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.
*Want to learn more about the German Opportunity Card? Get expert guidance with the Migrate to Germany Flipbook.
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 |
+ 24 months |
No Extension |
Required funds |
€ 12,324 |
€ 5,604 |
Cap |
Not applicable |
Not 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.
There are five main factors that evaluate the points required for an Opportunity card in Germany:
*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 for the Chancenkarte Visa is based on a points system that considers:
To apply, candidates must:
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 |
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 on the appointment date at the local Embassy.
Step 4: Wait for approval and move to Germany
The application fee for the Germany Opportunity Card is €75.
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.
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.
For more details, regarding the list of Most in-demand jobs in Germany (click the link).
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 |
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:
Talk to us to evaluate your chances and make an informed decision.