Introduction to the opportunity map
The introduction of the opportunity card in accordance with Section 20a of the Residence Act (AufenthG) for skilled workers seeking employment on June 1, 2024 represents an important step for Germany in shaping its migration policy.
As a key component of the new Skilled Immigration Act, which will come into force in November 2023, this innovation gives you, as a qualified non-EU citizen, the opportunity to enter Germany on the basis of a points system, even if you do not yet have a permanent employment contract.
What is the opportunity map?
The opportunity card is a new element of the German Skilled Immigration Act, which is specifically designed to make it easier for you as a qualified non-EU citizen to access the German labor market.
Thanks to a detailed points system that takes into account factors such as your professional experience, your level of education and your language skills, the Chancenkarte enables you to come to Germany flexibly and independently and to build up a professional life here.
With the opportunity card, you can search for a job that matches your qualifications directly on site. This system reflects Germany's desire to actively combat the shortage of skilled workers and strengthen its economy by attracting highly qualified professionals.
Background and objectives of the points system
The points system of the opportunity card was developed in response to the pronounced shortage of skilled workers in Germany. It is intended to specifically promote the influx of skilled workers in particularly needy sectors in order to close the existing gaps that are hindering economic progress.
The system is designed to promote the immigration of people whose skills and qualifications are ideally suited to the needs of the German labor market.
Importance of the opportunity map for skilled workers and the German economy
The Chancenkarte offers significant advantages both for you as an international specialist and for the German economy. It enables you to become an active part of the dynamic German job market and helps you to realize your professional goals in a highly developed economic environment.
At the same time, the German economy benefits from your know-how and expertise, which significantly strengthens Germany's innovative power and international competitiveness.
Requirements for applying for an opportunity card
Applying for the Chancenkarte is an excellent opportunity for qualified non-EU citizens to start their career in Germany. However, in order to take advantage of this opportunity, certain formal requirements must be met with the aim of attracting highly qualified and easily integrated skilled workers.
Formal requirements and qualifications
To qualify for the opportunity card, the following formal criteria must be met:
- Qualification: Proof of at least two years of vocational training or a university degree that is recognized in the country of origin.
- Financial security: Proof that your livelihood is secured, e.g. through an employment contract for a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week).
Proof of language skills
The required language skills are essential for integration into the labor market and German society:
- German: minimum level A1
- English: minimum level B2
Professional experience and qualification-relevant aspects
Professional experience and other qualification-related aspects play an important role in the points system:
- Professional experience: The more relevant and extensive the professional experience, the higher your score.
- Age: Younger applicants tend to have advantages when it comes to scoring.
- Relevance to Germany: Previous stays, academic or professional experience in Germany can earn additional points.
The application process for an opportunity card
This section guides you through the necessary steps for applying for the opportunity card and explains which documents you need and provides an overview of the timeline and processing time.
Step-by-step guide to submitting an application
- Preparation: Gather all the necessary documents required for the application.
- Apply online or in person at the diplomatic mission abroad: Visit the official website of the German Immigration Office and fill out the online form for the Chancenkarte. You can also apply for the Chancenkarte at the responsible German diplomatic mission in your country of origin.
- Submission of documents: Upload all required documents or send them by post to the address provided.
- Processing: After submission, your application will be reviewed. You will receive a confirmation of receipt and, if necessary, a request to provide additional information.
- Decision: As soon as your application has been processed, you will be informed of the decision. If the decision is positive, you will receive your opportunity card.
Documents and papers required
The following documents must be submitted when applying for an opportunity card:
- Proof of qualification: Certificates of your vocational training or university degree.
- Language certificates: Certificates proving your knowledge of German or English.
- Financial evidence: Proof of secure income or assets, such as employment contracts or bank statements.
- Proof of previous stays: If applicable, visas, Residence permit or other documents proving previous stays in Germany.
Important! In the points allocation system of the Chancenkarte you will find the criterion "German connection". This is not about language skills, but about previous stays in Germany (at least six months).
Tourist trips (e.g. short stays within the framework of the Schengen regulation, 90 days within 180 days) do not count. Short-term trips to other EU countries during the previous stay, on the other hand, are not a problem as long as the main focus of the stay remains in Germany.
Timeline and processing time
- Submission to decision: The entire process from submission to decision usually takes between 3 and 6 months.
- Follow-up: After receiving the opportunity card, you should immediately register with the local authorities and, if necessary, take further steps towards integration and employment in Germany.
The exact duration may vary depending on the case, especially if additional documents are requested or external audits are required.
The points system of the opportunity card explained in detail
The points system of the opportunity card is designed to objectively assess your qualifications and experience. To successfully qualify for an opportunity card, you must meet certain criteria and achieve a total of at least six points.
Criteria and evaluation of points
The points distribution is as follows:
- Basic requirement: You must provide proof of sufficient language skills in German (at least A1) or English (at least B2) and at least two years of vocational training that is recognized in your country of origin. In addition, proof of financial means is required, which you can provide, for example, in the form of an employment contract for a part-time job.
- 4 points: Receive for partial recognition of a foreign professional qualification or permission to practice a regulated profession in Germany (e.g. as an educator, nurse or engineer).
- 3 points: Are awarded for five years of professional experience in the skilled occupation within the last seven years, after two years of vocational training. Alternatively, you will receive three points for advanced German language skills at level B2.
- 2 points: Can be earned for two years of professional experience with previous vocational training within the last five years. In addition, applicants under the age of 35 automatically receive two points, as well as for German language skills at level B1.
