Germany Opens Job Application Portal for Skilled Nigerians

The German government has launched a new project known as the ‘Opportunity Card’ to encourage qualified workers from outside the European Union (EU) to seek employment in Germany.

The portal where applicants were asked to apply listed Nigeria as one of the countries of residence for prospective applicants.

This was announced on Germany’s Federal Foreign Office Consular Services Portal on June 1, 2024.

What is “Opportunity Card”

The Opportunity Card, a form of residence card, allows people from third countries—nations outside the EU—to enter Germany to look for work.

Who’s Eligible for the “Opportunity Card”

The Opportunity Card operates on a points-based system with the following requirements:

• • Completion of a degree or at least two years of training recognized by the state of issuance.
  • German language proficiency at least at level A1 or English proficiency at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

• Sufficient financial means of at least 1,027 euros per month (as of 2024) to cover living expenses for the duration of the stay in Germany.

Period of Stay for the “Opportunity Card”

The card is valid for one year and can be extended if the individual finds suitable work, allowing them to receive a second residence visa for additional job hunting or employment.

During your stay to find work, you will be able to work up to 20 hours a week in a part-time position. Furthermore, you can accept up to two weeks of trial assignments to familiarise yourself with potential jobs.

How to Apply for “Opportunity Card”

You can apply for the Opportunity Card online in the Consular Services Portal or locally at your German mission.
Click here to apply online.

Guidance for Nigerian Applicants

The German government recommended Nigerian applicants to follow up with Germany’s diplomatic mission in Nigeria to obtain a visa.

“You can only apply for a visa at the German mission assigned to you. The obligation varies according to the district in which you live. If the online application is not available at your German mission, you may apply for your visa on-site. “You will find more information on the website of your German mission,” it read.

Germany’s request is the most recent in a string of international calls for expertise.