To be granted an Opportunity Card, applicants must be recognized skilled workers, i.e. hold a German vocational or university qualification or an equivalent qualification from abroad.
Anyone who does not achieve this direct recognition is assessed using a points system based on qualifications, language skills, professional experience and age. During the stay, applicants must be able to support themselves financially, e.g. through savings in a blocked account or a part-time job of up to 20 hours per week.