Working in Germany with the Opportunity Card

The Opportunity Card for Germany is the best pathway for non-EU nationals seeking to work in Germany. It allows recognized skilled professionals to legally enter the country and offers a pathway to permanent residency in Germany.

Why Apply for the Germany Opportunity Card(Chancenkarte Visa)?

Direct access to 1.8 M job opportunities under 20+ sectors
Simplified job search process in Germany
No permanent job contract is required
6 points required in the points-based system
Great chance to receive an immediate work permit

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.

The 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.

Benefits of Germany Opportunity Card

Direct access to 1.8 M job opportunities under 20+ sectors
Can get work permit immediately
Can stay for 1 year and search for jobs in Germany
Earn over 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:

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: You need to show funds of EUR 12,324 in the form of a blocked account or part time employment contract in Germany or a formal obligation sponsorship letter from a resident in Germany.

Points distribution for the Opportunity Card at a glance

Eligibility for the Chancenkarte Visa is based on a points system that considers:

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.

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 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.

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 immigrants 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

How can YourGuide2Germany help you?

YourGuide2Germany 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:

Free eligibility check through the Germany Immigration Points Calculator
Expert guidance for Germany Immigration
Coaching services: Germany proficiency coaching
Free career counseling; book your slot today
Job match services to secure a part-time job in Germany
Complete guidance for Germany visa

Work in Germany

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