Migration · Germany
Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) — Move Without a Job Offer First
Most German work visas need a signed job contract before you arrive. The Opportunity Card flips that order — up to 12 months in Germany to search for skilled work on the ground, with the right to work part-time and take trial jobs along the way.
At a Glance
The Opportunity Card — the numbers that matter
Up to 12 Months
A residence permit under Section 20a of the Residence Act, letting you search for skilled work on the ground — not from abroad.
Just 6 Points Needed
If your qualification isn’t fully recognised in Germany, 6 points from education, experience, language and age gets you in.
Work While You Search
Part-time work up to 20 hours a week in any sector, plus unlimited two-week trial employment periods with different employers.
What Makes This Different
You don't need a job offer to get in the door
Introduced on 1 June 2024, the Opportunity Card exists specifically because Germany has hundreds of thousands of unfilled skilled positions and most qualified candidates abroad simply can’t line up a job offer before relocating. Instead of requiring a signed contract upfront like the EU Blue Card or a standard Skilled Worker visa, the Opportunity Card gets you into Germany first — then gives you a full year to search on the ground, meet employers directly, and even trial-work before committing. Once you land a qualifying offer, you convert the card into a standard work permit at your local immigration office.
Two Ways to Qualify
You only need one of these
Route 1 — Full Recognition
If your degree or vocational qualification is formally recognised as equivalent in Germany, you qualify automatically as a skilled worker — no points, no language certificate required. Just proof you can support yourself.
Route 2 — Points System
If your qualification isn’t fully recognised, you can still qualify with a minimum of 6 points, earned across education, work experience, language ability, age, and ties to Germany.
A Real Points Example
A 28-year-old professional with a Bachelor’s degree (3 points), English at B2 level (1 point), 3 years of relevant work experience (2 points), and under-35 age (2 points) reaches 8 points — comfortably clearing the 6-point minimum. Everyone’s profile is different, which is exactly why a proper points assessment before you commit to anything matters more than guessing.
What You Actually Need
Beyond the points
Language: A1 German OR B2 English
German isn’t mandatory — B2 English alone satisfies the baseline on the points route. Higher German levels simply earn extra points.
Financial Proof: ~€13,092/year
Roughly €1,091 net per month, usually shown via a blocked account (Sperrkonto). A signed part-time job offer or formal sponsorship can reduce or replace this.
€75 Application Fee
Submitted at a German embassy or consulate, with a biometric appointment. Processing typically takes 2–3 months.
Step-by-Step
From points check to relocation
01
Points & Recognition Check
We assess whether you qualify via full recognition or the points system — and calculate your actual score.
02
Document Preparation
Qualification proof, language evidence, financial proof and insurance, prepared to German embassy standard.
03
Application & Biometrics
Submitted at your local German embassy or consulate, with the biometric appointment completed.
04
Arrival & Job Search
Register your residence within two weeks of arrival, then search, part-time work and trial-employ for up to 12 months.
05
Conversion
Once you land a qualifying offer, we help convert your card into a standard work permit or EU Blue Card.