Free education, jobs with Germany’s Opportunity Card: What UAE students should know about Schengen access

Abu Dhabi: Germany is emerging as a land of opportunity for students and jobseekers, offering free education at public universities and a new one-year Opportunity Card that allows individuals to seek employment without the need for a job offer or sponsorship.

The recently concluded Gulf News Edufair 2025 in Abu Dhabi featured leading industry experts who took a deep dive into the many opportunities available in Germany.

“We got a lot of students who are interested in studying in Germany because most universities offer free education,” said Clint Khan, Director at Y-Axis, speaking on the topic ‘Germany’s Hidden Door: A New Route for UAE-Based Talent’.

Khan noted that many students choose to study in Germany with the long-term goal of settling there.

“Students are using education as a route to go and settle down there. But instead of choosing study as the only path, they now have the option to work in Germany, which is actually cheaper than studying there.”

Previously, applicants from non-EU countries were required to have a permanent employment contract or be recognised as skilled workers to work in Germany.

Khan highlighted that the new Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) provides a “direct route” for non-EU residents to live and work in Germany without requiring a job offer or employer sponsorship.

You can apply for the Opportunity Card either at the Foreigners’ Registration Office in Germany or at the relevant German mission abroad, such as the German Embassy in your home country.

Points-based system: You become eligible by earning at least six out of 14 points. The system considers your age, nationality, educational qualifications, work experience, and formal training in high-demand professions, among other factors.

Chance of permanent residence: If you secure a suitable job within 12 months of arrival, you may qualify for permanent residency.

Securing your livelihood: The Opportunity Card allows part-time work at minimum wage, helping cover living expenses while you search for a full-time job.

Guaranteed work permit: Before this, workers from non-EU countries needed a visa to enter and work in Germany. The Opportunity Card simplifies this process.

Schengen access: As a national visa, the Opportunity Card also allows you to travel across the Schengen region.

The visa application costs Dh313 (75 euros). You’ll also need to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses by opening a ‘blocked account’ with 13,092 euros (about Dh55,000) deposited in a bank.

“Germany has introduced this visa for people outside the European Union, which is our India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and others. For the first time ever, a country is offering a visa that lets you live and work from day one without needing a sponsorship,” Khan added.