Eligibility – Two Pathways

There are two main ways to qualify for the Opportunity Card.

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Pathway 1 – Recognised Skilled Worker (Without Points)

You qualify as a recognised skilled worker if:

• You hold a university degree, or

• You have a non-academic vocational qualification (at least two years) and your qualification is either:

• Fully recognised as equivalent to a German qualification, or

• Obtained directly in Germany.

If this is the case and you can show adequate financial means, you may obtain the Opportunity Card without using the points system and without mandatory language proof (although German is strongly recommended).

Pathway 2 – Points-Based Route (Minimum 6 Points)

If your foreign qualification is not yet fully recognised in Germany, you use the points-based route. You must:

1. Have at least:

• A university degree, or

• A minimum two-year vocational training recognised in your home country

2. Obtain a ZAB assessment or other recognition document for non-academic vocational training, where required.

3. Meet the language requirement:

• German at least A1, or

• English at least B2 (CEFR levels)

4. Prove sufficient financial means for your stay (see below).

Then you collect points from criteria such as:

• Partial recognition of your qualification

• Profession in a shortage occupation

• Professional experience (2+ or 5+ years)

• German language above A1 (A2, B1, B2 or higher)

• English at C1 or above • Age (below 35, or between 35 and 40)

• Previous continuous 6-month stay in Germany

• Spouse/partner who also meets Opportunity Card requirements

You must reach at least 6 points to qualify under Pathway 2.

Glovels calculates your score with you and builds the best combination of qualification, experience and language to cross the 6-point threshold.

Financial Requirements (Updated) Every Opportunity Card applicant must prove that they can support themselves while searching for jobs in Germany.

You must show funds roughly equivalent to at least 12 months of living expenses (the official monthly minimum is updated periodically but is typically a bit above €1,000 per month).

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You can prove this through:

• A blocked account (Sperrkonto) in Germany with funds covering 12 months

• A formal declaration of commitment from a sponsor in Germany

• Bank statements and savings in your own name

• A part-time job offer (up to 20 hours per week) that provides sufficient income

• A combination of the above

Glovels advises you on the best proof of funds strategy, depending on your profile, location and consulate requirements.

Opportunity Card – Points Snapshot Your points are calculated across these types of criteria:

• Qualification level and recognition

• Shortage occupation or regular occupation

• German language (A2, B1, B2 or higher)

• English language (B2, C1)

• Work experience in your qualified field

• Age brackets (under 35, under 40)

• Previous continuous stay in Germany

• Spouse who also qualifies

You only need 6 points, but a higher score makes your profile stronger and improves your overall case.

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Jobs in Germany – Opportunity Snapshot Germany is actively hiring international talent across:

• Information Technology and Software Development

• Mechanical, Electrical, Civil and Automotive Engineering

• Healthcare and Nursing

• Logistics, Warehousing and Transport

• Skilled Trades (electricians, welders, mechatronics, construction-related roles)

• Green Energy and Renewable Technologies

• Industry 4.0, robotics and automation

For professionals with recognised qualifications, experience and at least basic German or strong English, Germany offers excellent career growth and long-term security.