Germany Opportunity Card

The Opportunity Card (Section 20a Residence Act) is the new version of the former German Job Seeker Visa. Introduced as part of Germany’s reformed Skilled Immigration Act, it replaces the old six-month job seeker route and provides a more flexible, points-based pathway. It allows qualified third-country nationals to enter Germany for up to one year to search for employment, with limited work rights during the search phase and a straightforward switch to a work-based residence permit once a suitable job is secured.

Duration

The Opportunity Card is issued for a maximum of 12 months. In specific cases it can be extended in Germany (for example, to complete recognition measures or after meeting further conditions). Once you obtain qualifying employment, you must convert to the appropriate residence permit (e.g., EU Blue Card or qualified employment).

Eligibility Pathways

Option 1 — Recognised Qualification: You have an academic degree or non-academic vocational qualification that is fully recognised in Germany, or your qualification was obtained in Germany.

Option 2 — Points System (minimum 6 points): If your foreign qualification is not yet fully recognised in Germany, you may qualify via a points system provided you meet the base conditions (completed vocational or academic training + language + financial means). Points are awarded for criteria such as partial recognition, shortage occupations, professional experience, language level, age, prior lawful stays in Germany, and a partner who also qualifies.

Language Requirement

You must show at least A1 German or B2 English (CEFR). Higher German levels can increase your points score under Option 2.

Financial Means

You must prove sufficient funds for the entire stay. As a guide, the blocked-account amount is set at €1,091 per month (2025). Alternatives include a declaration of commitment by a sponsor in Germany or, where permitted, evidence of secondary employment arranged in advance.

Work Permitted During the Stay

While job-seeking, you may work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. You may also undertake trial employment (probationary “job trials”) of up to two weeks per employer. These permissions are intended to support rapid labour-market entry and recognition processes.

Special Note for German Qualifications (Section 20)

If you obtained your degree or vocational qualification in Germany, you can apply for a separate job-seeker residence permit under Section 20 Residence Act. This typically grants up to 18 months to find employment and allows part-time work without the Opportunity Card points requirement.

What the Opportunity Card Allows

Residence in Germany for targeted job search, limited part-time work and short trial employment, participation in recognition measures, and a clear pathway to convert to a work-based residence permit once you secure a suitable position.

Last updated: 17/09/2025

To qualify under the points route (Option 2), you must first meet the basic requirements and then achieve at least six (6) points from the scored criteria below.

Basic Requirements (not scored)

Formal qualification: Completed academic degree or non-academic vocational training (at least two years) that is recognised in the country where it was obtained, or a qualification obtained in Germany.

Language: At least German A1 or English B2 (CEFR).

Financial means: Proof you can cover living costs for the entire stay (e.g., blocked account showing at least €1,091 per month for 2025, a declaration of commitment, or permitted part-time employment planned in advance).

Scored Criteria (earn ≥ 6 points total)

• Recognition / Regulated profession (4 points): Your foreign qualification is partially recognised in Germany, or for a regulated profession you have been assigned compensatory measures before licensing; or you already have permission to practise a regulated profession in Germany.
• Professional experience (2–3 points):
  • 3 points for at least five years of post-qualification experience within the last seven years.
  • 2 points for at least two years of post-qualification experience within the last five years.
• Language beyond the minimum (1–3 points):
  • 3 points for German at B2 or higher.
  • 2 points for German at B1.
  • 1 point for German at A2.
  • +1 additional point if you also have English at C1 or are a native English speaker.
• Age (1–2 points):
  • 2 points if you are up to and including 35 years old.
  • 1 point if you are older than 35 and up to 40 years old.
• Previous lawful stay in Germany (1 point): Continuous lawful residence of at least six months within the last five years (e.g., study, language, or work stays; tourist visits do not count).
• Shortage occupation or qualifying partner (1 point): Your formal qualification is in a listed shortage occupation, or you apply together with a spouse/partner who independently meets the Opportunity Card requirements.

All claimed points must be supported by documentary evidence (certificates, recognition notices, employment references, language test results, proof of previous lawful stay, etc.).

