Germany Opportunity Card Visa From Pakistan

Benefits of the Germany Opportunity Card

The Germany Opportunity Card program offers international workers a unique opportunity to work and live in Germany. It simplifies obtaining a work permit and residence visa, making it easier for skilled professionals to find employment. Benefits include language training, job placement assistance, and cultural integration support. With the Germany Opportunity Card, international workers can enjoy a vibrant work environment, a high standard of living, and excellent career prospects in one of Europe’s strongest economies.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

 To obtain the Opportunity Card, you need to accumulate six points through the points system. Key criteria include:

 1. Educational Qualifications

   - University degree or professional/vocational training of at least 2 years at an accredited institution.

  2. Financial Stability

   - Proof of sufficient financial means (12,324 Euros in a blocked account) or a declaration of commitment by a German resident.

  3. Language Proficiency:

   - German proficiency at least level A1 or English proficiency at level B2 (6 bands in IELTS).

 Pathways for Job Seekers

 1. Skilled Professionals Pathway

   - Foreign professional, vocational, or academic qualification fully recognized in Germany.

   - Degree course or vocational training program must have taken a minimum of two years.

   - No points needed.

 2. Points-Based Pathway

   - For individuals whose qualifications are not fully recognized in Germany.

   - Degree course or vocational training program of at least two years at an accredited institution.

   - Demonstrate proficiency in German at level A1 or English at level B2.

   - Accumulate at least six points across various categories.

Points Calculator

- Educational Qualifications

   - 6 points for fully recognized degrees or completed training in Germany.

   - 4 points for partially recognized qualifications.

   - 0 points for unrecognized qualifications.

 Work Experience

   - 3 points for 5+ years of experience in the past 7 years.

   - 2 points for 2+ years of experience in the past 5 years.

   - 1 bonus point for qualifications in Germany’s bottleneck professions.

Language Proficiency

- 3 points for German B2 and above.

   - 2 points for German B1.

   - 1 point for German A2.

   - 0 points for German A1.

   - 1 bonus point for English C1 (7 bands in IELTS) and above.

Age

   - 2 points for ages 18-34.

   - 1 point for ages 35-40.

- Ties to Germany

   - 1 point for a previous stay in Germany of at least 6 months in the last 5 years.

  - Spouse

   - 1 point if your spouse is equally eligible and plans to move with you.

Application Process

You can apply for the Germany Opportunity Card from Pakistan at the Federal Foreign Office in Karachi or Islamabad or at the German embassy in another country where you hold legal residence. Residents of some eligible countries can also apply online through the Consular Services Portal. The processing time and fee (75 Euros) may vary.

Advantages of the Germany Opportunity Card

- Easy entry to Germany.

- 12-month stay with the prospect of a permanent residence permit.

- Requires only 6 out of 14 points.

- Potential income of over 1000 Euros per month.

- Work permit for up to 20 hours per week.

- Opportunity to find a qualified part-time or full-time job.

- German language is not compulsory.

Germany’s Bottleneck Professions

The list of shortage occupations in Germany is essential for skilled workers and employers. Knowledge of these occupations is crucial for the application process for the EU Blue Card and the Opportunity Card points system. Key groups include manufacturing, ICT service managers, professional services managers, science and engineering professionals, medical doctors, nursing professionals, veterinarians, and teaching professionals.

 Group 132 – Manufacturing, mining, construction, and distribution managers

 1321 Manufacturing managers

1322 Mining managers

1323 Construction managers

1324 Supply, distribution and related managers

Group 133 – Information and communications technology service managers

1330 Information and communications technology service managers

Group 134 – Professional services managers

1341 Childcare services managers

1342 Health services managers

1343 Aged care services managers

1344 Social welfare managers

1345 Education managers

1346 Financial and insurance services branch managers

1349 Professional services managers not elsewhere classified

Group 21 – Science and engineering professionals

Physical and earth science professionals

2111 Physicists and astronomers

2112 Meteorologists

2113 Chemists

2114 Geologists und geophysicists

2120 Mathematicians, actuaries and statisticians

Group 213 – Life science professionals

2131 Biologists, botanists, zoologists and related professionals

2132 Farming, forestry and fisheries advisers

2133 Environmental protection professionals

Group214 – Engineering professionals (excluding electrotechnology)

