Opportunity Card in Germany (Chancenkarte)
The Opportunity Card in Germany is a new immigration program that allows skilled workers from third countries to move to Germany for job hunting. Applicants must have financial means of about 12,324 euros to qualify. The program offers a one-year stay to find a job, with the possibility of extending or converting it into a long-term residence permit. It operates on a points-based system, evaluating criteria such as age, qualifications, work experience, and language skills.
This program offers an excellent opportunity for skilled workers for immigration to Germany, find a job, and secure a long-term stay. Contact Malekpour Immigration Institute for more details and to check your eligibility.
What is the German Opportunity Card?
The Opportunity Card in Germany allows nationals from countries outside the European Union to immigrate to Germany and live and work there. This program is specifically designed for individuals with particular skills and experience who are seeking job opportunities in Germany.
Opportunity Card in Germany operates on a points-based system, awarding points based on criteria such as education, work experience, age, and language skills. Key features of the German Opportunity Card include:
- The card is typically issued for a fixed period, usually up to 1 year, and can be extended.
- If a job is found, after a certain period of stay (usually 4 years), individuals can apply for permanent residence and, eventually, German citizenship.
- Proficiency in German or English is required. More points are awarded to those with higher-level German language certification.
- A valid university degree from a recognized institution is essential.
- At least 2 years of relevant work experience in the desired job in Germany is crucial.
Advantages and disadvantages of obtaining Opportunity Card in Germany
The advantages and disadvantages of the German Opportunity Card include the following:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Opportunity to search for a job in Germany | Requirement to have financial means |
| No job offer required | High competition for points |
| Possibility of longer stay if a job is found | No guarantee of finding a job |
| Recognition of professional qualifications | Additional costs |
| Access to the German job market | Restrictions in some job fields |
| Option to work part-time (20 hours/week) until finding a job | Age limitations |
| Leaving Germany if no job is found |
Opportunity Card in Germany Requirements
Various criteria affect each person’s chances of obtaining Opportunity Card in Germany. These criteria include age, educational qualifications, work experience and language skills. Here are some of the most important requirements for the Opportunity Card in Germany:
- Age
Younger people will get more points. In general, being under 35 years of age is an advantage.
- Educational qualification
A degree from a reputable university is required to obtain a German Opportunity Card (it can be a university or vocational degree). This qualification must be recognized by the German authorities.
- Work experience
It is very important to have work experience related to the job you plan to do in Germany. People with more work experience get more points. Having at least 2 years of work experience (in the last 5 years) in the desired field of specialization is required to obtain a German Luck Visa.
- Language skills
Proficiency in German or English is essential. To obtain a German Opportunity Card, a minimum of A2 German level is required. Also, having an English language certificate at level C1 will give the applicant additional points.
- Financial means of the German Opportunity Card
In order to apply for the German Opportunity Card, the applicant must have an amount of about 12,324 euros as financial means. This amount must be available in the person’s bank account and by providing documents to the relevant authorities, they can cover their living expenses in Germany without the need for external financial assistance.
Proof of financial means can be provided by providing a bank statement, a financial guarantee from a third party, or providing a valid employment contract that guarantees your monthly salary.
- German Opportunity Card Residence
The German Opportunity Card is issued for one year and, if you find a job, allows you to convert it into a long-term residence permit.
- Valid job offer
In some cases, having a valid job offer from a German employer can earn more points.
Steps to Obtain Opportunity Card in Germany
The steps to obtain Opportunity Card in Germany are as follows:
- Check that you have the minimum required points.
- Prepare the necessary documents including academic qualifications, language certificates and work experience.
- You can submit your application online via the German Consular Services portal or in person at the German embassy or consulate in your country.
- You may be required to attend an interview and provide further explanations.
- After your application is approved, you will be issued a German Chance Card. This card allows you to immigrate to Germany and look for a job for a certain period of time.
- After entering Germany, you can look for a suitable job. If you find a suitable job during your stay, you can apply for a subsequent residence permit or a follow-up opportunity card.
