You do not need an employment contract in Germany if you want to apply for the Opportunity Card. However, you must have sufficient language skills (German A1 or English B2) and (at least) two years of vocational training or a university degree according to the rules of your country of origin. You must also have sufficient financial means. Proof of this can be provided by means of an employment contract for a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week), for example. Please register for our newsletter, if you are interested in such a part-time job.
After receiving the Opportunity Card, you will receive a 12-month residence permit. During this time, you may look for a suitable job here or have your professional qualification recognised retroactively. You are allowed two weeks of work on a trial basis (an unlimited number of times) as well as part-time employment of up to 20 hours per week. The hours may be distributed flexibly.