Germany’s Opportunity Card—also known as the Chancenkarte—is a new residence permit designed to attract skilled professionals from non‑EU countries, allowing them to come to Germany for up to one year to search for suitable qualified work.
To qualify, applicants must satisfy all the following basic requirements:
Non‑EU/EEA/Swiss national
Formal qualification: A university degree or at least two years of vocational training, recognized in the country it was obtained
Language skills: Minimum German A1 or English B2 proficiency
Proof of sufficient funds: A blocked account (approx. €1,027 net/month in 2024, though some sources mention ~€12,000 total) or a German sponsor declaration
Additionally, health insurance coverage is required.
If you hold a foreign qualification fully recognized as equal to a German one, you can apply directly via the skilled worker channel—no need for points.
Otherwise, you must score at least 6 points through a points system based on:
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Partial recognition of foreign qualification | 4 |
| Qualification in a German shortage occupation | 1 |
| Professional experience • 5 yrs (last 7 yrs): 3 pts • 2 yrs (last 5 yrs): 2 pts | |
| German language: A2 = 1 B1 = 2 B2+ = 3 English C1 adds +1 | |
| Age: • < 35 = 2 pts • 35–39 = 1 pt | |
| Previous stay in Germany ≥6 continuous mo (last 5 yrs) | 1 |
| Spouse/partner who also qualifies | 1 |
Total possible = 14 points.
Valid for up to 12 months, compared to 6 months under the old job-seeker visa
Extendable: If you find a job but lack requirements for a new permit, it can be extended for up to 2 years
Permitted employment: Up to 20 hrs/week part-time or trial work (max 2 weeks per employer) while job-hunting
This makes settling into Germany easier—getting a SIM, registering residence, opening bank accounts—all before finding full-time work
To fill labor shortages in sectors like healthcare, IT, engineering
It offers a more liberal, points-based migration system inspired by Canada, part of the Skilled Immigration Act since June 2023
Enter Germany without a job offer
Legal part-time/trial work & career settling
Easier transition to Blue Card or permanent residence once employed
Must score minimum 6 points (unless fully qualified)
Requires upfront funds (~€12k) or proof of sponsor
Some employers (e.g., Amazon, UPS) may not explicitly hire Opportunity Card holders yet
Good German (B1+) and/or English helps significantly in job search
“You must be able to support yourself … blocked account (~12k euros) or sponsor.”
“Without very good German skills … most professions will not consider hiring people.”
These highlight the importance of language and financial planning.
Self‑Check your eligibility using Germany’s official tool
Gather required docs: degrees, language certificates, blocked account receipt or sponsor letter, CV, motivation letter, health insurance
Submit your application at the German embassy/consulate in your country
Wait for appointment—delays reported in places like Mumbai/Bangalore (60–90 days)
Once approved, arrive in Germany, register your address, open a bank account, and start searching!
Germany’s Opportunity Card is an appealing route for qualified non‑EU nationals to enter the country, seek employment, and gain a foothold. With just a year to solidify plans, it demands:
Solid qualifications
Good language ability
Financial readiness
Strategic career planning
If you can meet—or build toward—these criteria, the Opportunity Card may be your gateway to thriving in Germany.
