Opportunity card Germany Would you like to work in Germany but don't have a job offer yet? The opportunity card opens up new prospects for a career in Germany. In this section you can find out everything about the requirements, the application procedure and the prospects after entering Germany with the opportunity card. Job search opportunity card Job seekers from abroad can enter Germany in order to look for a job. In some cases, a visa might be necessary. We will explain how it works. Self-Check: Opportunity card As a recognised skilled worker or via the points system, you can obtain an opportunity card for the purpose of finding a job in Germany. Use the self-check to see whether you are eligible for the opportunity card. Questions and answers regarding the opportunity card Would you like to apply for the opportunity card and don't know where to start? In our FAQ you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions as well as tips to help you assess your chances in a realistic manner.

The path to German citizenship Would you like to be naturalised? Here you will find key information about naturalisation in Germany. Requirements for naturalisation If you were not born a German citizen, you have the right to be naturalised if you meet the following requirements, among others: You have been living in Germany legally for more than five years. You have a permanent right of residence in Germany, e.g. as a Union citizen entitled to freedom of movement or on the basis of a settlement permit or a residence permit that may lead to a permanent right of residence. A residence permit for the purpose of studying, for example, is not sufficient. You can financially support yourself and your dependent family members without receiving benefits under the Second or Twelfth Book of the Social Code [SGB]. You have sufficient knowledge of German: you can prove your oral and written knowledge of German by taking a language test at a minimum level of B1. A German school-leaving certificate, completed vocational education and training in Germany or completed studies in Germany are also generally accepted as proof of your German language skills. You have basic knowledge of the legal and social system and way of life in Germany: you can prove this knowledge by passing the naturalisation test. The “Life in Germany” test is also accepted as proof of such knowledge. If you have a German school-leaving certificate or a degree in law, social sciences, public administration or political

Economy Would you like to know more about the German economy? On this page, you can learn more about the defining characteristics of Germany’s economic activity. German industry generates high earnings Despite major cyclical fluctuations, earnings have risen in most economic sectors over the past few years. The sectors focussing on export play a crucial role in this. The automotive industry remains the leader: it posted earnings of 564 billion euros in 2023. As an innovation leader, it is an important contributor to growth and prosperity. Vehicle manufacturing also secures earnings for other sectors, as it has close links with companies in the chemical, electrical engineering, steel, metal and textile industries. The German success model When reporting on Germany’s successful economy, Time magazine recently remarked that many German companies have specialised in the “unsexy side of the industrial spectrum: not smartphones or iPads but machinery and other heavy equipment”. Some German companies, such as carmakers and the world’s third-largest software supplier, might disagree and insist that their products are very much on the “sexy side” of the industry. Yet the analysis is essentially correct: highly specialised industrial companies producing highly specialised goods are the engine of growth in the German economy. Following the much-lauded era of virtual wealth creation on the financial markets, the following principle is to be kept in mind: the industry has always been a

School system & compulsory education Germany is known worldwide for its education system. Here you can find out more about the German school system. Germany's school system Your children need to attend school from the age of six, as school attendance is compulsory in Germany. The majority of schools in Germany are run by the state and offer free education. You also have the option of sending your children to fee-paying private and international schools. Home education is only allowed in exceptional cases, such as when children are ill and unable to attend school for a prolonged period. As a parent, you will receive an invitation from the relevant school authority with details of the exact dates and registration procedures. You can also obtain information on compulsory school attendance from the competent Ministry of Education. Education policy is the responsibility of Germany’s federal states. Searching the websites of the ministries in the relevant federal state is therefore the most effective way of finding a suitable school for your child. You can filter by region, school type and internationality. For more information about specialisations, all-day education and how to register, please visit the schools’ own websites. School search Websites for the school search by federal state Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Berlin Brandenburg Bremen Hamburg Hesse Mecklenburg-West Pomerania Lower Saxony North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland Saxony Saxony-Anhalt Schleswig-Holstein

Health insurance In Germany, health insurance protects you in case you need medical care. Here you will find an overview of the types of health insurance and what they cover. On this page On this page Statutory health insurance Private health insurance Health insurance without an employer In Germany, you are required to take out health insurance. There are two main types: statutory health insurance and private health insurance. The two systems differ in what they cover and in the requirements you need to meet. Switching from one to the other is not always possible. If you are employed, contributions to your health insurance are usually deducted directly from your salary. Health insurance cover from the first day in Germany Take out travel health insurance in your home country to cover the period between your arrival and the start of your employment. Check in advance with the relevant German mission abroad which requirements your travel health insurance must meet. Make sure you have continuous insurance cover, particularly for the period between your arrival in Germany and the start of your regular health insurance. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you will then either have insurance cover through your employer or training company, or you will need to arrange it by yourself. Statutory health insurance Most employees in Germany have statutory health insurance. If you have statutory health insurance, you can choose from a wide range of health insurance providers to find

