The Opportunity Card: Your Direct Pathway to a New Life in Germany.
Tired of Waiting for the Perfect Job Offer to Move to Germany? Discover the Opportunity Card – a progressive pathway introduced in June 2024, created to help talented individuals from outside the EU enter Germany and secure qualified employment.
Officially known as the Chancenkarte, the German Opportunity Card is a residence permit designed to attract skilled workers from non-EU countries.
What sets this initiative apart is its flexibility. You can move to Germany without a pre-arranged job offer and are granted up to 12 months to find employment that matches your qualifications, while living and exploring opportunities directly within the country.
How The Opportunity Card Can Benefit You?
Direct Access to the German Job Market
Forget the hurdles of securing a job offer from afar. The German Opportunity Card provides you with direct entry into Germany, allowing you to actively search for employment within the country's dynamic economy.
Up to 12 Months for Your Job Search
Benefit from a substantial period of up to 12 months residing in Germany. This gives you ample time on the ground to explore various companies, network with potential employers, and find a position that perfectly matches your skills and career aspirations.
Opportunity to Work Part-Time
Support yourself financially while you search for full-time employment. The Chancenkarte Germany allows you to take up part-time work (up to 20 hours per week), helping with living expenses and providing valuable German work experience.
Pathway to Long-Term Residency
Securing qualified employment while on the Opportunity Card is your stepping stone to long-term stability. It opens the door to transitioning to a German work permit and, ultimately, provides a potential pathway to permanent residency in Germany.
Streamlined Process for Skilled Workers
Designed with skilled professionals in mind, the German Opportunity Card simplifies the relocation process compared to some previous visa categories. It addresses Germany's need for skilled talent by creating a more accessible entry route.
Gain Experience Through Trial Work
Explore potential roles and employers firsthand. The German Opportunity Card permits you to undertake trial work for up to two weeks, offering valuable insights into different companies and positions.
Who is Eligible for the Opportunity Card?
Determining eligibility for the German Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is key to your plans. There are two main ways to qualify, depending on your professional background.
Pathway 1: Qualify Directly (Recognised Skilled Worker)
Explore potential roles and employers firsthand. The German Opportunity Card permits you to undertake trial work for up to two weeks, offering valuable insights into different companies and positions.
Even via this direct route, you must still meet the basic requirements for language skills (German A1 or English B2) and show you have enough funds to support yourself in Germany.
Pathway 2: Qualify with Points (Minimum 6 Points Needed)
If your qualification is valid in your home country but not yet fully recognised as equivalent in Germany, you can still qualify! You need to meet these Basic Requirements AND earn at least 6 points from the points system criteria below.
Basic Requirements for this Pathway:
- Your Qualification: Hold a recognised university degree (at least 2 years) or vocational training (at least 2 years) from your home country.
- Language: Prove basic German (A1) OR good English (B2) skills from a recognised test.
- Funds: Show you can cover your living costs in Germany (around €1,027 per month currently). Proof is often via a Blocked Account or sponsor.
Opportunity Card Points At-a-Glance
| Criteria | Condition | Points Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification Recognition | Partial Equivalence / Compensatory Measures Required | 4 points |
| Professional Experience | 5+ years (in last 7 years) | 3 points |
| 2-4 years (in last 5 years) | 2 points | |
| German Language Skills | B2 Level or higher (CEFR) | 3 points |
| B1 Level (CEFR) | 2 points | |
| A2 Level (CEFR) | 1 point | |
| English Language Skills | C1 Level or higher (CEFR) | 1 point |
| Age | Under 35 years | 2 points |
| 35 - 40 years | 1 point | |
| Connection to Germany | Previous Legal Stay (6+ months in last 5 years) | 1 point |
| Qualification/Experience | In a designated Shortage Occupation ('Mangelberuf') | 1 point |
| Spouse/Partner Application | Spouse/Partner also qualifies and applies concurrently | 1 point |
| Minimum Required Points | 6 points |
