How To Apply For Germany's New Opportunity Card

How To Apply For Germany's New Opportunity Card

Staying in one place for too long can trigger a desire to move on, particularly when you're eager for growth and fresh opportunities. If you find yourself feeling stuck or uninspired, it could be the ideal time to seek out a change of scenery.

And Germany might just be the next destination to consider, especially with the introduction of its "Opportunity Card" visa system.

Recently launched under Germany's Residence Act, the "Opportunity Card" opens doors for skilled workers from countries like the Philippines to explore job opportunities that align with their expertise in Germany. This new initiative, introduced in June 2024, aims to facilitate easier access and integration into Germany's workforce for non-EU citizens.

Are You Qualified For Germany's Opportunity Card?

The Opportunity Card offers two eligibility options:

1. Skilled Workers: Individuals with foreign professional or academic qualifications recognized by Germany are eligible. Alternatively, if you obtained your degree or professional certification within Germany, you qualify for an express pass.
2. Job Seekers Via Point System: If you do not qualify under [1], you can still apply under the condition of meeting the language proficiency requirement. This includes demonstrating German language skills at A1 level or English proficiency at B2 level, and providing proof of partial recognition or confirmation of your foreign qualification. You must also achieve a score of 6 points in the designated points system.

The Point System, According To The German Embassy

• Partial recognition of the qualification in Germany: 4 points
• Advanced language skills:
  • German language skills B2: 3 points, or
  • German language skills B1: 2 points, or
  • German language skills A2: 1 point, or
  • English language skills C1: 1 point.
• Professional experience in the desired field
  • of 5 years in the last 7 years: 3 points, or
  • of 3 years in the last 5 years: 2 points
• Professional qualification in a shortage occupation, e.g. as a natural scientist, mathematician, engineer, doctor, ICT specialist, etc. A complete list of occupations can be found here.
• Age:
  • Under 35 years of age: 2 points,
  • Between 35 and 40 years of age: 1 point
• Previous stay in Germany in the last 5 years of 6 months uninterrupted: 1 point
• Spouse applies for the opportunity card together and has achieved at least 6 points themselves: 1 point

Take note: The Opportunity Card allows for part-time employment of up to 20 hours per week and trial employment for a maximum of two weeks. Once you secure a full-time job with an employer in Germany, you can apply directly for your residence permit and work permit at the appropriate local foreigner's authority.

Required Documents You Need To Apply For The Germany Opportunity Card

Note that you need one original and one copy of each document in A4 paper format:

• Your valid passport
• One print-out of your duly filled and signed application form
• Two biometrical passport photos, one of which glued to the application forms
• Visa fee of 75 Euros, payable in PHP
• Diploma
• For recognized skilled workers: Proof of the equivalence of your degree with a German degree, e.g. the KMK ZAB recognition letter with confirmation of the equivalence of the university degree or the two Anabin extracts for university (H+) and degree (equivalent to the German university degree) or the recognition notice from the IHK FOSA for vocational training degrees or the notice from the relevant state authority for regulated professions.
• For applicants with partial recognition of their foreign degree: corresponding notice with partial recognition of the equivalence of the degree by
  • the KMK ZAB (for academic professions in Germany), OR
  • the FOSA (for vocational professions in Germany), OR
  • the relevant state authority (for all regulated professions in Germany)
• For applicants without German recognition of their degree: confirmation from the competent German body (KMK ZAB) that the qualification requirements are met
• Curriculum vitae in tabular form
• Motivation letter
• Proof of finances:
  • Formal obligation according to §§ 66-68 AufenthG with a confirmation of the declarant’s financial capacity by the local Immigration ("Ausländerbehörde")
  • OR proof of a blocked bank account in your name with an amount of 1027 Euro per months of your stay in Germany. For further information concerning a blocked account in Germany, please see here.
  • Work contract for a partial employment of up to 20 hours per week that covers your cost of living in Germany. 
• For applicants with partial recognition or without recognition of their degree: German language certificate A1 or higher from an ALTE-certified language school (Goethe Institute, ÖSD, telc, TestDaF, ECL) or English language certificate B2 or higher from an ALTE-certified language school (alternatively TOEFL with over 87 points). The certificate should not be older than one year.
• For applicants with partial recognition or without recognition of their degree: Proof of professional experience (employment references), if available.
• For applicants with partial recognition or without recognition of their degree: Proof of previous stay in Germany (employment contracts, rental contracts, old passports with visas, proof of studies, etc.), if available. 
• Proof of planned accommodation in Germany
• Proof of health insurance coverage
  • Incoming Health Insurance in type and scope of health insurance coverage corresponding to that of a statutory health insurance, covering your whole stay in Germany.

Your application must be submitted personally at the German Embassy. Once you have obtained all necessary documents, please register for an appointment here.

Important Reminders for Your Opportunity Card Application:

1. Please ensure your application is complete, as incomplete submissions may lead to rejection based on the documents provided.
2. For assistance with your professional recognition procedure, you can contact the Service Centre for Professional Recognition.
3. Foreign documents not issued in the Philippines or Germany must be legalized or apostilled.
4. Documents in languages other than German or English must be translated by a recognized translator.
5. Please be aware that the Embassy may request additional documents during the evaluation process.