Due to the shortage of labor, Germany is expected to face a deficit of about 16 million workers by 2060 (source: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action). The new immigration law, the Opportunity Card, aims to provide a fresh perspective on the German labor market.
Applying for the Opportunity Card for Germany from Egypt
We previously explained what theOpportunity Cardis and the benefits of obtaining it. Here, we will discuss the required documents from the German Embassy in Egypt for applying for the Opportunity Card.
Notes on the required documents for applying for the Opportunity Card:
- Please arrange your documents in the specified order and mark them on the document list. (Order is very important)
- You can submit the application up to 3 months before the planned trip.
- You must personally attend the TLScontact application center to provide your information and fingerprints.
- All original documents must be accompanied by a translated copy in English or German. If the documents are in English, translation is not necessary.
- All general Egyptian documents must be translated, authenticated, and certified. Only applications with complete documents will be accepted. (Certification should be from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and authentication from the German Embassy in Cairo)
Required Essential Documents for Applying for the Opportunity Card via the Embassy
- Passport and Copies:
- Original passport and a copy of the information page and the signature page (must be less than 10 years old, contain at least two blank pages, and be undamaged, valid for at least 3 months. It is advisable to renew your passport if it is near expiration. The passport copy must be clear. Sign your passport and attach a copy of the signature page. If you have traveled to other countries, include copies of the stamps from those countries).
- VIDEX Application Form:
- You can find theform here.(Fill it out completely and sign it).
- Passport-Sized Photo:
- Must be similar to those used in passports, with a white background, no older than 6 months, and not digitally altered.
- Health Insurance:
- Must be valid in all Schengen countries, with a minimum coverage amount of €30,000, valid throughout the validity period of the Opportunity Card, and starting from the visa validity date. (The cost of this document ranges from €20-€60).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV):
- In a tabular format, detailing your educational background and professional experience. You can use theEuropass CV website.
- Motivation Letter:
- Written by yourself, purpose-driven, and containing as much specific information as possible regarding your planned time, content of your stay, field of work or profession you are interested in, and the companies you plan to apply to upon arrival in Germany.
- Proof of Financial Means:
- Via a blocked bank account (you must have at least €1,027 available per month for your stay in Germany, totaling €12,394 for 12 months) or a financial guarantor in Germany with a permanent residence according to §§ 66-68 AufenthG.
- Proof of Planned Accommodation:
- For example, a hotel reservation, rental contract, or private invitation with a copy of the host's passport.
- Professional Practice Permit:
- From the relevant German authorities or proof of professional practice permit verification, such as for medical professions.
- Proof of Job Search Initiation (if available):
- For example, an invitation from a company in Germany for an interview or correspondence with companies you have contacted.
- Proof of Current Employment (if available):
- Such as an employment certificate from your current job and a recommendation letter.
In addition to the documents mentioned above, you must provide additional documents for one of the following options. If you meet the criteria for the first option, you will submit the required documents and will not need to enter the points-based system, which is related to the second option.
Option 1
If your university degree is equivalent to a degree in Germany and recognized in Germany,you can check this here. Your degree should receive an H+ rating on theAnabindatabase. (If you meet this criterion, you can apply for the Opportunity Card without needing the points system).
- Requires the original certified university degree with one copy, and the original transcript of records with one copy.
- Recognition of your degree in Germany: You can print the recognition from the mentioned site confirming your university has an H+ rating and is equivalent to a German degree. Youcan use this siteto find the responsible authorities for degree recognition.
- Professional licenses: Submit the original and one copy.
- Proof of knowledge of German or English (if available): An original recognized language certificate with a copy or an official document proving your language proficiency.
Option 2
If your degree is not listed on the Anabin website, you can checkhere.
- Requires the original graduation certificate with one copy and the original transcript of records with one copy.
The second option is related to a points-based system, and you must score a minimum of 6 points to apply through this option.
You can learn more about theOpportunity Card hereand the points system, and check if you have enough points to apply.
Important Websites for Applying for the Opportunity Card
- To check if your degree is recognized in Germany:Click here
- If your university is not recognized or not listed on Anabin:Click here
- To find the places responsible for degree recognition:Click here
- List of required documents mentioned in this article:Click here
- Official information about the Opportunity Card in Germany:Click here
- Official steps to apply for the Opportunity Card:Click here