Introduction to the Chancenkarte
If you’ve ever longed to live in Germany, now might be the perfect time to try. The country recently announced a new work visa, the Chancenkarte, or “Opportunity Card.” This new visa offers non-EU nationals a new opportunity to immigrate to Germany.
What is the Chancenkarte?
The Chancenkarte, which opened for applications on 1 June, uses a points-based system that rates applicants by specific criteria, including academic qualifications, language skills, and past professional experience. “[The Opportunity Card] will make it easier and quicker for people with experience and potential to find a suitable job and get started,” Nancy Faeser, Germany’s Federal Minister of the Interior and Community, said in a statement.
Benefits of the Opportunity Card
Those granted the Opportunity Card can live in Germany for up to one year while looking for work, without needing an employer to sponsor them beforehand. The card also allows people to legally work part-time while searching for something more permanent. This represents a major shift in addressing Germany’s growing labour shortage and aims to increase the number of professional workers in fields like medicine, education, manufacturing, and engineering.
How to Qualify for the Chancenkarte
To qualify, applicants must have a professional qualification or academic degree recognized in Germany, or a combination of criteria such as years of professional experience, age, and language skills. Each criterion is worth a certain number of points, and applicants must have a rating of six or more points to qualify. Additionally, they must show proof of their ability to cover living expenses during their job search, at least €1,027 per month.
Who is the Chancenkarte For?
Because EU citizens can already live and work in Germany, the new opportunity visa is geared towards those living outside the EU and Switzerland. The Chancenkarte favors non-EU citizens with connections to Germany, as extra points are available for those who have German language skills or have studied in a German school.
A Success Story
Alex Masurovsky, a former Master’s student at the Berlin School of Mind and Brain, who now lives in New York, is intrigued by the opportunity the new visa affords to return to live and work in Berlin. He reflects on Germany’s cultural and lifestyle benefits, making it an attractive destination for skilled workers.
Addressing Labour Shortages
The new visa aims to provide a long-term solution to Germany’s labour shortages, which is a major factor contributing to the country’s financial issues. “We are making sure that we can attract the skilled workers our economy has urgently needed for years,” Faeser said. “This is vital for our country’s future.”
How to Apply
Those interested in learning more can visit the Make It In Germany website for more information. The site has a “self-check” feature to check eligibility status for the Chancenkarte. Official applications for the visa can be made at a German Diplomatic Mission or on the Chancenkarte website.