2141 Industrial and production engineers

2142 Civil engineers

2143 Environmental engineers

2144 Mechanical engineers

2145 Chemical engineers

2146 Mining engineers, metallurgists and related professionals

2149 Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified

Group215 – Electrotechnology engineers

2151 Electrical engineers

2152 Electronics engineers

2153 Telecommunications engineers

Group216 – Architects, planners, surveyors and designers

2161 Building architects

2162 Landscape architects

2163 Product and garment designers

2164 Town and traffic planners

2165 Cartographers and surveyors

2166 Graphic and multimedia designers

Group – 221. Medical doctors

2211 Generalist medical practitioners

2212 Specialist medical practitioners

Group 222 – Nursing and midwifery professionals

2221 Nursing professionals

2222 Midwifery professionals

Group 225 – Veterinarians

2250 Veterinarians

Group 226 – Other health professionals

2261 Dentists

2262 Pharmacists

2263 Environmental and occupational health and hygiene professionals

2264 Physiotherapists

2265 Dieticians and nutritionists

2266 Audiologists and speech therapists

2267 Optometrists and ophthalmic opticians

2269 Health professionals not elsewhere classified

Group 23 – Teaching professionals

2310 University and higher education teachers

2320 Vocational education teachers

2330 Secondary education teachers

2341 Primary school teachers

2342 Early childhood educators

2351 Education methods specialists

2352 Special needs teachers

2353 Other language teachers

2354 Other music teachers

2355 Other arts teachers

2356 Information technology trainers

2359 Teaching professionals not elsewhere classified

Group 25 – Information and communications technology professionals

2511 Systems analysts

2512 Software developers

2513 Web and multimedia developers

2514 Applications programmers

2519 Software and applications developers and analysts not elsewhere classified

2521 Database designers and administrators

2522 Systems administrators

2523 Computer network professionals

2529 Database and network professionals not elsewhere classified.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Opportunity Card?

The Opportunity Card provides a legal residence permit allowing you to seek employment in Germany without a fixed contract. Part-time employment of up to 20 hours a week is possible, as well as a trial job for two weeks. The stay is limited to one year, with the possibility of extension if you find a suitable job.

For more details or to check your eligibility, you can share your updated details and CV with Excellence Consulting Services at info@ecsedu.org. Our expert team will guide you through all the steps in detail.

2- What are the advantages of the Opportunity Card?

Applicants from non-EU countries can enter Germany more easily and look for work there more quickly. In addition, holders of the Opportunity Card have the chance to apply for a permanent residence title in Germany. Companies also benefit from this. For potential employers, the Opportunity Card greatly expands the pool of applicants.Due to a deficit of skilled workers, Germany would have a shortage of about 16 million workers by 2060 – without immigration from abroad. (Source: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action) Many companies are already dependent on the support of individuals. With the Opportunity Card, both applicants and employers gain a long-term perspective on a positive development in the labour market.

3_How can I apply for the Opportunity Card?

You can apply for the Opportunity Card at the appropriate German mission in your country of origin, such as the German Embassy or Consulate. If you are already in Germany, you can submit your application to the local Foreigners' Registration Office. Please note that in this case, you must already have a valid residence permit or visa. To obtain the Opportunity Card, you need to meet certain requirements and, if necessary, provide proof, such as your work experience (including vocational training and job history) or your language skills (German A1 or English B2). Additionally, you must demonstrate financial stability, which can be done by providing an employment contract for a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week), for example.

 4_What is the procedure for applying for the opportunity Card?

You can apply for the Opportunity Card at the relevant German mission in your home country. To do so, you need to complete an application form and have a valid passport. Additionally, you will need to provide evidence of your education, language abilities, and any previous stays in Germany. Financial stability is also required, which you can demonstrate through an employment contract for a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week). The authorities will assess how well you meet the criteria based on a points system. Applicants should bring along supporting documents like employment references or certificates. If you've been living in Germany for an extended period, you can prove your residence using rental agreements, work contracts, or utility bills.

 5_When can I apply for the Opportunity Card?

Starting from June 1, 2024, you can apply for the Opportunity Card at your local Foreigners’ Registration Office or the appropriate German mission abroad in your home country. This new provision builds upon the existing Skilled Immigration Act, which has been in effect since March 1, 2020, by adding a new residence permit option for qualified non-EU citizens. While the Skilled Immigration Act simplifies the process for entering and residing in Germany, the Opportunity Card is specifically designed to assist individuals who do not yet have a permanent employment contract in Germany and wish to search for job opportunities locally.

6_What are the Criteria for the Opportunity Card?