Documents required for the Opportunity Card in Germany
Applicants must provide certain documents to obtain the Opportunity Card in Germany. These documents are necessary for the assessment and approval of your application for the Opportunity Card. The documents required for the Opportunity Card in Germany include:
| Completed application form | Work experience certificates |
| Valid passport | Certificate of German language skills |
| CV and academic resume | Documents of financial means |
| Personal photo (according to visa photo standards) | Health insurance |
| Minimum bachelor’s degree | Certificate of no criminal record |
| Identity documents | Proof of residence in Germany (hotel reservation or rental contract) |
German Opportunity Card Scoring System
Opportunity Card in Germany uses a scoring system to assess individuals and assign points to each individual to determine whether they are eligible for the card. The system scores applicants based on a variety of criteria, including age, education, work experience, and language skills.
To qualify, you must earn at least 6 points. The table below describes the criteria and the points assigned to each, and the German Opportunity Card scoring system in general:
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Age | |
| Under 35 years | 2 points |
| Between 35 to 40 years | 1 point |
| Educational Qualification | |
| Valid educational or professional qualification (can be a university degree or vocational certification) | 4 points |
| Work Experience | |
| At least 3 years in the last 7 years | 3 points |
| At least 2 years in the last 5 years | 2 points |
| Work experience in sectors needed in Germany (Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering, Healthcare, Education, IT) | 1 point |
| Language Skills | |
| German language level A2 | 1 point |
| German language level B1 | 2 points |
| German language level B2 | 3 points |
| English language certificate level C1 | 1 point (additional to other points) |
| Other Criteria | |
| If legally and continuously residing in Germany for at least 6 months in the past 5 years | 1 point |
| Having a qualified dependent (e.g., spouse) | 1 point |
German Opportunity Card Registration Site
There is no specific site for registering and applying for the Opportunity Card in Germany, as the German Opportunity Card site, and you can use official online portals. The German Opportunity Card registration site is usually available through the German Consular Services portal and the German embassy.
On this portal, you can fill out application forms, upload required documents, and use tools such as a calculator to calculate your score to assess your chances of obtaining Visa. Information and guidance on the German Opportunity Card is also available on the German government’s immigration and employment websites.
List of Occupations in Opportunity Card in Germany
The Opportunity Card in Germany can be issued for three levels of occupations, which are as follows:
| Level | Title | Requirements | Job Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skilled Professionals | Minimum 2 years of work experience, professional training certificate | Car Mechanic, Industrial Electrician, Professional Chef, Plumber |
| 2 | Specialists | University degree or equivalent, experience as a master craftsman/technician | IT Technician, Production Supervisor, Engineering Technician, Specialist Nurse |
| 3 | Experts | 4 years of university education or equivalent | Software Engineer, Doctor, Architect, Senior Accountant |
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a German Luck Card
Increasing your chances of getting a German Luck Card requires preparation and following a set of tips and actions. The German Luck Card operates according to a scoring system, and applicants are assessed and awarded points based on criteria such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and financial means.
By focusing on each of these criteria and improving your situation in each section, you can increase your chances of getting a German Luck Card. Some important tips to increase your chances of getting a German Luck Visa are:
- Learn German
Investing in learning German and obtaining a recognized certificate, such as the Goethe-Zertifikat, can lead to receiving more points.
- Obtain a recognized degree
Having a degree from a recognized university will give you more points. If possible, consider continuing your studies in fields that are in demand in the German job market.
- Recognition of educational qualifications
Make sure that your educational qualifications are recognized by German authorities.
- Relevant work experience
Having relevant and valid work experience in the field you plan to work in Germany can help you. Try to participate in important projects and tasks related to your expertise.
- Work experience certificates
Prepare and translate documents and certificates related to your work experience carefully.
- Younger age advantage
If you are between 20 and 35 years old, you will get more points. If you are closer to this age range, try to apply faster.
- Proof of financial capacity
Make sure that you have the necessary amount of money in your bank account to support yourself financially and provide the necessary documents to prove it.
- Job search
Having a valid job offer from a German employer can give you more points. Try to get in touch with German companies and check job opportunities.
