Direct access to 1.8 M job opportunities under 20+ sectors Simplified job search process in Germany 6 points required in the points-based system No permanent job contract is required Great chance to receive an immediate work permit 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.
What is the Chancenkarte Visa? 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.
Benefits of Germany Opportunity Card Direct access to the German job market Can get work permit immediately Can stay for 1 year and search for jobs in Germany Earn 1000 Euro per month working part-time while searching for jobs Can do part-time jobs for up to 20 hours/week until you secure a permanent job in the country Fast-track hiring process and easy entry to Germany No Federal Employment approval is required Best pathway to permanent residency in Germany
Germany Opportunity Card Points calculator There are five main factors that evaluate the points required for an Opportunity card in Germany: Language skills Professional experience Age Connection to Germany Spouse Qualifying and Applying for Opportunity Card *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 to apply for the Germany Opportunity Card
Eligibility for the Chancenkarte Visa is based on a points system that considers: Educational Qualifications: A minimum of two years of vocational training or a university degree recognized by their home country and recognized in Germany Professional Experience: 2 years of professional work experience relevant to qualification Language Skills: Proficiency in German or English Age: 18 – 40 years Connection to Germany: Previous legal stay in Germany for 6 months or more (Tourist stays are not considered) Proof of Funds: € 12,324
Requirements for Germany Opportunity Card To apply, candidates must: Educational Qualifications: Higher educational qualifications boost your chances Professional work experience: 5 years of professional experience gives you more points Age: Below 35 years gives 3 points; 36-39 years gives 1 point Language proficiency: A2 level in German or C1 level in English gives you additional points, whereas in B1 to C2 in German gives you 1-3 points
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
Proof of funds: You need to show funds of EUR 12,324 in the form of a blocked account or part time employment contract in Germany.
How to apply for the Opportunity Card in Germany?
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
Germany Opportunity Card Fees The application fee for the Germany Opportunity Card is €75.
Germany Opportunity Card Processing Times 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.
Jobs in Germany
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:
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?
As a result of demographic change, Germany will become more dependent on immigration to fill the workforce shortages and stabilize its economic performance. The country strongly believes that imigrants make an important contribution to its social and economic development. Higher immigration rate lowers wage rates and increases GDP Attracting talent across the world will address skilled labor shortages and promote economic growth.
Why should you settle in Germany?
A strong and vibrant economy Annual average salaries in Germany are higher compared to other countries in Europe Healthy work-life balance Job security Excellent housing High-quality public transportation systems and connections to the rest of European countries
