Opportunity card & EU Blue Card: How employers in Germany can attract skilled workers from abroad

25The shortage of skilled workers affects many sectors in Germany. There are two important instruments for attracting qualified workers from abroad: the Opportunity map and the EU Blue Card. These make it easier for employers to hire skilled workers from non-EU countries. But what are the differences and which procedure is suitable for your company?

1 EU Blue Card: The fastest route for highly qualified specialists

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for academic specialists from non-EU countries who wish to work in Germany. It is particularly suitable for Engineers, IT specialists, doctors and other academic professions attractive.

1 EU Blue Card: The fastest route for highly qualified specialists

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for academic specialists from non-EU countries who wish to work in Germany. It is particularly suitable for Engineers, IT specialists, doctors and other academic professions attractive.

1 EU Blue Card: The fastest route for highly qualified specialists

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for academic specialists from non-EU countries who wish to work in Germany. It is particularly suitable for Engineers, IT specialists, doctors and other academic professions attractive.

1.1 Requirements for the EU Blue Card

The specialist must meet the following criteria:

1. University degreewhich is recognized in Germany or is equivalent to a German qualification.
2. Employment contract or binding job offer in Germany.
3. Minimum salary: Since 2024, the required gross annual salary has been 45.300 € (in shortage occupations only 41.041 €).
4. No priority check: It is not necessary to check whether German or EU applicants have priority.

Practical example:
A German IT company wants to hire a software developer from India. As he has a university degree and the salary is over €45,300, he can pay the EU Blue Card request.

1.2 Advantages of the EU Blue Card for employers

• Faster residence permit: Processing time often only a few weeks.
• Simple extension: Valid for up to 4 years, renewable thereafter.
• Facilitated family reunification: Spouses receive a work permit in Germany.
• Permanent residence possible after 21 months: If the employee speaks German at B1 level.

Important for employers:
Employees with a Blue Card are allowed to leave the company after two years. change employerwithout the need for a new permit.

2nd opportunity map: Flexible access for qualified specialists

The Opportunity map is a new regulation for skilled workers who wish to come to Germany in order to look for a job locally. Employers can use this model to find qualified workers who are already in Germany and looking for a job.

2.1 Requirements for the opportunity map

• Points system: Applicants must receive at least 6 out of 14 possible points.
• Professional qualification: A recognized degree or at least two years of professional experience in a relevant field.
• Language skills or previous stays in Germany: Points are awarded for knowledge of German or English, age and connections to Germany.
• Securing a livelihood: The specialist must prove that he or she can provide financial security while looking for a job.

Practical example:
A mechanical engineering company in Germany is looking for a skilled worker from Brazil. He comes to Germany with the opportunity card to look for a local employer.

2.2 Advantages of the opportunity map for employers

• Employers have direct access to skilled workers who are already in Germany.
• No long visa processes, as the skilled workers enter Germany and apply independently.
• Can also be used for professions without a university degreeif relevant professional experience is available.

Important for employers:
The opportunity card is only for 12 months valid. The specialist must find employment within this period.

4 How can employers hire skilled workers with a Blue Card or an Opportunity Card?

4.1 Steps for the EU Blue Card

1. Check whether the candidate fulfills the requirements (university degree, salary, etc.).
2. Issue an employment contract and prepare a certificate for the immigration authorities.
3. Employee applies for the EU Blue Card at the German embassy in the country of origin.
4. Entry to Germany and registration at the residents' registration office.

4.2 Steps for the opportunity map

Applicant comes to Germany with an opportunity card and is looking for work.
Employer checks qualifications and issues an employment contract.
3️⃣ Conversion of the opportunity card into a regular work permit.

📌 Tip for employers:
Companies can actively present themselves at job fairs or online platforms for international specialists in order to attract applicants with an opportunity card.