The Opportunity Card is a new German residence permit designed for non-EU nationals who want to come to Germany to search for a job — even without having a job offer beforehand. It’s similar in purpose to a job seeker visa but with a point-based system to assess your eligibility.
You can stay in Germany for up to one year to look for qualified work and even do work trials or part-time work (up to 20 hours/week) while you search.
To qualify for the Opportunity Card under the points-based route, you must score at least 6 points from a list of criteria.
This 6-point minimum is mandatory in addition to meeting basic requirements, such as:
✔ A recognized vocational qualification (min. 2 years) or university degree
✔ Language skills (German at least A1 or English at least B2)
✔ Proof that you can support yourself financially while in Germany
✔ Health insurance coverage
✔ Professional experience relevant to your training
✔ Age or other background criteria
All of these help you collect points.
Before points even come into play, you need:
A formal qualification
– At least 2-year vocational training or a university degree.
Language skills
– German A1 CEFR minimum or English B2 CEFR minimum.
Proof of financial means
– Either a blocked account with enough funds for living costs or a formal obligation letter.
If these basics aren’t met, you cannot use the points system even if you have enough points.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the official points criteria you can score from:
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Partial recognition of a foreign professional qualification or permission to practice a regulated profession (e.g., engineer, nurse) | 4 points |
| Vocational training in a shortage occupation (e.g., IT, healthcare) | 1 point |
| Qualification is one of the biggest contributors to points. |
| Years of Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| ≥ 5 years in last 7 years | 3 points |
| ≥ 2 years in last 5 years | 2 points |
You must show that your work is related to your professional qualification.
| Language Level | Points |
|---|---|
| German B2 or higher | 3 points |
| German B1 | 2 points |
| German A2 | 1 point |
| English C1 or higher (bonus) | 1 point |
You can earn both German and English points if you qualify for them.
| Age at Time of Application | Points |
|---|---|
| Under 35 | 2 points |
| 35–39 | 1 point |
Being younger helps boost your score.
| Stay History | Points |
|---|---|
| Legal, uninterrupted stay in Germany for ≥ 6 months in last 5 years (e.g., study, internship, etc.) | 1 point |
Short tourist stays do not count.
If your spouse or civil partner is also eligible and applying, you can get:
| Spouse Eligibility | Points |
|---|---|
| Partner qualifies for Opportunity Card | 1 point |
This means both partners can boost each other’s scores.
Here are a few realistic scenarios:
✔ Partial qualification recognition = 4 pts
✔ German B1 language = 2 pts
➡ Total = 6 points → Eligible
✔ 5+ years work experience = 3 pts
✔ German B2 language = 3 pts
➡ Total = 6 points → Eligible
✔ 2+ years work experience = 2 pts
✔ German B1 language = 2 pts
✔ Under 35 = 2 pts
➡ Total = 6 points → Eligible
🌍 Having your qualification fully recognized in Germany can sometimes qualify you directly — this may mean you don’t even need to go through the points system.
📊 The maximum theoretical points is around 14, but most applicants simply need to reach the minimum of 6.
📅 Your score doesn’t go on your actual visa card — it’s only used for eligibility assessment.
Once you qualify with at least six points (and the baseline requirements), you can:
✔ Apply for the Opportunity Card visa at the German embassy/consulate in your country
✔ Stay in Germany for up to 12 months to search for qualified work
✔ Do work trials or take a part-time job up to 20 hours/week while searching
✔ Later switch to a work/residence permit if you find a job
This makes the Opportunity Card a valuable gateway for skilled professionals looking to start their career in Germany.
✔ You must score at least 6 points on the Opportunity Card points system to be eligible.
✔ Points are awarded for:
• Qualification and recognition
• Work experience
• Language skills (German/English)
• Age
• Previous time in Germany
• Spouse’s eligibility
✔ You also need to satisfy other basic conditions like a recognized qualification, language baseline (A1 German or B2 English), health insurance, and proof of funds.