- Research the job market
Research which sectors and specializations are most in demand in Germany and try to gain skills in these areas.
By following these tips and improving your standing in each of the chancenkarte scoring criteria, you can increase your chances of receiving a German chancenkarte.
Obtaining residency through Opportunity Card in Germany
To obtain residency through Opportunity Card in Germany, you must first obtain a Opportunity Card for a period of 1 year, which allows you to come to Germany and look for a job. During this period, if you manage to find a qualified job, you can apply to the local immigration authorities in Germany to extend your German residency or convert it into a long-term residence permit.
This stage allows you to stay legally in Germany and, if you continue to work, change your residency status to permanent residency or other types of long-term residency. If you live in Germany for 5 years, pay taxes and meet other requirements, you can apply for German citizenship and a German passport.
Differences between Opportunity Card in Germany and other visas in this country
The differences between the German Chance Card and other work visas in this country are as follows:
This visa is issued without the need for an employment contract and allows you to look for a job in Germany for 12 months. You are also allowed to work part-time and can take training or language courses. Another thing to keep in mind is that to get this visa, you need to have a blocked account with at least 13,092 euros for the year 2025.
Difference between German Opportunity Card and Job Seeker Visa
The Opportunity Card and the German Job Seeker Visa both allow applicants to immigrate to Germany to find a job, but there are differences in the validity period, points system, and requirements. We will examine these differences below:
| German Chance Card | Job Seeker Visa |
|---|---|
| Allows applicants to immigrate to Germany for job search or professional qualification recognition. | Allows eligible individuals to come to Germany and search for a job. |
| Valid for up to 1 year. | Valid for up to 6 months. |
| German language skills are required. | Language proficiency usually not required. |
| This is a new program. | This visa has been in use for years. |
| Requires the use of the online consular services portal and a points calculator to calculate eligibility. | Usually processed through the embassy or consulate of Germany in the applicant’s home country, no online points system needed. |
| Requires 3 years of work experience. | Requires 5 years of work experience. |
| Job offer is not necessary, but points are awarded if available. | Job offer from an employer and approval required. |
| Allows part-time work. | Does not allow part-time work. |
| Applicants can earn points based on education and work experience. | Requires a valid university degree and relevant work experience, but no points system. |
Difference between Opportunity Card and Ausbildung Visa
The differences between the Opportunity Card and the Ausbildung in Germany are as follows:
| German Chance Card | Vocational Training Visa (Ausbildung Visa) |
|---|---|
| Goal: Job search in Germany without a job contract. | Goal: Participate in vocational training (Ausbildung) programs in Germany. |
| Validity: 12 months for job search. | Validity: Duration depends on the training program, usually several years. |
| Work Permit: Allows part-time work and participation in training programs. | Work Permit: Typically allows limited work hours (e.g., 20 hours per week). |
| Financial Requirements: Requires a blocked account with a minimum of €13,092. | Contract Requirement: Requires acceptance from a training institution or employer. |
| Suitable for: Individuals with relevant work experience or education looking to find a job. | Suitable for: Individuals who want to gain professional skills in Germany and earn a recognized qualification. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Opportunity Card in Germany
- What is the German Opportunity Card?
The German Opportunity Card is a visa that allows skilled workers from third countries to come to Germany for one year to search for a job based on a points system.
- Who is eligible for the German Opportunity Card?
Individuals with a valid educational background, relevant work experience, and language skills (German or English) can apply for the card.
- How does the points system work?
Applicants earn points based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills. Higher points increase the chances of receiving the Opportunity Card.
- Can I work part-time while searching for a job?
Yes, individuals holding the German Opportunity Card are allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during their job search.
- What happens after finding a job?
If you secure a job within the one-year period, you can apply for an extension or transition to a long-term residence permit in Germany.
Conclusion:
The Opportunity Card in Germany offers skilled workers from third countries the opportunity to live in Germany for one year and search for a job. Using a points system based on factors like education, experience, and language skills, applicants can boost their chances of receiving this visa.
For expert guidance throughout the application process, including document review and advice, Malekpour Institute provides free services to ensure a successful immigration experience.
