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Germany Opportunity Card
German Opportunity Card
Germany Opportunity Card eligibility
Germany Opportunity Card points calculator
Germany Opportunity Card Fees
Jobs in Germany
Learn about the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) that lets skilled professionals move to Germany without a job offer. Check eligibility, points, jobs, fees, and PR options.
Why Apply for the Germany Opportunity Card?
- Enter Germany without a job offer
- Simplified job search process in Germany
- Stay up to 12 months to find employment
- No permanent job contract is required
- Great chance to receive an immediate work permit
- Pathway to long-term residence and work permit
The Germany Opportunity Card is one of the best options for people from outside the EU who want to work in Germany. The Chancenkarte Visa allows skilled professionals to enter Germany legally, look for a job, and later apply for permanent residency if they meet the requirements.
*Want to learn more about the German Opportunity Card? Get expert guidance with the Migrate to Germany Flipbook.
What is a German Opportunity Card?
The Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is a points-based residence permit introduced to attract skilled professionals from non-EU countries. It allows qualified individuals to enter Germany without a job offer and search for employment for up to 12 months. The program supports Germany’s growing demand for skilled workers across industries such as IT, healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, and skilled trades. German Government took this initiative to meet the workforce demands with a simplified job search process. This leads to a potential pathway for permanent residency in Germany.
Germany Opportunity Card vs Job Seeker Visa
The table below highlights the key differences between the Germany Opportunity Card and the Job Seeker Visa, including eligibility, duration, and work rights:
| Factor | Germany Opportunity Card | Germany Job Seeker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Qualifications | Recognized professional qualification or vocational training + relevant work experience | Recognized university degree or vocational qualification |
| Required Language Level | German A1 or English B2 (depending on points) | Not mandatory, but helpful for job search |
| Visa Duration | Up to 12 months | Up to 6 months |
| Visa Extension | Cannot be extended, but can be converted to a work residence permit after job offer | No extension allowed |
| Required Funds | Approx. €12,324 | Approx. €5,604 |
| Quota / Cap | No official cap announced | No cap |
| Paid Work Permitted | Up to 20 hours per week | Not allowed |
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 up to 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: 6/14 points are required to qualify for a Germany Opportunity card.
| Criteria | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Age | 2 |
| Qualification | 4 |
| Relevant Work Experience | 3 |
| German Language Skills / English Language Skills | 3 or 1 |
| Previous Stay in Germany | 1 |
| Spouse Qualifying for Opportunity Card | 1 |
| Total | 14 |
Eligibility requirements to apply for the Germany Opportunity Card
Eligibility for the Chancenkarte Visa is based on a points system that considers:
- Valid passport
- A minimum of two years of vocational training or a university degree recognized by their home country and recognized in Germany
- 2 years of professional work experience relevant to qualification
- Proficiency in German or English
- Previous legal stay in Germany for 6 months or more (Tourist stays are not considered)
- Age between 18 to 40
- Proof of Funds of approximately € 12,324
- At least 6 out of 14 points under the Opportunity card points system
- Medical health insurance
How to Apply for the Germany Opportunity Card
Step 1: Verify your eligibility by checking your score under the Opportunity Card points system and confirming you meet the 6-point threshold, based on factors such as education, work experience, age, and language skills.
Step 2: Gather all necessary documents, including your passport, educational certificates, work experience letters, language test results, and proof of funds.
Step 3: Make sure your degree or vocational qualification is recognized in Germany. If required, complete credential verification through official authorities.
Step 4: Schedule an appointment at the nearest German Embassy or Consulate in your country to submit your application.
Step 5: Attend the appointment and submit your completed application along with biometric data and supporting documents.
Step 6: Your application will be reviewed by the authorities. Processing times may vary depending on location and application volume.
Step 7: Once approved, travel to Germany and start your job search.
Germany Opportunity Card Fees
The application fee for the Germany Opportunity Card is €75. This fee must be paid when you submit your visa application at the German Embassy or Consulate. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. Additional costs such as document translation, language tests, or proof of funds may apply separately.
Germany Opportunity Card Processing Times
The processing time for the Germany Opportunity Card usually ranges between 4 to 6 months, depending on the applicant’s profile, document completeness, and the workload at the German embassy or consulate. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their planned travel date to allow sufficient time for verification, approvals, and any unexpected delays.
Jobs in Germany
The Germany Opportunity Card is a great option for skilled professionals who want to build a successful career in Germany. It allows people from different professions to live and work in Germany in a strong and stable economy. Whether you work in IT, healthcare, engineering, or other fields, this card can help you find better job opportunities and long-term growth in Germany.
Germany currently has around 1.8 million job vacancies across multiple industries, creating strong demand for international talent. The table below shows the most in-demand job opportunities in Germany:
| Industry / Sector | Job Roles |
|---|---|
| Green Technology | Renewable energy engineers, sustainability experts |
| Finance & Administration | Accountants, finance executives, administrators |
| Software & IT | Software developers, system engineers, IT specialists |
| Hospitality | Chefs, hotel managers, restaurant professionals |
| Healthcare | Doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, medical assistants |
| IT & Systems | System analysts, IT architects, network specialists |
| Education | Preschool and primary school teachers |
| Engineering | Mechanical, electrical, civil, and industrial engineers |
| Skilled Trades | Electricians, technicians, maintenance professionals |
| Sales & Marketing | Sales executives, marketing specialists |
| Manufacturing | Production managers, machine operators |
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 immigrants make an important contribution to its social and economic development.
- Higher immigration rates lower wage rates and increase GDP
- Attracting global talent will address skilled labor shortages and promote economic growth.
Why should you settle in Germany?
- A 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
How can Y-Axis help you?
Y-Axis is the immigration consultant of choice for serious applicants for German immigration. Our thorough process and end-to-end support ensure you take the right action at every step. We help you with:
- Free eligibility check through the Germany Immigration Points Calculator
- Expert guidance for Germany Immigration
- Coaching services: Germany proficiency coaching
- Free career counseling; book your slot today
- Complete guidance for the Germany visa
- Job search services to find related jobs in Germany
- Germany Relocation Services for hassle-free entry and settlement in Germany
Talk to us to evaluate your chances and make an informed decision.