RELOCATE TO GERMANY FOR WORK

Opportunity Card

According to Germany’s Federal Labour Minister, Hubertus Heil in November 2023[1], about 17 million positions are vacant in Germany and there would be more retirees than young people entering the work force in the coming years. Hence, Germany is not only opening its doors to receiving skilled workers from third countries, but also simplifying the process, in order to attract qualified professionals.

Amongst all the other aspects of the New Skilled Immigration Act[2], the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is going to make it possible for skilled immigrants from third countries to travel to Germany (even when they have no job contract secured directly in Germany from their countries), to search for a job on ground.

How it works

Full recognition of qualifications in Germany (according to the Residence Act) [3]

Attained the necessary points (minimum of 6 points) set for this purpose.

Requirements (Option A)

To qualify for the Opportunity card based on the recognition option, a candidate is expected to get his/her foreign qualifications fully assessed and recognised with the appropriate body(s) in Germany and certified as equivalent to those in Germany. This procedure usually takes months.

Requirements (Option B)

A more simplified option is to achieve the 6-point minimum requirement by accumulating points for: recognition of qualifications in Germany, language skills, professional experience, age, links to Germany, and the potential of accompanying partners or spouses. To attain these, the following applies (points can be accumulated on each):

  • A foreign university degree or a vocational qualification of at least two years’ duration (in each case recognised by the state in the country of training) or a vocational qualification issued by a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad. 

  • A basic knowledge of German (level A1 CEFR) or English (level B2 CEFR).

    1. Partial recognition of a foreign professional qualification or the permission to practice a regulated profession (e.g. educator, nurse or engineers)

  • Relevant professional experience (in the learned profession/course)

  • 35years and below or 40years and below

  • Previous stay in Germany (at least 6 months)

  • Qualifications of a spouse applying together.

In addition, applicant must be able to proof having sufficient funds to survive during the job search period.

Duration

The Opportunity card is issued for a maximum of one year (can be extended under certain instances)

Kick-off date

The Opportunity card is set to launch from June 1, 2024

What happens during the year?

During this period, the Opportunity card holder is expected to actively search for an appropriate job in Germany. It is however also possible to do work trials or take up secondary employment for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Once a suitable/’proper’ job is secured, the applicant can then apply for a residence permit for the purpose of employment.

 

OUR OPPORTUNITY CARD SERVICE (REIFY KONSULT)

At Reify Konsult, we are happy to support those who are eligible for the Opportunity card and equally satisfy our own basic requirements, to apply for the card and to also get settled in Germany.

At Reify, we emphasise the importance of learning the German language as key to securing a job in Germany (whether a 20hr part-time job or a full-time professional job). Hence, all our clients have to go through our German course in order for us to facilitate their application for Opportunity card, as well as secure job(s) for them in Germany.

To sign up for our service, do take note of the following:

Posses a foreign university degree or a vocational qualification of at least two years’ duration (in each case recognised by the state in the country of training) or a vocational qualification issued by a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad.

Minimum of 2 years work experience in the learned profession/course.

Not older than 40 years.

Ability to raise blocked account (for proof of funds).

Provide international English test.

Willing and able to pay for our German lessons and attend an intensive course (up to B1 level) with us.

OUR FEE: Є1,050 (payable in 4 instalments)

Fee covers

A1 to B1 course (Online – intensive – 20 weeks/4times a week/4hrs per lesson)

Application for Opportunity card

Goethe Zertifikat B1 test

Search and placement in a 20hr job

Support and guidance with traveling and onboarding in Germany

Mentorship

EXTRA COST APPLIES FOR THE FOLLOWING (TBD)

Search for full-time job in Germany (after arrival)

Other third-party costs (if applicable)

Recognition cost (if needed)

PROFESSIONS WE CURRENTLY SUPPORT

We provide Opportunity card service for professionals in the following fields:

Engineers

IT specialists

Medical professionals

Craft (Construction workers, Professional cleaners, Welders and Plumbers, Wood and plastics workers, Metal and electronics e.t.c.)

Other STEM professions

Eligibility Test

Are you interested and do you think you have what it takes? Do take the eligibility test here to begin

For more information

Send an email to: [email protected] or WhatsApp: +491789329430

Disclaimer

Please note that since the opportunity card is not yet accessible as at the time of this article, the details here might change once the official launch begins with clear application directives.

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