- 1 point: Is awarded if you are not older than 40 years or can prove a previous stay in Germany of at least six months. You will also receive one point for very good English language skills (C1), sufficient German language skills (A2), training in a shortage occupation or if you apply for the Chancenkarte together with your spouse.
To be considered for the opportunity card, you must achieve a total of at least six points. These points are made up of the above criteria, whereby the basic requirements must be met before further points can be taken into account.
The points system for the opportunity map is explained in a graphic below:
Tips to maximize your score
- Improve your language skills: Invest in language courses to improve your German language skills to at least B2 if you haven't already done so.
- Document your professional experience: Make sure you have all the necessary documents and proof of your work experience.
- Have your qualifications recognized: Check whether your foreign qualifications can be recognized in Germany and, if necessary, take steps to achieve this.
- Find out about bottleneck occupations: A qualification in a bottleneck occupation can earn you additional points.
By using a strategy when planning and preparing your application documents, you can increase your chances of achieving the required number of points and thus obtaining the opportunity card.
Legal framework and legal basis
In order to use the opportunity map effectively and make the entire process run smoothly, it is important to understand the legal framework and legal basis. These regulations govern the immigration of qualified professionals and define how the various authorities are involved in the process.
Relevant excerpts from the Skilled Immigration Act
The Skilled Immigration Act, which was revised in November 2023, forms the legal basis for the introduction of the opportunity card. Some important points from this law include
- Definition of qualified specialists: Qualified specialists are persons with at least two years of vocational training or a university degree.
- Requirements for obtaining an opportunity card: In addition to language skills and financial proof, professional qualifications and relevant work experience are decisive.
- Residence permit and work permit: The Chancenkarte is issued for one year and serves as Residence permit, which allows you as the holder to look for work in Germany for a fixed period of time and also to be employed part-time during this time.
Role of the Federal Employment Agency and other authorities
The Federal Employment Agency plays a central role in the implementation of the Skilled Immigration Act, particularly in the assessment and recognition of applicants' qualifications and in mediating between potential employers and skilled workers.
Other authorities involved are:
- Aliens authorities: Responsible for issuing the Residence permit and checking compliance with the residence conditions.
- Recognition offices: These check the equivalence of foreign professional qualifications with German qualifications.
- Job centers: Support with integration into the labor market, including language courses and further qualification measures.
Naturalization as
next step?
Conclusion
Key points on the topic of opportunity maps
The Chancenkarte is an important opportunity for you as a qualified non-EU citizen to establish yourself professionally in Germany. Based on a transparent points system that assesses your professional experience, level of education and language skills, the Chancenkarte allows you to enter Germany flexibly and without a prior employment contract.
It promotes your initiative and mobility and opens up new career prospects in a dynamic labor market. This innovation is also a decisive step towards actively combating the shortage of skilled workers in Germany and strengthening the economy through the integration of international skilled workers.
The future of immigration law through the opportunity map
The introduction of the opportunity card could bring about significant changes to the German Immigration law in the long term. It supports a targeted and needs-oriented immigration policy that not only facilitates access for you as an international skilled worker, but also promotes your integration.
The Chancenkarte sets new standards for immigration by enabling you to actively participate in the German labor market while increasing Germany's attractiveness as a first-class place to work. This progressive approach strengthens Germany's position as a leading economic power in Europe and creates a more inclusive and economically oriented migration strategy.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the opportunity map
To apply for the Chancenkarte on June 1, 2024, you must first prepare all the necessary documents. This includes proof of your qualifications, language skills and financial security. Visit the official website of the German Immigration Office and fill out the online form for the Chancenkarte. Upload all the required documents or send them by post to the address provided. After submission, your application will be checked and you will receive a confirmation of receipt and, if necessary, a request to submit further information. If the decision is positive, you will receive your opportunity card.
The opportunity card works on the basis of a points system that evaluates your qualifications and professional experience. Criteria such as professional experience, level of education, language skills and age are included in the assessment. Depending on the number of points you achieve, you can enter Germany without a previous employment contract and look for a job that matches your qualifications. The opportunity card serves as Residence permit and enables you to establish yourself on the German labor market.
The Chancenkarte is a new element of the German Skilled Immigration Act, which is intended to facilitate access to the German labor market for qualified non-EU citizens. It is issued for one year and enables flexible immigration based on a points system that takes individual skills and qualifications into account without the need for a prior employment contract. This opens up avenues for skilled workers who want to help fill the skills shortage in Germany and live and work there long-term.
The Chancenkarte can be applied for by qualified non-EU citizens who meet certain criteria. These include a minimum level of education (e.g. a recognized two-year vocational training course or a university degree), demonstrable professional experience, sufficient language skills in German or English and financial security. These criteria must be met in order to be considered for the points system.
In contrast to other residence permits, which often require a specific employment contract or a commitment to certain employers, the Chancenkarte offers greater flexibility. It allows holders to enter Germany and look for a job that matches their qualifications. This approach encourages the mobility and self-initiative of skilled workers and helps to address the local skills shortage more effectively.
The Chancenkarte can potentially facilitate the process of family reunification, as it enables holders to establish a permanent residence in Germany and thus creates a more stable basis for bringing family members. However, the exact impact will depend on individual circumstances and the other legal provisions governing family reunification.
In 2024, the introduction of the opportunity map will bring significant changes to the German Immigration law These changes mainly concern the criteria and process for the immigration of qualified skilled workers. The opportunity map will introduce points-based immigration, which is more flexible and more closely aligned with the actual needs of the German labor market. This should not only strengthen the economy, but also facilitate integration and increase Germany's attractiveness as a place to work.
