The second and newly-announced Highly Skilled Work Visa in Germany, also know as the Opportunity Card in Germany, offers a pathway for skilled workers from non-EU countries to enter Germany for job seeking purposes, even without a specific job offer or university degree.
MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT
The Opportunity Card program in Germany provides a chance for skilled workers from non-EU countries to live in Germany for up to one year while searching for employment. This program is designed to attract talented individuals who can contribute to Germany's economy and fill skill gaps in various sectors.
Visão geral
A pathway to job seeking and potential employment for skilled workers in Germany
Requisitos de elegibilidade
Individuals with vocational training or a university degree, two years experience, and B2 level German or English language skills. Proven training plus two years experience
Restrições do ancestral da âncora
Meses para a cidadania
Duração do visto
1 year, with possibility of extension
Meses para o visto
2-3 months
Requisito de presença física
Must reside in Germany during the job search period
Disponibilidade
Moderate
Bolsa Família
Cônjuge e filhos
Visão geral
Submit application at the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence, or at the local Foreigners' Registration Office if already present in Germany.
Dúvidas?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How is the points-based system for the Opportunity Card calculated?
Points are awarded based on qualifications, work experience, language skills, age, and connection to Germany.
Can I bring my family members with me on an Opportunity Card?
No, the Opportunity Card is designed for individual job seekers. Family members may join later if you secure long-term employment.
Do I need a job offer to apply for the Opportunity Card?
No, the Opportunity Card allows you to enter Germany without a job offer to search for employment.
Can I work while holding the Opportunity Card?
Yes, you can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) and engage in trial work periods of up to two weeks.
Can Opportunity Card holders apply for permanent residency in Germany?
Yes, if you find suitable employment, you can transition to a work permit and potentially apply for permanent residency after meeting the required residence period and other conditions.
benefits
The program offers numerous advantages for skilled workers looking to establish their career in Germany's dynamic and innovative environment.
Access to EU's largest economy
Strong job market for skilled workers
High quality of life
Low cost of application
Long term program (compared to other Skilled Worker Visas)
Online Submission Allowed
Países com isenção de visto
161
Passport Validity
10 years, 6 years for those under 24
Visão geral
Germany offers excellent career opportunities, high quality of life, and a supportive environment for skilled professionals.
Benefícios:
Vantagens:
Dúvidas?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How is the points-based system for the Opportunity Card calculated?
Points are awarded based on qualifications, work experience, language skills, age, and connection to Germany.
Can I bring my family members with me on an Opportunity Card?
No, the Opportunity Card is designed for individual job seekers. Family members may join later if you secure long-term employment.
Do I need a job offer to apply for the Opportunity Card?
No, the Opportunity Card allows you to enter Germany without a job offer to search for employment.
Can I work while holding the Opportunity Card?
Yes, you can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) and engage in trial work periods of up to two weeks.
Can Opportunity Card holders apply for permanent residency in Germany?
Yes, if you find suitable employment, you can transition to a work permit and potentially apply for permanent residency after meeting the required residence period and other conditions.
REQUIREMENTS
Check if you qualify based on your family history
PROCESS
Initial Assessment
• Verify qualification requirements
• Check salary thresholds
• Review work experience criteria
Employer Sponsorship
• Secure qualifying job offer
• Obtain employer sponsorship
• Complete labor market test (if required)
Documentation
• Gather qualification certificates
• Prepare employment contract
• Complete skills assessment
• Obtain professional registrations
Application
• Submit visa application
• Complete health checks
• Provide biometrics
Relocation
• Receive work visa approval
• Register with authorities
• Complete workplace onboarding
PROCESS
DOCUMENTS
Passport+Biometrics
Applicant's Birth Certificate+Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)
Not applicable
Not applicable
Applicant must prove to have sufficient financial support to support the entire stay in the country
DOCUMENTS
Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences
Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization
Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates
Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)
Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests
Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees
Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services
Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services
Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates
Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees
Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees
Rankings
104
Classificação geral
Cost
Based on application fee
Residency Requirements
Based on residency requirements
Residency Privileges Length
Based on programs’s term
Processing Speed
Based on estimated processing time
Requisitos de elegibilidade
Based on entry requirements
Program Stability
Based on years of activity
Time to Permanent Residency
Based on permanent residency timeline
Rankings
Safety
20
Custo de vida
21
Quality of Life
9
Healthcare Quality
20
Internet Speed
57
Human Freedom
21
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