From June 2024, the Opportunity Card will provide a simpler route for immigrating to Germany. Use our free points calculator now to see if you meet the requirements and score the necessary 6 points.
Applicants from non-EU countries previously needed a permanent job offer or recognised skilled worker status to work in Germany. The Opportunity Card (“Chancenkarte”) aims to simplify this process. It allows a 12-month stay to job hunt.
Applications can be submitted at the Foreigners’ Registration Office in Germany or the German mission abroad (e.g., the German Embassy).
The Opportunity Card is a new program by Germany starting in June 2024. It aims to attract international talent through a points-based immigration system. This adds another option to existing immigration pathways for qualified non-EU citizens.
It allows you to stay in Germany for up to a year to search for employment. During this time, you'll need to cover your living expenses. But can work part-time in any job until you find full-time employment in your field.
To qualify, you need to meet three basic criteria and earn at least 6 points across 8 categories.
The Opportunity Card points calculator assesses eligibility for a points-based visa in Germany. You can still apply through this system even if your qualification isn't recognized. The visa is granted under Section 20a of the Residence Act.
To qualify, you need 6 points. These points rely on factors like work experience, qualifications, age, and language skills. If you meet the criteria, you'll receive a one-year visa to search for a job in Germany. It will later be converted to a "Skilled Worker Visa."
|
Qualification |
Points |
|
Partial recognition obtained |
4 |
|
Qualification for regulated profession requiring compensatory measures |
4 |
|
Work experience |
Points |
|
2 years in connection to the formal qualification (within the last 5 years) |
2 |
|
5 years in connection to the formal qualification (within the last 7 years) |
3 |
|
Age Condition |
Points |
|
Under 35 |
2 |
|
Between 35 and 40 |
1 |
|
Language Skills |
Points |
|
German proficiency: CEFR A2 |
1 |
|
German proficiency: CEFR B1 |
2 |
|
German proficiency: CEFR B2 |
3 |
|
English proficiency: CEFR C1 or native speaker |
1 |
|
Relation |
Points |
|
Partner/Spouse wants to come to Germany and also qualifies for Opportunity Card (6 points) |
1 |
|
Previous Stays |
Points |
|
Continuous 6 months stay in last 5 years in Germany for work or study |
1 |
Direct Qualification:
If a candidate possesses a degree or qualification officially recognised in Germany, they can directly apply for the Opportunity Card or Chacenkarte. For this, they do not need to prove the points-based system requirements. But, they still need to show sufficient financial means to cover living costs in Germany.
Non-European nationals with foreign qualifications fully equivalent to German ones are considered "skilled workers". Further, they can also apply for a Skilled Worker Visa
Through a point based system:
|
Basis |
Opportunity Card |
Jobseeker Visa |
|
Implementation Status |
New Visa Option |
The existing type of visa |
|
German Language Proficiency |
Might be required (depending on eligibility) |
Not required |
|
Duration |
12 months, extendable under certain circumstances |
6 months |
|
Eligibility |
Degree holders and professionals with 3+ years of experience |
Highly skilled professionals with 5+ years of experience |
|
Age Restriction |
No specified age restriction |
Theoretically none |
|
Employer Responses |
Not required before applying |
Positive responses needed from German employers |
|
Allotment Limit |
The limited number allotted per year |
No official information on the annual allotment |
|
Employment Restrictions |
Allows part-time work (up to 30 hours/week) |
It doesn't permit part-time work |
|
Criteria |
Points Awarded |
|
Basic Requirements |
1 |
|
Partial Recognition of Foreign Qualification or Regulated Profession |
4 |
|
Five Years of Professional Experience or B2 Level German |
3 |
|
Two Years of Professional Experience or B1 Level German (if under 35) |
2 |
|
Age under 40 or Previous Stay in Germany (at least six months) |
1 |
|
Very Good English (C1), Reasonable German (A2), Vocational Training in Labor Shortage Area, or Applying with Spouse |
1 |
No need for a pre-arranged job. You need to qualify through a points system based on skills and experience. Stay for one year to job hunt and work part-time (up to 20 hours/week).
Initially valid for one year. But can be extended with proof of employment. Allows flexible part-time and trial jobs.
Earn a fair wage with part-time jobs paying at least €12/hour (INR 1,081.26). It allows for a monthly income of over €1000 (INR 90,104.80). Full-time jobs can further increase earnings.
