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.
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.
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| 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 |
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 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:
| 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 |
The eligibility criteria for a Germany Opportunity Card (GOC):
| 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 |
To qualify for the Germany Opportunity Card, applicants must meet specific requirements set by German immigration authorities.
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
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.
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.
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 |
Immigration plays a vital role in sustaining Germany’s economy and workforce, especially in light of its aging population and labour shortages.
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:
Contact us to enhance your chances and make an informed decision for Germany immigration.
You can follow the below steps to apply for a Germany Opportunity Card:
Step 1: Check eligibility criteria
Step 2: Gather all required documents
Step 3: Complete the application form
Step 4: Book an appointment and submit your application at the German mission
Step 5: Pay the visa fee and wait for approval to receive your Opportunity Card
Applicants must show proof of sufficient financial means to support themselves in Germany. As of 2024, the required monthly amount is around €1,027, or approximately €12,324 annually. This requirement can be met through a blocked account or a formal declaration of commitment from a German resident.
You must demonstrate access to a minimum of €1,027 per month. This ensures you can afford your living expenses in Germany while looking for work. The funds should be clearly documented, either through a bank statement or a blocked account.
Yes, the Opportunity Card is specifically designed for skilled workers from non-EU countries. To qualify, you need to hold recognized qualifications or a university degree and meet other eligibility requirements, including a points-based assessment.
The eligibility criteria for Germany Opportunity Card is as follows:
To qualify for the Germany Opportunity Card without a job offer, you must score at least 6 points based on a points-based system. The points are awarded for the following factors:
|
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 |
Yes, there is a points system used to assess eligibility for the Germany Opportunity Card, and several online calculators are available to help applicants estimate their score. The system is designed for candidates without a job offer and evaluates key factors such as education, work experience, language skills, age, and ties to Germany.
To qualify, you must score at least 6 points based on the following:
4 points
3 points
2 points
1 point
The preferred age limit is 35 years or below to gain the highest points. However, applicants over 35 may still qualify if they meet the overall points requirement through other factors such as work experience or language proficiency.
German language knowledge is not mandatory but highly beneficial. You can apply with either German language skills at level A1 or English proficiency at level B2. However, stronger language skills (B1 or higher in German) can help you earn more points.
The Opportunity Card uses a flexible points-based system and allows part-time work while searching for a job. The Job Seeker Visa is more restrictive and doesn’t allow employment during the search phase. The Opportunity Card offers greater benefits and flexibility for skilled workers.
Given below has the list of major differences between the Opportunity Card and job seeker visa:
| Feature | Germany Opportunity Card | Germany Job Seeker Visa |
| Eligibility System | Points-based system | Qualification and experience-based |
| Work Rights During Job Search | Allows part-time work (up to 20 hours/week) | No employment allowed during job search |
| Flexibility | More flexible – points for education, language, age, experience | More rigid – focused on qualifications and prior experience |
| Path to Long-Term Stay | Can transition to residence permit upon securing a job | Can apply for work visa after getting a job |
| Spouse Inclusion | Additional points if spouse applies with qualifications | No such provision |
| Ideal For | Skilled workers looking for more options and flexibility | Applicants with clear qualifications and job targets |
You must score a minimum of 6 points based on education, experience, age, language skills, and ties to Germany. This score helps ensure you are well-positioned to integrate into the German workforce.
Points can be earned through:
Yes, you may still apply. While being in a high-demand occupation adds points, it is not mandatory. If you meet the other eligibility criteria and earn at least 6 points, you remain eligible for the Opportunity Card.
IELTS is not mandatory. You can prove English language proficiency at the B2 level through various accepted tests, including IELTS. Alternatively, you can demonstrate German language skills at A1 or above, which can also help increase your points.
