Opportunity Card

Germany's parliament, the Bundestag, has passed a new immigration law. The goal of this reform is to attract non-EU citizens to fill the 2 million job vacancies existing in the German labor market, in fields such as: healthcare, construction trades, programming, and others.

Under the previously existing system, working in Germany was possible through the so-called Blue Card.

A necessary condition for obtaining a Blue Card is holding a work contract in Germany of at least one year, as well as meeting a minimum annual salary threshold, which changes every year.

For example, in 2023 the minimum salary was €45,552 for professionals in natural sciences, mathematicians, engineers, physicians, and IT specialists, and €58,400 for all other professions.

Under the new program, the Opportunity Card allows foreign workers to obtain the right to work in Germany without securing a job in advance, though a number of criteria must be met.

Holders of the new card will have the opportunity to search for a job matching their qualifications in Germany over a period of 1 year, though during this period they will have the right to work 20 hours a week in any field.

The Opportunity Card is a points-based program that evaluates people wishing to work in Germany according to various criteria — for example, a university degree, a vocational training certificate, knowledge of German and English, experience living in Germany, and age.

If you manage to accumulate a certain number of points, you may be granted the right to work in Germany.

Germany's parliament has already passed the law, though it is expected to take effect starting in the first half of 2024.

Under the newly passed law, it will also become easier for asylum seekers who entered Germany before March 29, 2023, and who have the appropriate qualifications and a job offer, to join the labor market.

Similar changes will apply to those present in Germany on a tourist visa. They will not be required to leave the country before returning for employment purposes.

Recognition of qualifications was a major challenge for non-EU foreigners wishing to work in Germany. However, going forward, qualified immigrants will no longer be subject to the requirement of having their qualifications recognized, provided they have at least two years of professional experience and a qualification recognized by their home country.

In addition to the above, Germany also now wants to reform its citizenship law - Martin Rosemann of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's SPD party stated that the country should give qualified foreigners a long-term perspective.