Living permanently in Germany Would you like permanently settle down in Germany? Here you can find all information on the settlement permit, the permanent EU residence permit and naturalisation. Settlement permit Naturalisation

Schleswig-Holstein Schleswig-Holstein not only offers international professionals the chance to realise their career dreams in the “true north of Germany”, but also makes them want to spend their free time here doing leisure activities. Schleswig-Holstein offers a professional environment with a strong middle class and worldwide successful companies in future industries. Due to the proximity to Scandinavia in the north and the metropolitan region of Hamburg in the south, many companies inside the federal state maintain good networks and work together in an international environment, offer flat hierarchies, fast promotion opportunities and family-friendly working models. Numerous projects and initiatives in the state provide good conditions for entering the job market and for further professional training. At the same time, 1,190 kilometres of coastline on the North and Baltic Sea invite you to go for walks or do water sports such as sailing or kiteboarding. Keyfacts for Schleswig-Holstein Capital Kiel Important industries Logistics Craft business Tourism Care Population 2,965,691 Particularities Since 2015, Schleswig-Holstein has been covering its energy needs with renewable energies only - especially wind power. Additional contacts The official portal of Schleswig-Holstein Get to know the multifaceted state and learn what makes it special. Points of contact for qualified professionals Here you can find service centres for immigrants in your federal state. Authority finder BAMF-NAvI

Thuringia Thuringia has become one of the most dynamic regions with high growth rates. By dint of flexibility and innovation, small and medium-sized companies adapt quickly to new market developments and offer high job security for their employees. Thuringia is now considered a top location at the heart of Europe. Life in Thuringia is designed to feel good: rich in quality of life, culturally diverse, family-friendly and modern. Keyfacts for Thuringia Capital Erfurt Important industries Mechanical engineering Biotechnology Medical technology Metalworking industry Manufacturing of electronic and optical instruments and tools Manufacturing of motor vehicles and vehicle parts Health- and social care Creative industry Micro- and nanotechnology Manufacturing and installation of devices for using renewable energies (Greentech) Population 2,122,335 Particularities Innovative companies are looking for international professionals right at the heart of Europe: A nice place to live and work with your family. Additional contacts The official portal of Thuringia Get to know the multifaceted state and learn what makes it special. Points of contact for qualified professionals Here you can find service centres for immigrants in your federal state. Authority finder BAMF-NAvI Find contact details and other offers from important German authorities.

Saxony-Anhalt Saxony-Anhalt is a modern business and science location situated in the heart of Germany and Europe. Universities, academies and other research facilities as well as local companies create a lively and innovative climate. Saxony-Anhalt is family-friendly: it offers low living costs, high quality standards and a rich offering of culture and nature. An open-minded attitude towards all people is a guiding principle. The state, regions and companies offer numerous support services for immigrants. Keyfacts for Saxony-Anhalt Capital Magdeburg Important industries Mechanical engineering Healthcare Metal industry Logistics Food industry Tourism Chemicals and synthetic materials industry Renewable energies/hydrogen IT with a focus on software development Automotive supplier industry Population 2,180,448 Particularities Saxony-Anhalt has the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Germany. Additional contacts The official portal of Saxony-Anhalt Get to know the multifaceted state and learn what makes it special. Points of contact for qualified professionals Here you can find service centres for immigrants in your federal state. Authority finder BAMF-NAvI Find contact details and other offers from important German authorities.

Rhineland-Palatinate Rhineland-Palatinate is one of Europe’s high-tech regions, with above-average economic power, a high quality of life and a focus on export activities. Its family-friendly infrastructures –such as excellent schools, universities and educational institutions – as well as beautiful natural and cultural landscapes and the Rhine and Moselle rivers make the state located in the south-west of Germany a lovely place to be. Keyfacts for Rhineland-Palatinate Capital Mainz Important industries Chemicals and pharmaceuticals Automotive engineering (incl. suppliers) Metal production and processing, mechanical engineering Environmental technology, artificial intelligence and healthcare management Population 4,174,311 Particularities Six world-class wine-growing regions, a leading base for biotechnology and Germany's most extensive forest Additional contacts The official portal of Rhineland-Palatinate Get to know the multifaceted state and learn what makes it special. Points of contact for qualified professionals Here you can find service centres for immigrants in your federal state. Authority finder BAMF-NAvI Find contact details and other offers from important German authorities.