Just a few days ago, the government of the traffic light coalition reached an agreement on the law on the immigration of skilled workers. The new draft by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (52, SPD) and her party colleague, Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (50, SPD), is available to BILD.
► The law is intended to attract more workers from abroad, among other things through easier recognition and a new “opportunity card” based on a points system.
According to the draft, the bill could increase “immigration of qualified third-country nationals” by 60,000 people annually. It is assumed that “qualified immigration” will increase by 75,000 persons annually.
These criteria should apply to immigrants
The minimum number of six points is now considered the key to success in the new skilled worker immigration law!
Because: whoever achieves the six points is to receive an “opportunity card” as a legal residence title without further requirements, in order to be allowed to look for a job locally.
According to the latest draft law, there are a total of ten characteristics. There are different points per fulfilled characteristic.
► One can receive a maximum of four points per criterion. This is the case if someone already brings a foreign professional qualification – which is determined to be equivalent to a domestic one, for example, after further qualifications.
► Three points can be obtained, for example, through proven “good German language skills”.
► If the immigrant is not older than 35, two points can already be obtained.
► One point can be obtained, for example, with English language skills (C1 level).
Source: Bild Online – 29.03.2023

What type of residence permition the Chance Card / Chancenkarte offers
The ChancenKarte (Chance Card) is a type of residence permit in Germany that is issued to skilled workers who are seeking employment opportunities in the country. It is granted to individuals who have completed a vocational or higher education qualification in Germany, or to those who have obtained a degree from a recognized institution outside of Germany.
To be eligible for the ChancenKarte, applicants must demonstrate that they have a concrete job offer from a German employer, and that their skills and qualifications are in demand in the German labor market. They must also meet other criteria, such as sufficient language skills, health insurance coverage, and the ability to support themselves financially while in Germany.
If an individual meets the eligibility criteria and is granted a ChancenKarte, they are permitted to enter and reside in Germany for the duration of their job contract or up to a maximum of four years. Family members of the ChancenKarte holder may also be eligible for a residence permit to accompany them to Germany.
For who the Chance Card is and who it helps
The ChancenKarte is designed to help skilled professionals who are seeking employment opportunities in Germany. It is intended to provide these professionals with an opportunity to live and work in Germany, contributing their skills and expertise to the country’s economy and society. The ChancenKarte program is particularly beneficial for:
- Skilled workers who have completed vocational or higher education qualifications in Germany or obtained a degree from a recognized institution outside of Germany.
- Professionals who have a concrete job offer from a German employer in a profession that is in demand in Germany and requires a vocational or higher education qualification.
- Individuals who possess the necessary language skills and health insurance coverage required to live and work in Germany.
- Those who have the ability to support themselves financially while in Germany.
The ChancenKarte is designed to attract skilled professionals who can contribute to the German economy and help fill gaps in the German labor market. It provides an opportunity for individuals to build their careers and gain valuable experience in a new environment, while also contributing to the social and economic development of Germany.
The ChancenKarte is a residence permit designed to attract skilled professionals to Germany by offering them the opportunity to live and work in the country.
To apply for a ChancenKarte, professionals must first secure a job offer from a German employer in a profession that is in demand in Germany. The profession must also require a vocational or higher education qualification.
Once the job offer is secured, the applicant can submit their ChancenKarte application to the German embassy or consulate in their home country. The application process usually involves submitting various documents, such as proof of qualifications, a valid passport, and evidence of health insurance coverage.
If the application is successful, the applicant will be issued a ChancenKarte, which is a temporary residence permit that is valid for up to four years.
During this time, the ChancenKarte holder is allowed to work in Germany and can switch jobs if they wish, as long as the new job meets the same criteria as the original job offer. The ChancenKarte can be extended if the holder continues to meet the eligibility criteria, and after a certain period of time, ChancenKarte holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Germany.
The ChancenKarte program is designed to encourage skilled professionals to bring their expertise to Germany and contribute to the country’s economy and society. It offers professionals the opportunity to live and work in a country that values their skills and qualifications, and it provides German employers with access to a talented and diverse workforce.