Overview & Purpose
The Opportunity Card was launched to simplify job hunting for foreign workers. By eliminating the necessity of showing a job offer before entering Germany, it allows qualified people to look for work locally.
This visa is issued for a maximum of **one year** initially. If you find a qualified job in Germany, you can easily apply for a regular work visa or EU Blue Card from within the country, without needing to travel back home.
Anabin & ZAB Guide
To qualify, your foreign degree must be recognised in Germany. You can verify this using the **Anabin Database** managed by ZAB (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen).
- Search for your university. It must be classified as **H+** (fully recognized). - Search for your specific degree. It must be matched as equivalent to a German degree. - If not listed, you can apply for an individual statement of comparability through ZAB.
Search Anabin DatabaseFrequently 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.