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.

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

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.

• 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.
• Try to have at least two years of work experience in your field or profession.
• You must know some German (A1 or A2 level) or English (B1 or B2 level). You can also show IELTS/TOEFL scores.
• Age between 18 and 40 years is required. There will be benefits of points if you are below 35.
• You must show €12,324 in a blocked account or show proof of a part-time job offer in Germany to cover your expenses.
• 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 Germany Opportunity Card

If you are planning to work in Germany, the Germany Opportunity Card is one of the easiest ways to start. 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.