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Updated August 2024

Key takeaways:

Germany’s Opportunity Card replaces the job seeker visa, allowing broader access through a points-based system

Cardholders can work part-time, explore job trials, and transition to other residence permits

The Opportunity Card is valid for one year

Table of Contents

What is Germany’s Opportunity Card?

The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) has officially replaced the former Germany job seeker visa, which was limited to skilled workers with recognized degrees. As a residence permit under Section 20a of the Residence Act, the Opportunity Card now extends the opportunity to stay and actively search for work to a wider range of qualified individuals, including non-skilled workers who meet the requirements of a point-based system. This system evaluates various factors such as language skills, qualifications, and work experience.

Key benefits include:

Allows individuals to reside and work part-time in Germany for up to 20 hours per week
Facilitates exploration of potential career paths through two-week job trials
Enables transition to residence permits for qualified employment, vocational training, or self-employment

The Opportunity Card is initially valid for one year. In specific cases, it may be extended for up to an additional year. If your card expires and you leave Germany, you must wait a full year before reapplying for an Opportunity Card.

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How to apply for Germany’s Opportunity Card?

Embarking on your journey to Germany with the Opportunity Card requires careful preparation. This section will guide you through the necessary steps, ensuring a smooth application process.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an Opportunity Card, you must:

Be from a country outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland. Check your country’s eligibility on the German Federal Government’s website
Demonstrate language proficiency. This requires at least an A1 level of German or B2 level of English according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

In addition to the above, you must meet one of the following criteria:

Hold a recognized foreign professional or academic qualification: You can verify its recognition in Germany through the official website of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)

Have a German university degree or professional qualification: This allows you to directly apply for a residence permit under Section 20 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), granting 18 months for job search with unrestricted part-time work

Meet the points-based system requirements: This requires at least two years of vocational training and a minimum score of 6 points. A positive assessment from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) can strengthen your visa application

Additionally:

Completion of Category A vocational training at a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK) meeting Vocational Training Act (BBiG) requirements may be suitable. Contact the issuing AHK for details
You can find general information on the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) website

The point system is relevant only to those who apply for the Opportunity Card after two years of vocational training and whose foreign educational qualifications have been fully recognized. You can score points if you have suitable proof showing your qualifications or experience in the following criteria:

Equivalence of qualification: If your foreign qualification is partially equivalent and you have applied for recognition, you will receive four points
- You will still receive the four points if you need to complete compensatory measures before obtaining a license to practice for a regulated profession
Qualification in a shortage occupation: You will receive one point if your formal qualification is in a shortage occupation. Please refer to the list of shortage occupations to check which occupations are in short supply
Professional experience: Points are awarded for relevant professional experience. Two points are given for at least two years within the last five and three points for at least five years within the last seven
Language skills: According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), you can earn points based on your German language skills
- You’ll receive one point for level A2, two for level B1, and three for level B2 or higher. If you have English at level C1 or higher or are a native English speaker, you’ll receive an additional point
Age: You earn two points if you’re under 35 and one point if you’re between 35 and 40
Previous stays in Germany: If you can prove legal residence in Germany for at least six months in the last five years (e.g., for study, language, or work stays), you will earn one point. Submit old passport copies and related visas and entry stamps as evidence. Tourism or visiting stays do not count
Skilled worker potential of spouses or life partners: If you are married or in a partnership with someone who holds an Opportunity Card and wants to accompany you to Germany—you will be awarded one point if your partner or spouse meets the requirements

Please note that appropriate evidence or certificates for the visa application must support all information you provide in the above categories.

Required documents

Please prepare two A4-sized copies of each document listed below. Ensure you have the originals available for inspection on the visa appointment date. Avoid stapling the documents.

A valid passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least another year as of the date of visa application, with at least two empty pages. Please note that passports with observations regarding the front data page will not be accepted
A filled out and duly signed application form and declaration (in accordance with Section 54 of the Residence Act)
Declaration for additional contact and legal representation information.
- The Declaration form varies by country. For instance, the form for applicants from India differs from that for those applying from the US. Contact your local German Mission for the correct form.
3 passport-sized pictures according to biometric specifications, not older than 6 months
Copy of your passport’s data page (A4 size copy)
Proof of having sufficient financial means (EUR 12,324) to cover the costs of living for the duration of your stay by one of the following documents:
- “Sperrkonto” or blocked account in Germany with sufficient funds currently amounting to at least EUR 1,027/month plus sufficient funds for the return flight
- “Verpflichtungserklärung” or formal obligation letter by a sponsor who is living in Germany
- Current bank account statement
  - Another way to prove sufficient funds would be to show proof of employment for at least 20 hours/week with a German employer. Even if it is a minimum-wage job, proving financial means to the Embassy would suffice
Proof of accommodation in Germany (such as a written invitation by friends or family, hotel booking or similar) – must include the actual complete address with street name, name of town and postal code.
Provide proof of vocational or academic training and prior work experience, if applicable
Proof of adequate language proficiency
Motivation letter or statement of purpose.
Proof of personal status, including the applicant’s birth certificate and national identity card with English translation (where applicable)
Curriculum Vitae
For applicants over 45 years old whose yearly salary is below EUR 49.830, a document proving adequate contribution to a German Pension fund or pension insurance is required
Certificate about compulsory health insurance (Gesetzliche oder private Krankenversicherung) from a German employer, valid from the date of employment
If not included in the compulsory health insurance, a separate travel health insurance must be presented for the time frame from arrival in Germany until the beginning of employment

The German Mission may request additional documents. Submitting the mentioned documents does not guarantee visa approval. Incomplete documentation, refusal of a visa interview, or providing false information will result in rejection.

Application process

Gather all the relevant documents, including the filled-out application form.
- If you are from a country where the online application process is unavailable, e.g., the UAE, please visit your nearest German Mission, collect the application form and apply on-site. The officers there will guide you through the process.
Arrange an appointment at a German embassy or consulate in your home country
Visit the designated embassy or consulate for the interview.
Complete the required payment for the Opportunity Card

Processing time & cost

The processing time for an Opportunity Card can vary from a few weeks to several months after submitting your application to a local German mission abroad or Foreigners’ Registration Office. The cost of applying for the Opportunity Card is EUR 76.