Under the points system, you need to accumulate at least six points to qualify for the Opportunity Card. The assessment criteria include language proficiency, work experience, age, connections to Germany, and educational background or vocational training.

7_ Which language Test can I use?

The accepted German language tests include the GER, Goethe Certificate, TestDaF, and DSD. For English language proficiency, the recognized tests are TOEFL, IELTS, and the Cambridge Certificate.

8_ Is the number of Opportunity Cards Limited per year?

German authorities have the flexibility to issue an unlimited number of Opportunity Cards. However, if demand becomes excessive, they may introduce a specific quota to manage the distribution.

9_ From which Countries May I apply for the Opportunity Card?

If you are from a non-EU country (a “third country”), you are eligible to apply for the Opportunity Card. To apply, you need to submit your application to the German mission in your home country, along with proof of your language proficiency and professional experience. The Opportunity Card is granted based on a points system.

10_ Is there possibility of later admission of family members within the framework of the Opportunity Card?

Holding an Opportunity Card does not automatically grant you the right to bring your family to Germany. Family reunification is only allowed if you switch from the Opportunity Card to a different residence permit. However, if you apply for the Opportunity Card together with your spouse, your children can accompany you to Germany.

 11_ How long does the process take to get an Opportunity Card?

From the moment you submit your application to the relevant Foreigners' Registration Office or the German mission in your home country, it may take several weeks or even months to receive a residence permit in Germany with the Opportunity Card. German authorities commit to processing the permit and reviewing your documents as promptly as possible.

 12_ How does the transition from the opportunity Card to  a permanent residence permit work?

You must apply for a different permit or a permanent residence title at the local Foreigners' Registration Office in Germany. If you meet the necessary requirements for other residence titles, you can switch from the Opportunity Card to a subsequent residence title. These requirements might include language proficiency or specialized knowledge in your field. If you have secured part-time or full-time employment in Germany through the Opportunity Card, this will be considered when extending your stay. Transitioning to a residence title for regular employment is straightforward.

 13_ Can I extend the Opportunity Card?

The Opportunity Card allows you to stay in Germany for exactly one year. Under certain conditions, you may extend your stay by up to two years. If you previously held an Opportunity Card but then left Germany, you can reapply after a minimum one-year break.

14_ What financial means do I have to prove?

To demonstrate sufficient financial resources for the Opportunity Card, you typically need to show adequate bank balances or regular income proof. You must confirm that you have enough funds to support yourself and, if applicable, your family members in Germany without relying on public assistance.

The required financial amount can vary depending on the situation. As of January 1, 2023, the standard annual amount required for a "blocked account" is set at 12,324 euros per person. This account restricts monthly withdrawals to a certain limit. However, there are other ways to prove your financial stability.

Another option to prove sufficient income is by securing an employment contract with a German employer for at least 20 hours per week before applying for the Opportunity Card. The regulations regarding the type of job are quite flexible; you could work in a restaurant or a bakery, for example. Due to Germany’s minimum wage, such an employment contract is typically sufficient to meet the financial requirements for the embassy.

 15_ As an Opportunity Card holder, Can I also work in other EU Countries?

The Opportunity Card is specific to Germany and does not grant the right to work in other EU countries automatically. If you wish to work in other EU nations, you will need to apply for a separate work and residence permit for each country. However, there are various EU regulations that facilitate working in other EU countries, particularly if you have already worked or lived elsewhere in the EU. For detailed information, consult the relevant authorities in the respective EU country.

 16_ How Can I learn German with the Opportunity Card in Germany?

Opportunity Card holders have access to integration and language courses in Germany that help build basic language skills and understanding of the country. These courses are offered regularly in most major cities. If you plan to stay in Germany long-term, it is advisable to take advantage of these opportunities.

 17_ Can you study in Germany with the Opportunity Card?

The Opportunity Card permits you to work in Germany but does not grant permission to pursue studies. To study in Germany, you must apply to and be accepted by a degree program, with specific requirements and procedures that can differ between universities. You may need to demonstrate sufficient German language proficiency or take a language test. Additionally, if you have completed vocational training or a degree in your home country, some of your prior education or training may be recognized and credited towards a degree program in Germany.

 Do You Have Any Questions?

Let us advise you on your opportunities to work and live in Germany. Our experts will support you with questions regarding job search, visa, recognition and learning German. For exact points calculations or eligibility check, you may share your updated details and CV on info@ecsedu.org