Why Apply for the Germany Opportunity Card?

• 400,000+ job vacancies across healthcare, IT, and engineering sectors
• 12-month stay in Germany to search for a job
• Part-time work allowed during the job search period
• Points-based selection system rewarding skills, experience, and language ability
• Pathway to permanent residency for eligible applicants after securing employment

The Germany Opportunity Card offers skilled professionals from non-EU countries a chance to live and job hunt in Germany for up to one year.

*Looking to work in Germany? Let Y-Axis assist you with the process.

 

What is the Chancenkarte Visa?

The Chancenkarte, also known as the Germany Opportunity Card, is a new residence permit introduced in 2024 for skilled workers from non-EU countries. It allows eligible individuals to enter Germany and search for a job for up to 12 months. The visa is based on a transparent points system that evaluates qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and age. During their stay, holders of the Chancenkarte can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) to support themselves. This initiative is part of Germany’s strategy to attract global talent and address its skilled labour shortage.

*Want to apply for a Germany Opportunity Card? Sign up with Y-Axis to help you with the steps.

 

Germany Opportunity Card vs. Job Seeker Visa

Factor	Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)	Germany Job Seeker Visa
Purpose	To search for a job in Germany using a points-based system	To search for employment in Germany
Eligibility Criteria	Minimum 6 points on the points-based system; degree or vocational training	Recognized degree or equivalent and relevant work experience
Points-Based System	Yes – Minimum 6 out of 14 points required	No – Not points-based
Valid Duration	Up to 1 year (with potential for extension if job is found)	Up to 6 months
Part-Time Work Allowed?	Yes – Up to 20 hours/week during job search	No – Part-time work is generally not permitted
Job Offer Requirement	Not required initially	Not required initially
Extension Possibility	Can be extended or converted to a work visa on employment	Must switch to work visa after job offer
Language Requirements	Minimum A1 German OR B2 English (for some points)	Generally A2/B1 level of German recommended
Settlement Pathway	Can lead to work visa, PR, and eventually citizenship	Can transition to work visa, PR, and citizenship
Financial Proof	Required – proof of sufficient funds or a blocked account	Required – proof of sufficient funds or a blocked account
Target Audience	Non-EU skilled workers (including UK residents)	Non-EU professionals with specific qualifications
Launched	Jun-24	Existing scheme, not new

 

Benefits of Germany Opportunity Card

The Germany Opportunity Card offers a structured and flexible way for skilled non-EU professionals, including UK residents, to explore employment opportunities in Germany. It provides a legal and transparent pathway to live and work in one of Europe’s strongest economies, even without a prior job offer.

• The Opportunity Card allows you to stay in Germany for up to 12 months to actively search for a job.
• You are permitted to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during your job search, helping support yourself financially.
• The application process is based on a transparent points system that considers qualifications, language skills, and work experience.
• It creates a clear route to transition from job search to full-time employment and long-term residency.
• The card is ideal for skilled professionals in sectors facing labour shortages such as engineering, IT, healthcare, and trades.

Germany Opportunity Card Points calculator

The Germany Opportunity Card uses a transparent points-based system to assess eligibility for skilled professionals seeking jobs in Germany.

Applicants must score a minimum of 6 points to qualify, based on the below factors:

• Language skills
• Professional experience
• Age
• Connection to Germany
• Spouse Qualifying and Applying for 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 Criteria for the Germany Opportunity Card

The eligibility criteria for a Germany Opportunity Card (GOC):

• Citizenship: Must be a non-EU national.
• Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: Hold a recognized university degree or a completed vocational qualification.
• Financial Stability: Proof of adequate financial means to support yourself during your job search in Germany.
• Language Proficiency: Basic German (A1 level) or English (B2 level) skills are mandatory.

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

 

Requirements for Germany Opportunity Card

To qualify for the Germany Opportunity Card, applicants must meet specific requirements set by German immigration authorities.

• Non-EU Citizenship: You must be a citizen of a non-EU country.
• Valid Passport: A valid travel document is required for visa issuance.
• Educational Qualifications: A recognized university degree or completed vocational training equivalent to German standards.
• Language Proficiency: At least A1 level in German or B2 in English (CEFR standard).
• Work Experience: Relevant professional experience enhances your profile and helps earn points.
• Proof of Financial Resources: You must demonstrate the ability to support yourself during your stay (approx. €1,027 per month or a blocked account).
• Health Insurance: Valid health insurance coverage for your stay in Germany.

How to apply for the Opportunity Card in Germany?

You can follow the below steps to apply for an Opportunity Card in Germany:

Step 1: Check eligibility based on points and criteria

Step 2: Gather required documents

Step 3: Get qualifications recognized in Germany

Step 4: Apply at the German embassy or consulate

Step 5: Wait for processing and approval

Step 6: Travel to Germany and register your address

 

Germany Opportunity Card Fees

The Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) application typically costs around €75. This fee may vary slightly depending on the German mission or consulate where you apply.

 

Germany Opportunity Card Processing Time

The processing time for the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) typically ranges from 4 to 6 months, depending on factors such as the applicant's country of residence, the completeness of the application, and the workload of the German consulate or immigration office handling the case. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their intended move date to accommodate any potential delays.

 

Jobs in Germany

Germany offers a thriving job market with over 1.8 million job vacancies as of 2024, particularly in sectors like healthcare, IT, and engineering. With an aging population and a skilled labour shortage, Germany actively seeks qualified international professionals to fill these roles under various visa programs such as the Opportunity Card and Blue Card.

The table below has details of the top in-demand 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?

Immigration plays a vital role in sustaining Germany’s economy and workforce, especially in light of its aging population and labour shortages.

• Offsets population decline with younger migrant workforce
• Fills over 1.8 million vacant job roles across key sectors
• Supports healthcare, engineering, and IT industries
• Helps sustain Germany’s pension and social security systems
• Boosts economic growth through skilled labour and innovation

 

Why should you settle in Germany?

• Germany has the largest economy in Europe and ranks 4th globally.
• Public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education, even for international students.
• Excellent healthcare, infrastructure, and public transport systems.
• Over 1 million vacancies, especially in STEM, healthcare, and skilled trades.
• Settle and gain PR in 3–5 years with the right residence permit.

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is the leading immigration consultant for individuals looking for German immigration. Our end-to-end support with the immigration process ensures that you make the right decision at every step. We guide you with:

• Free eligibility check with the Germany Immigration Points Calculator
• Expert guidance for Germany Immigration
• Coaching services to ace tests for the German immigration
• Free career counselling
• Comprehensive guidance with the Germany visa application process
• Job search services to secure a suitable job in Germany
• Germany Relocation Services for smooth Germany immigration

Contact us to enhance your chances and make an informed decision for Germany immigration.