Germany has launched the ‘Opportunity Card,’ a new initiative aimed at attracting skilled workers from non-European Union (EU) countries, including Nigeria. This initiative is designed to provide a pathway for Nigerians to seek employment in Germany.
The Opportunity Card serves as a type of residence permit that allows individuals from outside the EU to enter Germany to look for work. This card is valid for one year and can be extended if the individual secures a job, allowing them to obtain a further residence permit for continued job searching or employment.
To be eligible for the Opportunity Card, applicants need to have their professional qualifications recognized in either Germany or the country where they were obtained. Additionally, applicants must prove they can support themselves financially during their stay, typically needing at least €1,027 per month. This requirement can be met through a blocked account or a declaration of commitment.
Opportunity Card holders can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week while searching for a job and can take on trial jobs for up to two weeks to explore potential employment opportunities. This flexibility helps applicants integrate into the German job market and find suitable positions.
The Opportunity Card operates on a points-based system, with criteria including the completion of a degree or at least two years of recognized training. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in either German or English. German language proficiency must be at least at level A1, or English proficiency must be at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Furthermore, applicants must have sufficient financial means to cover their living expenses for the duration of their stay in Germany.
Nigerian applicants are advised to contact Germany’s diplomatic missions in Nigeria for visa applications. The process involves applying at the German mission responsible for the applicant’s district of residence. More details are available on the relevant German mission’s website.
This initiative represents Germany’s strategic effort to attract skilled labor to support its economy while providing a legal pathway for skilled workers from countries like Nigeria to find better opportunities abroad.