Factsheet for measure
DE-2024-22/3798
– measures in Germany
Opportunity Card
Chancenkarte
Background information
The central legal basis for migration and work in Germany is the Skilled Immigration Act ("Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz"). Since 2020, it has served as the umbrella term for the migration policy measures of the two lead ministries - the Federal Ministry of the Interior and for Home Affairs (BMI) and the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS).
As part of the further development of the Skilled Immigration Act, the Residence Act was further developed with the “Act on the Further Development of Skilled Immigration” ("Gesetz zur Weiterentwicklung der Fachkräfteeinwanderung“), which came into force on August 16, 2023. A central element of this further development is the newly created opportunity card, which came into force on June 1, 2024. It is regulated under Section 20 and is intended to facilitate access to the German labor market for qualified third-country nationals.
Content of measure
The Opportunity Card is a newly created residence permit that allows qualified workers from third countries to enter Germany to look for a job. It also allows them to search for measures to recognize foreign professional qualifications in Germany.
There are two ways to obtain the Opportunity Card:
- Skilled worker route: People with a professional or academic qualification recognized in Germany can apply for the Opportunity Card directly as a skilled worker - without a points assessment.
- Points system: If you are not formally recognized as a skilled worker, you can apply using a points system. At least six points from a catalogue of criteria must be achieved. The criteria assessed include Qualifications and professional experience, language skills, age, connection to Germany (e.g. previous stays), qualifications of the accompanying spouse or partner.
Further requirements are proof of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses during the stay in Germany.
The Opportunity Card is initially issued for a period of up to one year. During this time, trial work and part-time jobs of up to 20 hours per week are permitted. Upon presentation of an employment contract or a binding job offer for qualified employment, the Opportunity Card can be extended for up to two years.
Use of measure
The aim of the regulation on the further development of skilled labour immigration is to increase the immigration of skilled workers from third countries to Germany. The new provisions will be jointly evaluated by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) and the Federal Office's Research Centre (BAMF-FZ) in the period 2025-2027. The focus of the BAMF-FZ in the joint evaluation project is on quantitative statements on the effects of migration as well as analyses of the administrative implementation and possible misuse of the new legal regulations. It is planned to publish an interim report on the project in early 2027 and the final report in spring 2028.
Target groups
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Workers
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Businesses
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Citizens
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Applies to all workers
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Applies to all businesses
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Does not apply to citizens
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Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
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No special funding required
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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Consulted
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Consulted
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Form
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Direct consultation outside a formal body
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Direct consultation outside a formal body
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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Unknown
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Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level
Involvement
The social partners have commented on the draft reform, as is normally the case when draft legislation or amendments affect their area of expertise.
Views and reactions
The Confederation of German Employers' Associations (BDA) considers the Opportunity Card to be a useful addition to the existing regulation in its statement on the draft law on the further development of skilled labor immigration of 17 May 2023. According to the BDA, it offers the potential to tap into new target groups that previously had no access to the German labor market and can therefore make an important contribution to combating the shortage of skilled workers.
The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) considers the Opportunity Card to be positive in principle, but sees several limitations in its practical organization. In particular, it welcomes the possibility of sponsorships and the limited employment opportunities during the job search. At the same time, the DGB criticizes the fact that the high requirements - such as recognized vocational training, language skills and securing a livelihood - limit the attractiveness of the Opportunity Card.
Sources
