelancing or open your own company. This will not really be possible. The only legal workaround will be to incorporate without the main applicant having any shares and doubtlessly being hired as a director. N.B. This needs to be discussed! Please book your initial consultation if this is an interesting approach.
§§§§
How easily can I switch employers during my Opportunity Card?
If you do not mutually agree with your employer to end on a specific day, you are supposedly only allowed to work for up to two weeks with the same employer. N.B. This question has not yet been answered in practice.
§§
If I am not successful in finding a job during the first year, can I apply for another opportunity card, so to speak, an extension?
This is generally imaginable. Yet, before going into details, ask yourself: Do I really have the skills needed in Germany? If not, consider trying to find a job elsewhere. You can get an extension if the Labor Agency approves and you do not qualify for any other employment permit. At immigration's discretion, an extension can be granted for up to two years.
§
Will this time go towards permanent residency?
Unfortunately, not: §20a VI AufenthG
§
Must I come alone, or may my family follow my journey to Germany?
Unfortunately, your "better half" and minor kids cannot yet follow you. However, once you apply for a real residence permit, you can relocate to Germany.
§