Why Apply for the Germany Opportunity Card?
- Direct access to 1.8 M job opportunities under 20+ sectors
- Simplified job search process in Germany
- 6 points required in the points-based system
- No permanent job contract is required
- Great chance to receive an immediate work permit
The Opportunity Card for Germany is the best pathway for non-EU nationals seeking to work in Germany. ‘The Chancenkarte Visa’ allows recognized skilled professionals to legally enter the country and offers a pathway to permanent residency in Germany.
What is the Opportunity Card in Germany?
In 2024, Germany announced a Chancenkarte Visa to attract skilled professionals to work and live in Germany. This is a streamlined pathway for skilled workers of non-EU nations to access the German job market directly. The skilled professionals gain a great chance to directly access a wide range of employment opportunities across various industries in Germany.
German Government took this initiative to meet the workforce demands with a simplified job search process. It is a points-based system, and after a successful application, candidates can directly receive a work permit. This leads to a potential pathway for permanent residency in Germany.
Germany Opportunity card Vs. Job Seeker Visa
| Factors | Germany Opportunity Card | Germany Job Seeker Visa |
| Minimum Qualifications | Professional qualification and 2+ years’ work experience | Degree or vocational training recognized by Germany |
| Required language level | IELTS/Minimum A1 level in German Or B2 level in English | Not Mandatory |
| Visa duration | 1 year | 6 months |
| Visa extension | + 12 months | + 3 months |
| Required funds | € 12,324 | € 5,604 |
| Cap | Not applicable | Applicable |
| Paid work permitted | Yes, up to 20 hours a week | No |
Currently, most skilled professionals are interested in applying for a Germany Opportunity card, which has many advantages compared to a Germany Job Seeker Visa. It allows you to stay in the country for one year for a job search, during which you are allowed to work part-time and 20 hours/week.
Benefits of Germany Opportunity Card
- Direct access to the German job market
- Can get work permit immediately
- Can stay for 1 year and search for jobs in Germany
- Earn 1000 Euro per month working part-time while searching for jobs
- Can do part-time jobs for up to 20 hours/week until you secure a permanent job in the country
- Fast-track hiring process and easy entry to Germany
- No Federal Employment approval is required
- Best pathway to permanent residency in Germany
Germany Opportunity Card Points calculator
There are five main factors that evaluate the points required for an Opportunity card in Germany:
- Language skills
- Professional experience
- Age
- Connection to Germany
- Spouse Qualifying and Applying for Opportunity Card
*Note: Minimum 6 points are required to qualify for Oppotunity card out of 14 points (6/14).
| Criteria | Maximum points |
| Age | 2 |
| Qualification | 4 |
| Relevant work experience | 3 |
| German Language Skills/English Language Skills | 3 |
| Previous stay in Germany | 1 |
| Spouse qualifying for opportunity card | 1 |
| Total | 14 |
Jobs in Germany
The Germany Opportunity Card represents a significant opportunity for skilled professionals seeking to advance their careers in a vibrant and welcoming environment. Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, or another sector, this card could be your ticket to a prosperous future in Germany.
Germany has 1.8 M job vacancies across 20 sectors. Below are the high paying jobs in Germany:
| Most in-demand jobs in Germany | |
| Green Tech Jobs | Finance and Administration |
| Software and System Developers | Hotel and restaurant industry – Chefs |
| IT specialists/Executives | Healthcare – Doctors, nurses, midwifery, dentists, medical secretaries, care administrators |
| Systems analysts and IT architecture | Teachers – Preschool and primary school teaching |
| Engineers | Electrician |
| Sales and Marketing | Manufacturing |
Why is immigration important to Germany?
- As a result of demographic change, Germany will become more dependent on immigration to fill the workforce shortages and stabilize its economic performance.
- The country strongly believes that imigrants make an important contribution to its social and economic development.
- Higher immigration rate lowers wage rates and increases GDP
- Attracting talent across the world will address skilled labor shortages and promote economic growth.
Why should you settle in Germany?
- Strong and vibrant economy
- Annual average salaries in Germany are higher compared to other countries in Europe
- Healthy work-life balance
- Job security
- Excellent housing
- High-quality public transportation systems and connections to the rest of European countries
Eligibility to Apply for the Germany Opportunity Card
Eligibility for the Chancenkarte Visa is based on a points system that considers:
- Educational Qualifications: A minimum of two years of vocational training or a university degree recognized by their home country and recognized in Germany
- Professional Experience: 2 years of professional work experience relevant to qualification
- Language Skills: Proficiency in German or English
- Age: 18 – 40 years
- Connection to Germany: Previous legal stay in Germany for 6 months or more (Tourist stays are not considered)
- Proof of Funds: € 12,324
Requirements for Germany Opportunity Card
To apply, candidates must:
- Educational Qualifications: Higher educational qualifications boost your chances
- Professional work experience: 5 years of professional experience gives you more points
- Age: Below 35 years gives 3 points; 36-39 years gives 1 point
- Language proficiency: A2 level in German or C1 level in English gives you additional points, whereas in B1 to C2 in German gives you 1-3 points
| Language | Levels of proficiency |
| German tests | A1 (understand simple German sentences) |
| A2 (basic knowledge) | |
| B1 (intermediate) | |
| B2 (good Intermediate) | |
| C1 (advanced knowledge) | |
| C2 (excellent knowledge / mother-tongue level) | |
| English tests | TOEFL |
| IELTS | |
| Cambridge Certificate |
- Proof of funds: You need to show funds of EUR 12,324 in the form of a blocked account or part time employment contract in Germany.
How to apply for the Opportunity Card in Germany?
Step 1: Check your eligibility as per the Opportunity card points-based system.
Step 2: Arrange the checklist of Documentation. Collect necessary documents, including diplomas, job references, and language certificates.
Step 3: Submit your application through the official German Immigration portal.
Step 4: Wait for approval and move to Germany
Germany Opportunity Card Processing Times
Processing times can vary from 4 to 6 months. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their intended move date to accommodate for any delays.