Opportunities for part-time and trial work. If a suitable job is found, easily transition to a full-time job with an extended residence permit.
|
Basis |
Opportunity Card |
Blue Card |
|
Purpose |
Travel to Germany for a job search |
Obtain after securing a job in Germany/Europe |
|
Validity |
Only within Germany |
Valid throughout Europe |
|
Application Location |
Applied from home country (e.g., India) |
Applied in Germany after arrival on an Employment visa |
|
Minimum Salary Requirement |
Not required |
Mandatory minimum salary requirement |
|
Prior Stay or Language |
Prior stay or knowledge of German may help |
Usually not required for Blue Card application |
The visa fee for the Opportunity Card is €75 (INR 6,757.86), payable in your local currency at the German embassy. Online visa application submission is not available. However, some embassies offer an online application form that applicants can fill out and print.
On reaching Germany, you must get your Opportunity Card from the Foreign Authorities. It may entail an additional €100 (INR 9,010.48) fee. Once you secure a suitable job aligned with your qualifications, you can transition your visa to a residence permit for skilled workers.Currently, the German authorities can issue an unlimited number of Opportunity Cards. However, if the demand becomes too high, authorities have the right to impose a specific quota.
You may apply for the Opportunity Card if you are from a non-EU country ("third country").
The Opportunity Card allows a stay in Germany for one year. It can be extended for up to two additional years under certain circumstances. If you have held the Opportunity Card before and left Germany, you can reapply after a break of at least one year.
Kansas Overseas Careers specializes in visa services for countries such as Canada, the UK, the USA, Germany, and Hong Kong. It offer support for various visa types. It includes Permanent Residency, Work, Study, Temporary, and Dependent Visas.
Receive professional guidance based on a thorough assessment of your profile. It will determine your chances of visa success. This evaluation helps identify the best visa options for your specific circumstances.
Get detailed, error-free documentation tailored to meet specific visa requirements. Kansas ensures that all necessary documents are accurate and complete. This will reduce the risk of application rejections.
We ensure that your visa application meets all the standard requirements set by immigration authorities. We handle the filing process to ensure its completeness.
Receive guidance and verified documents to help you prepare for visa interviews. We provide tips and strategies to increase your confidence and chances of success during the interview process.
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Kansas crafts tailored resumes to meet the specific requirements of immigration authorities and potential employers.
To improve your points using the Germany Opportunity Card points calculator, focus on meeting the criteria such as
The number of points required to become eligible for a Chancenkarte you must score at least six points in the points system.
The Opportunity Card in Germany is valid for one year.
No, the Germany Opportunity Card points calculator is to assess eligibility for the Opportunity Card. It is not for family reunification.
The time it takes to calculate points using the Germany Opportunity Card points calculator depends on how quickly you can gather and input the necessary information.
Yes, the Germany Opportunity Card points calculator can help assess eligibility for immigration to Germany through the Opportunity Card program.
Yes, alternatives to the German Opportunity Card points calculator may include consulting immigration lawyers or using other online immigration assessment tools.
The eligibility criteria for a German job seeker visa include:
Key features of the Germany Opportunity Card points calculator cover assessing eligibility for the Opportunity Card. It is based on various criteria such as language skills and work experience.
The success rates of applicants using the Germany Opportunity Card points calculator may vary. It depends on individual circumstances and how well they meet the eligibility criteria.
Having a high score in the Germany Opportunity Card points calculator increases your chances of eligibility for the Opportunity Card. It provides opportunities for job search and residence in Germany.
If you have a recognised university degree or professional training in Germany, you automatically get 6 points. If not, you must earn at least 6 points across 8 different categories.
Qualifications:
Experience:
Age:
Language Skills:
Previous Stays in Germany:
Spouses:
Yes, it is possible to apply for a normal work visa instead of a Blue Card. You can do so if you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific visa type.
The Germany Opportunity Card points calculator can help with assessing eligibility for the Opportunity Card. But it does not directly assist with job search in Germany.
If you are a certified professional and want to work in Germany, you may need to have your qualifications recognized by German authorities and meet other visa requirements.
The minimum number of points required for eligibility for the Opportunity Card is six points in the points system.
The accuracy of the Germany Opportunity Card points calculator depends on the completeness and accuracy of the information provided by the user.
Best practices for using the Germany Opportunity Card points calculator include
Yes, a foreigner can receive a Chancenkarte even without German language skills. But this is possible if they meet the minimum requirements in other criteria such as work experience and education.
Limitations of the Germany Opportunity Card points calculator may include:
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