From the 1 June 2024 a new instrument of labour migration comes into force in Germany - the Opportunity map. This innovative concept offers skilled and qualified workers from abroad a new opportunity to come to Germany to look for a job. In this article, you will find out how the opportunity card works, what requirements must be met and how you can apply for a job in Germany through a Points system can increase your chances of entry.
What is the opportunity map?
The opportunity card is a new type of Residence permitwhich makes it possible to come to Germany to look for a job. The aim of this regulation is to attract qualified workers to the German labour market. It is aimed at people with and without formal recognition as skilled workers. The opportunity card is initially issued for one year and in certain cases can be extended by up to two years can be extended if not all requirements for long-term gainful employment have been met.
Who can receive an opportunity card?
There are two wayshow interested parties can apply for an opportunity card:
- Specialists in the sense of residence law: If you are already considered a skilled worker - this means you have a recognised or comparable foreign university or professional qualification - there is No further special requirements for the issue of the opportunity card.
- Persons without formal specialist recognition: If you are not formally recognised as a specialist, you can apply for the opportunity card via a Points system acquire. A combination of different criteria is assessed in order to achieve at least six points.
How does the points system work?
In order to receive an opportunity card, applicants must at least six points within the framework of a flexible points system collect points. These points are awarded on the basis of various criteria, including
- Professional qualification and university degree
- If you have a foreign professional qualification or a foreign university degree This is already honoured with points. It is important that these qualifications are Country of acquisition recognised by the state must be recognised in Germany - recognition in Germany is not mandatory.
- Language skills
- German language skills at basic level (A1) or Knowledge of English at a good level (B2) also count towards the points system. Each language earns you additional points.
- Recognition in Germany
- Do you already have a (partial)Recognition notice If you are recognised by a German recognition body for your qualification, you will also receive points for this.
- Professional experience
- Professional experience in the area of your Professional qualification or your university degree is also taken into account. The more professional experience, the higher the score.
- Bottleneck occupations
- If your professional qualification or university degree is in a Bottleneck occupation In areas where there is a shortage of skilled labour in Germany, there are particularly many points for this. Examples of this are professions in the Care, in the Craft or in the IT industry.
- Age
- Younger applicants receive additional points if they fulfil a certain Age limit to comply. This aims to attract younger workers to the German labour market in the long term.
- Pre-stay in Germany
- If you have already legally lived or worked in Germany this can also be relevant for the points system and earn additional points.
- Partner qualification
- The qualification of your Partner or your partner can have an influence on the points awarded. If your partner also fulfils the requirements for an opportunity card and also applies for one, you will receive additional points for this.
Advantages of the opportunity card
The opportunity card makes it possible to look for a job in Germany, while at the same time Secondary employment or Trial employment are permitted. This offers a flexible opportunity to gain initial professional experience in Germany while looking for long-term employment.
If the job search does not lead directly to a job title, the opportunity card can be used with the consent of the Federal Employment Agency can be extended by up to two years. This gives applicants more time to find qualified employment.
Doubling the quota of the Western Balkans regulation
In addition to the opportunity card, the contingent of Western Balkans regulation from the 1 June 2024 from 25,000 to 50,000 approvals by the Federal Employment Agency doubled. This means that people from the Western Balkan states - including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia - now have twice as many opportunities to come to Germany. Unlike the Chancenkarte, no formal qualification is required for them - a concrete job offer or an employment contract are sufficient to enter the German labour market.
For which job categories does the opportunity map fit?
1. Bottleneck occupations
Bottleneck occupations are occupations in which there is a shortage of skilled labour in Germany. Applicants with qualifications in these areas often receive additional points in the points system. Examples of bottleneck occupations are
Here are some job categories where the opportunity map can be particularly relevant:
- HealthcareNursing staff, doctors, geriatric nurses, physiotherapists and other professions in the medical and care sector.
- CraftElectricians, plumbing, heating and air conditioning technicians, mechatronics engineers, civil engineers and other skilled workers in the construction industry.
- IT and technologySoftware developers, IT specialists, engineers (especially in mechanical, automotive and electrical engineering), data analysts, cybersecurity experts.
- Natural sciencesChemists, biologists, physicists, especially in research-intensive areas and industry.
- Educational and social professionsEducators, social workers, psychologists, especially in education and social work.
2. Professions with a need for recognition
Professions in which the Recognition of qualifications play an important role are particularly suitable. Anyone who has already received (partial) recognition of their foreign qualifications by a German recognition body will receive additional points. This is particularly relevant for the following professions:
- Medical professionsDoctors, dentists and pharmacists who wish to work in Germany need to have their qualifications recognised.
- Technical professionsEngineers, architects and technicians often have to have their foreign qualifications recognised.
- ApprenticeshipsTeachers who want to work in Germany often have to prove that their qualifications have been recognised.
3. Professions without formal recognition
The opportunity card is also aimed at people who would like to work in professions that no formal recognition are required. In these cases, professional experience, language skills and other qualifications count towards the points system. Examples of this are
- Service sectorHotel and catering industry, especially in the catering, tourism and hotel industry.
- Sales and retailSales staff, logistics specialists, customer service staff.
- Logistics and transportDrivers (lorry, bus), warehouse workers, logisticians.
Conclusion
The Chancenkarte opens up new access opportunities for qualified workers who wish to come to Germany. With a flexible points system and the opportunity to work while looking for a job, it offers attractive prospects for people from abroad. Thanks to the Doubling of the Western Balkans regulation will further simplify access for workers from these countries. If you are interested in working in Germany, it is worth checking the requirements and possibilities of the Chancenkarte carefully.
