Your Gateway to Work in Germany Opportunity Card Visa
The new German Opportunity Card offers skilled professionals from non-EU countries a one-year residence permit to search for a qualified job in Germany—no pre-arranged employment contract required!
Opportunity Card
Pass the points test to qualify for job search residency.
Validity: 6 Months - 1 Year (Extendable)
How It Works
A simple, step-by-step roadmap of your relocation journey to Germany. Hover over any step to see details.
Who is eligible
The program is open to candidates holding a Diploma (2 & 3 years duration), Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or PhD . Qualifications from any field are eligible (Any Degree, Any Masters, Any PhD).
For Candidates & Professionals
Are you a qualified professional from outside the European Union seeking a high-paying career in Germany? The Opportunity Card lets you enter Germany legally, adapt to the local culture, and find your dream employer on the ground.
- 20 hours/week part-time work permitted
- No local sponsor required initially
- Easy conversion to a full work visa
For German Employers
Facing a shortage of skilled workers? The Opportunity Card streamlines recruitment, enabling you to trial international candidates through part-time work or work trials prior to finalizing long-term sponsorship contracts.
- Instant access to on-site foreign talent
- Up to 2 weeks full-time trial employment
- Less administrative visa bureaucracy
Financial Requirement
Ensure you are financially prepared for your move. Below are the key financial requirements and estimated costs to secure your Opportunity Card.
1. Blocked Account
Must deposit between €6800 and €11394 in a government-approved blocked account.
2. Visa Fee
Standard processing fee is €75, payable at the embassy or VFS global center.
3. ZAB Charges
(If Required) If degree is not in Anabin, a ZAB Statement of Comparability is needed.
4. Travel Insurance
Valid travel health insurance covering your stay until transitioning to statutory insurance.
Are You Ready to Begin Your Journey?
It takes less than 2 minutes to calculate your eligibility score based on German immigration rules. Let's find out if you qualify.
Calculate Your Points NowFrequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Opportunity Card requirements, applications, and rules.
Unlike a traditional work visa, which requires a confirmed, signed job contract with a German company before applying, the Opportunity Card allows you to enter Germany first to seek a job. You only need to prove your qualifications and score at least 6 points.
You are legally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week in any part-time job. This helps support your living costs while searching for a full-time position. Additionally, you are allowed up to two weeks of full-time trial employment with potential employers.
As a basic requirement, you must show proficiency in either German (at least level A1) or English (at least level B2). Higher language levels (e.g., German B2/C1) will grant you additional points towards the 6-point visa threshold.
Yes. Spouses can apply for the Opportunity Card together. If you apply as a couple and both meet the basic requirements, you get 1 extra point on your scoring sheet. Family reunification laws apply once you transition to a full residency work permit.
You must check the Anabin database. Your foreign university must have an H+ rating, and your degree must be equivalent to a German academic qualification. If your degree is partially equivalent or not listed, you will need to request a Statement of Comparability from the ZAB.