Germany’s Opportunity Card, also known as the Chancenkarte, offers a pathway for skilled workers from non-EU countries to seek employment in Germany. If you don’t qualify directly as a skilled worker, you must meet the basic requirements and achieve a minimum score of six points based on various criteria. Here’s a detailed look at how the points-based system works.
Basic Requirements
Before accumulating points, you must first fulfill the following basic requirements:
- Educational Qualification: You must have completed a degree or at least two years of vocational training that is recognized by the state in which it was obtained.
- Language Skills: You must have German language skills at least at level A1 or English language skills at least at level B2, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- Financial Means: You must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover your living expenses for the duration of your stay in Germany.
Once these basic requirements are met, you can start accumulating points based on the criteria below to reach the required minimum of six points.
Points-Based Criteria
1. Partial Recognition of Foreign Educational Qualification – 4 Points
If you have undergone the procedure for recognizing your foreign qualification and partial equivalence has been established, you will receive four points. This applies even if compensatory measures are still required for a regulated profession to obtain a license to practice.
2. Qualification in a Shortage Occupation – 1 Point
If your qualification falls within a shortage occupation—an occupation experiencing a shortage of skilled labor—you will receive one point.
3. Professional Experience – 2-3 Points
- Two Years of Experience: If you have at least two years of professional experience relevant to your qualifications within the last five years, you will receive two points.
- Three Years of Experience: If you have at least three years of professional experience within the last seven years, you will receive three points.
4. Language Skills – 1-4 Points
- German Language Skills:
- Level A2: 1 point
- Level B1: 2 points
- Level B2 or higher: 3 points
- English Language Skills:
- Level C1 or higher: 1 additional point
5. Age – 1-2 Points
- Under 35 Years: 2 points
- Between 35 and 40 Years: 1 point
6. Relation to Germany – 1 Point
If you have legally and continuously resided in Germany for at least six months in the last five years, you will receive one point. This includes stays for study, language acquisition, or gainful employment, but excludes tourist purposes such as holidays or family visits.
7. Joint Applications with Your Partner – 1 Point
If you and your spouse or registered partner apply for the Opportunity Card together at the same German mission, one of the two applications can be awarded one point, provided the other requirements are also met.
Supporting Documentation
It is important to note that all details related to the above criteria must be supported by appropriate evidence or certificates. This includes educational qualifications, proof of professional experience, language proficiency certificates, and any other relevant documentation.
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