Germany immigration for U.S. companies: Opportunity Card vs EU Blue Card in 2025

For HR managers

If you only have a minute, for Germany immigration for U.S. companies use the Opportunity Card when a candidate needs up to 12 months in-country to job-search and can reach six points. Screen for a completed degree or training, language at least A1 German or B2 English, and proof of funds. The card allows up to 20 hours per week of work and short trial assignments. When you hire, convert to an employment title like the EU Blue Card using the 2025 salary thresholds. 

What the Opportunity Card is. 

It is a job-search residence option created in Section 20a of Germany’s Residence Act. It lets qualified non-EU talent enter Germany to look for work and, within limits, work while searching. There are two ways to qualify:

• Path 1: Recognized qualification. If a foreign degree or vocational training is fully recognized in Germany, the applicant can qualify without points. 

• Path 2: Points system. If recognition is not complete, applicants qualify by reaching six points and meeting baseline rules. Baselines include a completed degree or at least two years of training, A1 German or B2 English, and proof of funds. Proof can be a blocked account showing at least €1,091 per month in 2025 or a declaration of commitment. 

How points are awarded (high level).

• Partial recognition of a foreign qualification: 4 points.

• Shortage occupation qualification: +1 point.

• Post-graduation experience: 2 points for at least 2 of the last 5 years; 3 points for at least 5 of the last 7.

• German above

  • A1: A2 = +1;

  • B1 = +2;

  • B2 or higher = +3. 

  • English at C1 or native adds +1.

• Age: 

  • ≤35 = +2;

  • 35–40 = +1.

• Prior legal stay in Germany ≥ 6 months in the last 5 years: +1.

• Partner also qualifies: +1. 

What the card allows while job-seeking.

• Work up to 20 hours per week across one or more part-time roles.

• Trial work for up to two weeks per employer.

• If a qualifying job is secured, convert to an employment residence title. If the job meets the “qualified employment” rules but no other title fits, the Opportunity Card can be extended up to two years. 

EU Blue Card in 2025: when to skip the points and hire directly

Choose the EU Blue Card when you already have a firm offer and the salary meets the 2025 minimums. Germany’s official guidance shows:

• €48,300 general minimum.

• €43,759.80 for shortage occupations, and for recent graduates within three years.

  These thresholds apply to contracts of at least six months, and there are special rules for certain IT profiles. 

Germany Immigration for U.S. Companies: Quick hiring checklist for U.S. HR teams

1. Pick the route. 

   If salary and role qualify, go EU Blue Card. Otherwise, use the Opportunity Card so the candidate can job-search in Germany. 

2. Screen for points. 

   Look for partial recognition, post-grad experience, German B1–B2, age under 35, prior legal stays, spouse eligibility, or a shortage occupation. 

3. Confirm language and funds. 

   Minimum A1 German or B2 English, plus proof of funds at €1,091 per month in 2025 if using a blocked account. 

4. Plan interim work. 

   While job-seeking on the Opportunity Card, the candidate may work part-time up to 20 hours and do short trial assignments. 

5. Convert quickly after offer. 

   Move them to an employment title such as the EU Blue Card once the offer is signed and the salary meets 2025 levels. 

FAQ for executives

How long can someone search on the Opportunity Card?

Up to 12 months, with the work limits noted above. 

Do we need German, or is English enough?

For the Opportunity Card baseline, either A1 German or B2 English works. Higher German increases points. The EU Blue Card does not have a blanket language requirement, though role and recognition rules still apply. 

How does this support Germany immigration for U.S. companies building teams quickly?

For U.S. companies supporting Germany immigration, use the Opportunity Card to get candidates on the ground for interviews and recognition steps, then switch to the EU Blue Card at the offer stage once the €48,300 or €43,759.80 threshold fits. This sequencing reduces hiring risk while keeping momentum. 

Sources to bookmark

• Make it in Germany: Job Search Opportunity Card. Official requirements, points, language, funds, work limits, and extensions. 

• Make it in Germany: EU Blue Card (PDF, “At a glance”). Official 2025 salary thresholds and core criteria.