Opportunity Card Germany
Your opportunity for a successful start in Germany
The new chance for skilled workers from non-EU countries to find work in Germany
The new chance for skilled workers from non-EU countries to find work in Germany
The path to job seeking in Germany
Entry for job seeking with various requirements, even without an existing employment contract
Work up to 20 hours per week while searching for a job
Up to two weeks per employer for professional orientation
Possibility of permanent residence after successful job search
The Opportunity Card enables skilled workers from non-EU countries to enter Germany more easily to search for a suitable job on-site. It is part of the potential pillar in the Skilled Immigration Act and represents a new, less bureaucratic way to gain a foothold in Germany.
With the Opportunity Card, professional qualifications can also be recognized subsequently. If the job search is successful, the Opportunity Card can be extended for up to two more years under certain conditions.
How to qualify for the Opportunity Card
To obtain the Opportunity Card, at least 6 points must be achieved. In addition, certain basic requirements apply, such as a recognized vocational or university degree, language skills, and securing your livelihood.
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Partial equivalence of qualification | 4 |
| Qualification in shortage occupation | 1 |
| 2+ years professional experience (last 5 years) | 2 |
| 5+ years professional experience (last 7 years) | 3 |
| German language skills A2 | 1 |
| German language skills B1 | 2 |
| German language skills B2+ | 3 |
| English language skills C1 or native speaker | 1 |
| Age up to 35 years | 2 |
| Age 35-40 years | 1 |
| Previous stay in Germany (min. 6 months) | 1 |
| Partner meets requirements for Opportunity Card | 1 |
Find your opportunity in the German labor market
Use your skills – Germany needs committed skilled workers. Whether in crafts, technology, or transport – contribute your qualifications and actively shape your professional future.
Your professional perspective begins with the first step. See the Opportunity Card not just as a visa – but as an invitation to become part of German society.
Show initiative – the German labor market rewards effort. Employers value reliability, motivation, and the willingness to develop further.
Gain qualified skilled workers for your company
The Opportunity Card offers employers new possibilities to attract international skilled workers and combat the shortage of skilled workers in Germany:
Use the Opportunity Card to find qualified skilled workers who will advance your company and bring new perspectives.
Answers to the most important questions about the Opportunity Card
The Opportunity Card is a new instrument within the framework of the Skilled Immigration Act that allows qualified skilled workers from non-EU countries to enter Germany to search for employment without already having an employment contract. It is based on a points system and offers the opportunity to establish contacts with potential employers on site.
The Opportunity Card offers several advantages: It allows entry for job searching without a fixed employment contract, permits part-time employment of up to 20 hours per week, allows trial work for up to two weeks per employer, and opens up the prospect of a permanent residence title in Germany after a successful job search. In addition, professional qualifications can be recognized subsequently.
Applications are generally submitted to the German mission abroad in the country of origin. For persons already legally residing in Germany, the responsible immigration office is the point of contact. The application must be accompanied by appropriate documentation proving that the requirements for the Opportunity Card are met. A self-check tool is available online to check in advance if the requirements can be met.
Basic requirements include a completed vocational or university degree, language skills (minimum A1 German or B2 English), and securing your livelihood. Additionally, you must either have a qualification recognized in Germany or achieve at least 6 points in the points system, which considers various criteria such as professional experience, language skills, age, and other factors.
No, a fixed employment contract is not required to apply for the Opportunity Card. On the contrary: The Opportunity Card is specifically designed to enable people who do not yet have an employment contract but want to search for qualified employment in Germany to enter the country.
Proof must be provided to secure your livelihood during your stay for job searching. This can be done through a blocked account with sufficient funds (for 2025, generally at least 1,091 euros net per month, annual regular requirement from 01.01.2025: 13,092 euros), a formal obligation letter from a person living in Germany, or an employment contract for part-time employment (up to 20 hours per week).
For proof of German language skills, various recognized tests such as the Goethe Certificate, TestDaF, or the German Language Diploma (DSD) are accepted. For English language skills, tests such as TOEFL, LanguageCert, or Cambridge Certificate are recognized. The certificates must certify the corresponding language level (minimum A1 for German or B2 for English).
The Opportunity Card is often compared to the American Green Card, but differs in essential aspects. The Opportunity Card is initially a temporary residence title for job searching for one year, while the Green Card enables permanent residence with work authorization in the USA. However, the Opportunity Card can be converted into a longer-term residence title after a successful job search.
With the Opportunity Card, holders can engage in one or more part-time jobs totaling up to 20 hours per week during their job search. They can also undertake trial work for a maximum of two weeks per employer. The goal is to find a qualified full-time or part-time position that can then form the basis for a long-term residence title.
No, self-employment is not provided for under the Opportunity Card. The Opportunity Card primarily aims to attract qualified skilled workers for dependent employment. For self-employment in Germany, there are other residence titles such as the visa for self-employment according to § 21 of the Residence Act.
Under the Opportunity Card, holders may undertake trial work with various employers, but for a maximum of two weeks per employer. This trial employment should aim at qualified employment, training, or a qualification measure and serves to test suitability for a particular position and establish contacts with potential employers.
The Opportunity Card is part of the Skilled Immigration Act. The corresponding regulations came into force on June 1, 2023. The practical implementation and issuance of the first Opportunity Cards has been ongoing since early 2024.
The duration of the process can vary depending on the individual case and the responsible mission abroad. As this is a new instrument, comprehensive experience values are not yet available. It is recommended to compile all necessary documents early and submit the application in good time. Processing times for visas for work purposes generally take several weeks to a few months.
No, there is no fixed annual quota or upper limit for the issuance of Opportunity Cards. The number depends on demand and how many applicants meet the requirements.
Yes, family reunification is generally possible. Spouses and minor children can come to Germany under certain conditions. These include in particular proof of sufficient living space and securing the livelihood for the entire family. German language skills (usually A1) are also required for the joining spouse, unless exemptions apply.
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