Germany Opportunity Card

Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

With the Opportunity Card (“Chancenkarte”), candidates from non-EU countries can enter Germany to look for a suitable job. They do not have to show proof of a permanent employment contract. The Opportunity Card is issued to candidates recognised as skilled workers or those who score at least six points using the points system. In addition, their means of support must be guaranteed for the duration of their stay.

Working with the Opportunity Card in Germany

The Opportunity Card makes it easier for candidates to find work in Germany. It enables applicants to work in Germany without a lengthy recognition procedure. The prerequisite is (at least) two years of vocational training or a university degree and sufficient knowledge of German (A1) or English (B2).

The Opportunity Card entitles the holder to take a two-week trial job or part-time job (up to 20 hours a week). Candidates holding the Opportunity Card are allowed to stay in Germany for one year. During this time, the focus should be on finding a job. It is possible to extend your stay with the Opportunity Card by up to two additional years. You must apply for this at the local Foreigners’ Registration Office.

Prerequisites for the Opportunity Card

Using the points system, you can match the required selection criteria with your own requirements. You must reach a total of six points to secure the Opportunity Card. The basic requirements are German language skills at level A1 or English language skills at level B2 as well as (at least) two years of vocational training or a university degree that is recognised in your country of origin. You must also prove that you are financially secure, for example through a part-time job (up to 20 hours a week). You can prove this by means of an employment contract. (No points are awarded for the basic requirements!) Further criteria for the points system include language skills, professional experience, age and “connection to Germany”. The age criterion refers to your age at the time of application.

Points distribution for the Opportunity Card at a glance

Basic requirements: Sufficient German language skills at level A1 or English language skills at level B2 as well as at least two years of vocational training according to the rules of the country of origin. You must also have sufficient financial means. Proof of this can be in the form of an employment contract for a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week), for example.
Four points are awarded for partial recognition of a foreign professional qualification or for permission to practise a regulated profession (e.g. teacher, nurse or engineer). Very few applicants meet these criteria.
Three points are awarded for five years of professional experience (in the last seven years) in the learned profession as well as a preceding two years of professional training according to the rules of the country of origin. Alternatively, you receive three points for good German language skills at level B2.
Two points are awarded for two years’ professional experience preceded by vocational training (in the last five years). If you are not older than 35, you also get two points. German language skills at level B1 are also awarded two points.
One point is awarded to applicants who are not over 40 years old and for a previous stay in Germany (at least six months). You must provide documented proof of this. Previous stays as a tourist do not count.
One point is also awarded for very good knowledge of English (C1), reasonable knowledge of German (A2), if you had your vocational training/university degree in an area of official labor shortage in Germany, or if you apply for the Opportunity Card together with your spouse.