Germany Introduces New Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Germany has launched a New Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte). The Chancenkerte visa program launched by Germany is a major step in the right direction toward expediting the immigration procedure for qualified workers from outside the EU as well as addressing the labour shortage in the country.

The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), was developed in Germany in response to a labour shortage and took effect on the 1st of June, 2024. This makes it easier for qualified non-EU citizens to immigrate and secure jobs in Germany.

Germany's point-based immigration system, the Chancenkarte, assesses candidates according to their educational background, work history, and language ability. Its goal is to allow people to travel to Germany and look for work without requiring prior employer sponsorship. Professional qualifications or degrees with a high score from Germany are highly valued, and work experience in education, engineering, or medicine raises scores.

The Chancenkarte provides a route to permanent residency, flexible job search options, and a part-time work allowance. A year of active job search is permitted in Germany, with the option to supplement income with legitimate part-time work. This could lead to a longer stay and possibly permanent residency.

Candidates for the Chancenkarte must meet certain requirements, including having completed previous coursework in Germany and being of a certain age bracket that will contribute to a successful integration. Recognized academic degrees or professional qualifications in Germany are also required, having relevant work experience, speaking German fluently, and having other personal characteristics that suggest they will integrate successfully.

As evidence of their ability to support themselves financially, applicants must show that they make at least €1,027 per month to pay living expenses while they look for work.

The Chancenkarte gives holders the freedom to look for full-time and part-time jobs throughout Germany for a maximum of one year, making it easier to locate long-term jobs.

Germany's Chancenkarte visa program is designed to draw in qualified individuals from outside the European Union to address labour shortages in vital industries such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and engineering.

For non-EU nationals, including those outside of Switzerland, who have ties to Germany such as through education or language proficiency the Chancenkarte provides further incentives.