WORK IN GERMANY
Would you like to work in Germany?
Germany Embassy Kenya: https://nairobi.diplo.de/ke-en
CHANCENKARTE GERMANY, VALID AS FROM 1 JUNE 2024.
Working in Germany with the Opportunity Card
Until now, applicants from non-EU countries had to show a permanent employment contract or be considered a recognised skilled worker in order to work in Germany. Complicated entry procedures hinder the immigration of qualified workers from abroad. The Opportunity Card (“Chancenkarte”) is designed to change this. Applicants from non-EU countries are guaranteed a 12-month stay in Germany through the Opportunity Card in order to look for a job.
You can apply for the Opportunity Card either at the Foreigners’ Registration Office or at the competent German mission abroad in your country of origin (for example at the German Embassy).
You must meet these basic requirements
With the introduction of the new residence title, the Federal Government simplifies entry conditions for prospective workers from non-EU countries. To obtain the Opportunity Card, you only have to prove that you have completed (at least) two years of vocational training or a university degree and that you have basic knowledge of German (A1) or English (B2). You will be required to finance your own living expenses in Germany. If you meet these basic requirements, you can use a points system to check the qualifications you need. You must achieve at least six points to be allowed to work in Germany.
Key advantages of the Opportunity Card
Easy and fast entry into Germany possible: If you apply for the Opportunity Card, you do not require a permanent employment contract in advance. You can simply use the points system to prove your existing qualifications (e.g. language skills or work experience). This eliminates the need for a complicated examination procedure. The Opportunity Card permits you to stay in Germany for one year to look for a suitable job. Part-time or casual jobs of up to 20 hours a week are possible, as well as two-week trial jobs. With the Opportunity Card, you can get to know your new employer at your leisure and look for a job that suits you and your qualifications.
Possibility of permanent residence in Germany: The residence permit with the Opportunity Card is limited to one year as its primary purpose is for you to find a job. In addition to an unlimited number of trial jobs, part-time jobs of up to 20 hours a week are also possible, which can be divided up flexibly. Once you have found a suitable job, it is possible to extend your stay. For this purpose, you must also submit an application to the competent Foreigners’ Registration Office. If you intend to change from part-time to a full-time job, you have a good chance of obtaining a longer residence title. This is also possible if you wish to remain in part-time employment. Written proof, such as an agreement with your employer or a permanent employment contract, is important for extending your stay in Germany.
Securing your livelihood with a good income: The Opportunity Card allows part-time employment on the basis of the minimum wage (or above). This is currently 12.00 euros gross per hour (as of May 2023). With a part-time job (20 hours per week), you can earn above 1000 euros per month. If you want to change to a full-time job, your net income will rise to well over 1000 euros a month. The earning potential depends on the sector you want to work in and your qualifications. With the Opportunity Card, you have a good chance of earning a fair wage so you can easily finance your everyday life in Germany.
Guaranteed work permit: Until now, workers from non-EU countries have needed a visa to enter Germany and work here. This requires an existing job offer as the Federal Employment Agency often has to approve your stay. If you are not a recognised skilled worker, you can come to Germany with the Opportunity Card to look for a job locally. The basic requirement is (at least) two years of vocational training or a university degree according to the rules of your country of origin. In addition, you must have basic knowledge of German (A1) or English (B2) and also be able to prove this. To receive the Opportunity Card, you must also have sufficient financial means to secure your livelihood independently. This is usually possible with a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week).
Good chance of a qualified part-time/full-time job: As part of the Opportunity Card, you have the possibility to apply for two-week trial work (an unlimited number of times) or part-time work of up to 20 hours a week. If you find suitable employment during your stay, you have the prospect of a qualified part-time or full-time job. In order to be able to seek a full-time job in the future, you must change your residence title. The Opportunity Card only authorises you to look for a job in Germany. For a longer stay, you must apply for a corresponding residence title at your local Foreigners’ Registration Office. This should not be a problem if you can show proof of a future job offer or an employment contract.
In order to prove sufficient financial means for the Opportunity Card, you usually have to present sufficient bank balances or regular proof of income. In doing so, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to secure your livelihood and, if applicable, that of your family members in Germany without having to rely on public funds from Germany.
The level of financial means that must be proven can vary from case to case. Since 1 January 2023, the assumed annual standard requirement for a so-called blocked account is 11,208 euros per person. The account may only allow the withdrawal of a certain amount per month. However, as mentioned, you may be able to prove your balance or income in other ways.
Another way of proving sufficient income is to sign an employment contract with a German employer for 20 hours per week before applying for the Opportunity Card. The regulations on the type of job are very generous here. For example, you can work in a restaurant or at a bakery. Thanks to the minimum wage that applies in Germany, such an employment contract should also be sufficient for proving financial means to the embassy.
We are currently working on listing offers of suitable part-time jobs (up to 20 hours per week) on this website.
Conclusion
The Opportunity Card gives you a quick and easy way to enter Germany and find a suitable job there. With the Opportunity Card, your residence permit is limited to 12 months. The focus of your stay is to search for a suitable job. If your search is successful, you have the option of changing to another residence title. If you find a job in Germany with the Opportunity Card, you can most likely extend your stay. To do so, you must submit an application to your local Foreigners’ Registration Office and have the necessary documentation ready (for example, an employment contract or an existing job offer).
You can apply for the Opportunity Card at the competent mission abroad in your country of origin or at your local Foreigners’ Registration Office in Germany. Please note that you must meet the following basic requirements: You need two years of vocational training or a university degree according to the rules of your country of origin. You do not have to have your degree specially recognised in Germany! In addition, you must have sufficient knowledge of German (A1) or English (B2) and the financial means to support yourself independently. This can be done by taking on a part-time job, for example, as is permitted under the Opportunity Card. Are you looking for a suitable part-time job? Then register for our newsletter and never miss another opportunity to find the right job!
If you meet the basic requirements for the Opportunity Card, you can easily prove your further qualifications through a points system. You need at least six points to meet the requirements for the Opportunity Card. Check your score with the points calculator on our website
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Great news
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