Germany Opportunity Card

German Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is for people from non-EU countries who can go to Germany to find a job that matches their skills. A permanent job offer or work contract is not required before applying.

With this Germany Opportunity Card, you can live in Germany for one year and search for a job. You can also do part-time work up to 20 hours per week or even a two-week trial job while looking for a full-time job.

The Germany Opportunity Card works on a points-based system. You get points for your education, work experience, age, and language skills. If you get at least 6 points out of 14, you can apply for the card. Germany Opportunity Card can get you direct access to 1.8 million job. Popular job sectors are IT, engineering, healthcare, finance, and more.

This card is better than the Germany Job Seeker Visa because it lets you work part-time and earn money while you search for jobs. It also helps you to get a work permit faster and gives you a chance to apply for permanent residency in Germany later.

This article will explain all about the Germany Opportunity Card, its eligibility rules, benefits, points calculator, and how you can apply step by step to start your work journey in Germany.

What is the Germany Opportunity Card?

Germany Opportunity Card or Chancenkarte is a new visa that lets non-EU citizens come to Germany and look for a job. It was started by the German Government to help skilled people find work in the country easily. With this Germany Opportunity Card, you can stay in Germany for one year and search for a job.

Opportunity Card works on a points system. You get points for your education, work experience, age, language skills, and if you already have some connection to Germany. You need at least 6 points to apply for it. The good thing is, you don’t need to have a permanent job offer before applying.

While you are in Germany, you can work part-time up to 20 hours per week or do a trial job for two weeks with a company. After you find a full-time job, you can apply for a work permit or even a permanent residence later. The Germany Opportunity Card is one of the easiest ways to live and work in Germany for skilled workers.

Key Features of the Germany Opportunity Card

Germany Opportunity Card has many useful things that make it easy for non-EU people to live and work in Germany. 

• You can stay in Germany for one year to look for a job.
• You do not need to have a job offer or work contract before applying.
• See if you want to work, you can do the part-time up to 20 hours per week while searching for a full-time job.
• You can also do a trial job for two weeks with a company to show your skills.
• This card works on a points system. The points will be for education, work experience, age, and language skills. You need at least 6 points to apply.
• Once you find a job, you can apply for a work permit and later for permanent residency in Germany.
• German Opportunity Card gives access to various job offers.

Germany Opportunity Card vs Germany Job Seeker Visa

Confused about Germany Opportunity Card and Germany Job Seeker Visa? Comparison between Germany Opportunity Card and the Germany Job Seeker Visa can be checked.

Eligibility Criteria for Germany Opportunity Card

After knowing what Germany Opportunity Card is, you might be looking for eligibility requirements. This section can help you understand about eligibility criteria for Germany Opportunity Card.

• Education: There is no big educational requirements; you just have to have finished at least two years of vocational training or have a university degree that is accepted in your home country or in Germany.
• Work Experience: Try to have at least two years of work experience in your field or profession.
• Language Skills: You must know some German (A1 or A2 level) or English (B1 or B2 level). You can also show IELTS/TOEFL-like test scores.
• Age Limit: Age between 18 and 40 years is required. There will be benefits of points if you are below 35.
• Proof of Funds: You must show €12,324 in a blocked account or show proof of a part-time job offer in Germany to cover your expenses.
• Connection to Germany: If you have stayed in Germany legally for 6 months or more (not as a tourist), you can get extra points.

Germany Opportunity Card gives a chance to skilled people who have good education, some work experience, and basic language knowledge to move and work in Germany easily.

How to Apply for the Germany Opportunity Card

If you are planning to work in Germany, the Germany Opportunity Card is one of the easiest ways to start. But how you apply for it? Germany Opportunity Card application process is here. 

Checking the Eligibility is a must

First, make sure you qualify. You need at least 6 points in the Germany Opportunity Card points system. Points are given for your education, work experience, language skills, and age.

Prepare your documents required for Germany Opportunity Card

Gather all the documents: Passport, education certificates, job experience letters, and language test results (like IELTS or Goethe-Zertifikat). You must also show you have enough money. €12,324 is required in a blocked account or a part-time work contract in Germany.

Apply at German Embassy

Visit or book an appointment at your nearest German Embassy or Consulate. Fill out the application form, attach your documents, and submit everything carefully.

Pay the fee

Germany Opportunity Card application fee is €75. You need to pay this when you submit your application.

Wait for approval

After applying, you just have to wait. Germany Opportunity Card processing time can take about 4 to 6 months; so it’s better to apply early.

Travel to Germany

Once your Germany Opportunity Card is approved; you can travel to Germany, live there legally, and start looking for a job right away.

It’s really that simple; if you plan well, follow each step, and keep all your documents ready, the Germany Opportunity Card can be your ticket to a great career in Germany.

Documents Required for the Germany Opportunity Card

When you apply for the Germany Opportunity Card, you must give some important documents to show your identity, education, and financial proof. Documents provided will help the German authorities check if you meet the points-based system and other visa rules. These are the documents that you have to keep ready.

1. Key Documents

• Valid Passport: It should have a validity of 6 months and have two blank pages.
• Application Form: Fill VIDEX application form carefully and sign it.
• Biometric Photo: Give one recent passport-size photo with a clear background.
• Letter of Motivation: Write a short letter about why you want to work in Germany and your career plans.
• CV: Add your education details, work experience, and skills clearly.
• Proof of Health Insurance: You need valid health insurance for your stay in Germany.

2. Qualification and Language Documents

• Proof of Qualifications: Add copies of your degree or vocational training certificates.
• Recognition of Qualifications: Make sure your degree is recognized in Germany; you may need a confirmation from Anabin or a similar authority.
• Language Skills: Show your language certificates. You must have at least A1 in German or B2 in English for the points-based system.
• Keep all documents neat and updated; missing even one can delay your Germany Opportunity Card visa process.

Processing Time for Germany Opportunity Card

Germany Opportunity Card processing time is not same for everyone. It can change from country to country. Usually, it takes around 4 to 6 months for the German Embassy to check your documents, education, and points in the points-based system.

If your application is complete and all papers are correct, it will be approved faster. But if something is missing, it can take more time.

The time also depends on how busy the German Consulate or Embassy is. So it’s better to apply early and keep all your documents ready.

Once your Germany Opportunity Card visa is approved, you will get a message from the embassy.

Germany Opportunity Card Fees

The fee for the Germany Opportunity Card application is €75.

What Happens After You Receive the Germany Opportunity Card

After you get your Germany Opportunity Card, you can move to Germany and start looking for a job. Card lets you stay in Germany for one year to find work that matches your skills and education.

While you are searching, you can work part-time up to 20 hours a week. This helps you earn some money and cover your living costs. You can also try a two-week trial job to show your skills to an employer.

When you find a full-time job, you can apply for a work permit and stay longer in Germany. Later, if you keep working and living there, you can also apply for permanent residency. After arriving, don’t forget to do a few important things;

• Register your address (Anmeldung) at the local office.
• Open a German bank account.
• Get health insurance.

The Germany Opportunity Card gives you a real chance to start your career, gain work experience, and build a long-term future in Germany.