The Germany Opportunity Card, or Chancenkarte, enables qualified individuals to pursue permanent employment in Germany. To obtain a visa valid for one year, applicants must achieve a minimum of 6 points across various criteria. However, those holding a diploma recognized in Germany are exempt from the points requirement. Regardless of the situation, applicants must demonstrate financial means to support themselves in Germany, with a required amount of 12,324 euros for the year.

Steps to apply for the Germany Opportunity Card

1. Review the Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, verifying that you fulfill the specified criteria is essential. The eligibility for the Chancenkarte is assessed through a point-based system that considers the following:

• Academic Qualifications Recognized in Germany

• A maximum of 6 points on the evaluation grid

• Adequate financial resources

• An age limit of 35 years

• Proficiency in German at Level B2 and English at Level C1

2. Gather all required Documentation

It is important to collect and organize all necessary documents to accompany your application. The required documents include:

• A completed application form

• Passport-sized photographs

• Academic qualifications

• Language proficiency certificates

• Police Clearance Certificates

• Proof of financial resources

3. Submit your application through the Website

After confirming your eligibility and assembling all required documents, you may proceed to apply via the official German immigration website.

4. Pay the application Fee

Submit the application fee of 75 euros for the Chancenkarte along with your application to the relevant authorities.

5. Await approval and prepare for relocation to Germany

Following the submission of your application, you will need to wait for the immigration authorities to process your request.

How does the point system function?

To qualify for the Opportunity Card for Germany, individuals must satisfy specific criteria and accumulate a minimum of six points within the system. The following factors are considered:

• Recognized foreign educational qualification (4 points)

You will earn four points if you have successfully undergone the process of having your foreign qualifications recognized and achieved partial equivalence. This remains applicable even if you require compensatory measures to obtain a license for practicing a regulated profession.

• Language proficiency (1-4 points)

Points for language abilities are allocated based on the following criteria:

• 1 point: for German language skills at A2 level

• 2 points: for German language skills at B1 level

• 3 points: for German language skills at B2 level or higher

• 1 point: for English language skills at C1 level or higher

• Work experience (2-3 points)

You will receive two points if you possess at least two years of relevant work experience in your qualified field within the last five years. If you have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience within the last seven years, you will be awarded three points.

• Age (1-2 Points)

You will earn two points if you are under 35 years of age. If you fall between the ages of 35 and 40, you will receive one point.

• Qualification in a profession with a shortage (1 Point)

You will gain one point if you are qualified in a profession that is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled workers in Germany. Shortage occupations encompass areas such as healthcare, engineering, IT, and other STEM-related fields.

• Previous residence in Germany (1 Point)

You will receive one point if you have resided in Germany continuously for at least six months within the last five years. This stay may have been for educational or employment purposes.

• Joint application with a spouse (1 Point)

If you submit an application for the Opportunity Card alongside your partner at the same German embassy or consulate, one of the applications will be granted one point.

Benefits of Germany Opportunity Card

The Opportunity Card for Germany presents numerous benefits for international professionals seeking employment in the country:

• Access to the Labor Market

The Chancenkarte offers a legal and organized pathway to enter and navigate the German labor market for a duration of up to one year.

• Long-term Residency

Upon obtaining a job in Germany, you can transition to a long-term residence permit, with the potential to achieve permanent residency thereafter.

• Part-time Work

The Opportunity Card allows you to engage in part-time employment for up to 20 hours per week while you pursue full-time opportunities in your area of expertise.

• Trial Employment

You are allowed to undertake trial positions with potential employers for a maximum of two weeks to assess mutual compatibility.

German Opportunity Card Cost

The application fee for the German Chancenkarte visa is set at €75. Payment must be made in the local currency according to the exchange rate in effect at the time of application. Accepted methods of payment differ among various missions; while some German embassies and consulates require cash, others may accept credit cards, and some may only accept bank drafts. It is important to note that the application fee is non-refundable, even in the event of an unsuccessful application.

Processing time of the Germany Opportunity Card

The processing duration for the German Opportunity Card can range from approximately 2 to 12 weeks. It is important to understand that there is no standard processing time applicable to all applications. The specific duration will be determined by the German Embassy, Consulate, or Foreigners' Registration Office handling your application.

Validity of Germany Opportunity Card

The German Opportunity Card visa is valid for a maximum of 12 months. If holders secure appropriate employment during this time, they may transition from the Chancenkarte to the relevant German work residence permit. However, if the job search is unsuccessful, the Opportunity Card generally cannot be extended beyond its original validity period.