Chancenkarte - Opportunity Card - Federal Foreign Office
Your Personal Assistant for the Chancenkarte - Opportunity Card Points Distribution
EASY, FAST, AND LEGAL ENTRY TO GERMANY
- SECURING YOUR LIVELIHOOD WITH A GOOD INCOME
- POSSIBILITY OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE IN GERMANY
- IMMEDIATE WORK PERMIT AFTER SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION
Working in Germany with the Opportunity Card:
- Job Seekers Visa
Explore the numerous benefits and streamline your path to living and working in Germany with the Chancenkarte - Opportunity Card.
The Opportunity Card – Overview
- **Purpose:**
- The Opportunity Card is a residence permit allowing workers from third countries to enter Germany to seek employment.
- It can also be used to search for measures to recognize foreign professional qualifications in Germany.
- **Eligibility:**
- Determined by a points system based on qualifications, knowledge, and circumstances.
- A minimum score of six points is required.
- If you have a recognized vocational qualification in Germany, you can apply without needing to achieve a minimum number of points.
- Basic requirements must be fulfilled in both cases.
- **Application Process:**
- Apply online via the Consular Services Portal or locally at your German mission.
- Use a points calculator when applying online to determine your points for qualifications, knowledge, and living conditions.
- Direct qualification as a recognized skilled worker bypasses the points requirement.
- Confirm you meet the basic requirements during the application process.
- **Validity and Subsequent Steps:**
- The Opportunity Card is issued for up to one year.
- If you find qualified employment during your stay, you can:
- Obtain a follow-up Opportunity Card for further job searching.
- Acquire a residence permit for gainful employment from the local foreigners authority in Germany.
Points Distribution for the Opportunity Card
**Basic Requirements:**
- **Language Skills:** Sufficient German language skills at level A1 or English language skills at level B2.
- **Vocational Training:** At least two years of vocational training according to the rules of the country of origin.
- **Financial Means:** Sufficient financial means, which can be proven with an employment contract for a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week).
**Points Distribution:**
1. **Four Points:**
- Partial recognition of a foreign professional qualification or
- Permission to practice a regulated profession (e.g., teacher, nurse, engineer).
2. **Three Points:**
- Five years of professional experience in the learned profession within the last seven years.
- A preceding two years of professional training according to the rules of the country of origin.
- Alternatively, three points for good German language skills at level B2.
3. **Two Points:**
- Two years of professional experience preceded by vocational training within the last five years.
- Applicants not older than 35 years.
- German language skills at level B1.
4. **One Point:**
- Applicants not over 40 years old.
- Previous stay in Germany for at least six months (excluding stays as a tourist), with documented proof.
- Very good knowledge of English (C1).
- Reasonable knowledge of German (A2).
- Vocational training/university degree in an area of official labor shortage in Germany.
- Applying for the Opportunity Card together with your spouse.