The application requires a complete and verifiable set of documents. Requirements can vary slightly between embassies and consulates, but the following are standard for the Opportunity Card:

• Valid Passport: Issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 12 months beyond the intended stay, with at least two blank pages.
• Completed Visa Application Form: Long-stay national visa (Type D) form, fully completed and signed.
• Biometric Passport Photos: Two recent photographs that meet ICAO standards.
• Proof of Qualification: Degree, diploma, or vocational training certificate. Foreign qualifications must be supported by a recognition decision (ANABIN/ZAB) or proof of eligibility under the points system.
• Proof of Language Skills: Certificate showing at least A1 German or B2 English. Higher levels improve your score in the points system.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing your education, qualifications, and professional experience.
• Motivation Letter: Explaining your career plans in Germany, the type of employment sought, and how you intend to find a job.
• Proof of Financial Means: Usually a blocked bank account showing at least €1,091 per month for the intended stay (2025 figure), or a formal declaration of commitment by a sponsor in Germany.
• Proof of Health Insurance: Valid travel or medical insurance covering the full period of stay in Germany until statutory or private insurance is arranged.
• Proof of Accommodation in Germany: Hotel booking, rental agreement, or host invitation confirming your address during the job-seeking period.
• Evidence for Points (if applying under Option 2): Supporting documents for professional experience, shortage occupation qualification, age, previous stays in Germany, or partner’s qualifications, as applicable.

All foreign documents must generally be accompanied by certified German translations. Originals and copies must be presented. The embassy or consulate may request further documents depending on your personal circumstances.

The processing time for an Opportunity Card varies depending on your country of application, the completeness of your documentation, embassy/consulate workload, and whether recognition of qualifications is needed.

• Standard processing: Several weeks to a few months, typically around 3-5 months.
• Faster cases (where applications are complete and recognition is straightforward): Approximately two weeks
• Extended processing (complex qualification recognition / additional checks): Up to six months in rare cases.

To minimize delays, submit a fully complete application, ensure your qualification recognition is in order, follow up on any missing documents, and book appointments early.

The following fee is standard for the Opportunity Card. Additional costs may apply depending on your country of application and individual circumstances.

• Visa / Application Fee: €75.

Possible additional costs include translation/official certified translation of documents, health insurance coverage for the stay, and costs associated with proving financial means (e.g. blocked account fees). These vary by provider and country.

The Opportunity Card application process requires careful preparation, as incomplete or incorrect documentation can cause lengthy delays. The steps below outline the process from preparation to receiving your residence permit.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Determine whether you qualify under Option 1 (fully recognised qualification in Germany or obtained in Germany) or Option 2 (points system, minimum six points). Ensure that you meet the basic requirements of language proficiency and financial means.

Step 2: Collect Documentation

Gather all required documents, including passport, qualification certificates, recognition notices or proof for points, CV, language certificates, proof of funds (blocked account or declaration of commitment), health insurance, accommodation details, and motivation letter.

Step 3: Book Embassy/Consulate Appointment

Schedule an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Demand is high, so appointments should be booked well in advance.

Step 4: Submit Visa Application

Attend your appointment with a complete application pack. Provide biometrics, pay the €75 visa fee, and answer any questions regarding your intended job search in Germany. Family members are not included under the Opportunity Card and must apply for their own visas.

Step 5: Await Processing

Processing typically takes several weeks to a few months. Applications requiring qualification recognition or additional verification may take longer. You will be notified once a decision is made.

Step 6: Enter Germany

Once granted, you will receive a long-stay national visa. Travel to Germany within the validity period, typically three to six months from issuance.

Step 7: Register Residence

Within two weeks of arrival, register your address at the local Einwohnermeldeamt (residents’ registration office). This registration is mandatory for all residents.

Step 8: Apply for Residence Permit

Book an appointment with the local foreigners’ authority (Ausländerbehörde) to obtain your electronic residence permit (eAT card) under Section 20a Residence Act. Provide all supporting documents again and proof of your registered address.

Step 9: Seek Employment

Use the validity of the Opportunity Card (up to 12 months) to actively look for a qualified job. You may work part-time up to 20 hours per week and undertake trial employment for up to two weeks per employer.