Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 21, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

As one of the leading countries in many sectors of the world, Germany is constantly on the lookout for the world's top talent and ways to attract them to contribute, live, work, and thrive within the country's borders.

One such way is through the Opportunity Card, which, as the name suggests, allows people from non-EU countries to come to Germany to live and apply for work, seeking gainful employment through traditional contracts or self-employment pathways.

Not only does this benefit Germany and its economy, but it also allows those moving and working there to enjoy all the amazing benefits that Germany as a country and culture has to offer.

 

Do you need this visa?

If you're a member of the EU Schengen Area, you do not need a visa at all to come and work in Germany, doing what you would do under the Opportunity Card. Instead, you can simply come to the country and start your proceedings.

However, if you're planning on staying for longer than 90 days, you'll need to register with the administration of your local area within Germany with a valid passport.

If you're not in the Schengen Area and are from a non-EU country, you'll need an Opportunity Card. This includes the US, the UK, Australia, China, Africa, and beyond.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Germany Opportunity Card?

The Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is designed to attract skilled individuals who can contribute to the German workforce. Therefore, you must fulfil specific criteria based on your qualifications and skills to be eligible.

This breaks down into two distinct pathways, which depend on the different levels of recognition you have for your qualifications.

Skilled professionals pathway

This pathway is for individuals whose professional or academic qualifications are fully recognised in Germany.

You must hold either:

• A German academic degree or a comparable foreign academic degree that took at least two years to complete. To determine compatibility, check if your degree and awarding institution are listed in the official Anabin database. If not, you'll need a "Statement of Comparability" from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).
• A professional qualification obtained in Germany or overseas that took at least two years to complete. Foreign qualifications must be fully recognised by the competent body in Germany.

Points-based pathway

This pathway is for individuals whose academic or professional qualifications are not yet fully recognised in Germany or are not considered comparable. You can head over to this official website to try the online tool/quiz to help see how many points you have.

You must hold either:

• An academic degree that took at least two years to complete and is fully recognised in the country where it was awarded. Your degree must also have been assessed by the ZAB.
• A professional qualification that took at least two years to complete and is fully recognised in the country where it was awarded. Your qualification must also have been assessed by the ZAB. A category A vocational education and training from a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK) that meets the requirements of the Vocational Training Act may also be suitable.

Regardless of the pathway you choose, you must also meet these additional requirements:

• Language proficiency: You need to demonstrate at least basic German language skills (level A1) or advanced English language skills (level B2). Higher proficiency levels can earn you additional points in the points-based system.
• Points-based system (for the points-based pathway only): You must score a minimum of 6 points in the points-based system, which assesses factors such as age, professional experience, language skills, and ties to Germany.

What documentation is needed for the German Opportunity Card?

The next step in the application process, if you're eligible, is to sort out your documentation. This includes preparing any proof of your status or residence and organising the various documents to support your application.

• Printout of online application form: The application form you use depends on the country you’re applying from. However, you can find access to all the forms here.
• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Germany, issued within the last 10 years, and have at least two consecutive blank pages. You'll also need a photocopy of the biodata page.
• Biometric passport photos: Submit two recent, fully biometric passport photos measuring 35 x 45 mm. Consult the embassy or consulate's FAQs for detailed photo requirements.
• Evidence of sufficient funds: Demonstrate you have enough money to support yourself during your stay, such as:
  • A blocked account holding a minimum of €1,027 per month (2023 requirement, subject to change)
  • OR a formal obligation ("Verpflichtungserklärung") from a German resident
  • OR a combination of the above
• Confirmation of health insurance: Provide proof of health insurance coverage that is comparable to statutory German public health insurance.
• Professional/academic curriculum vitae (CV)
• Prepaid, self-addressed return envelope (if applicable): If you're applying directly at the German embassy or consulate (not through TLScontact), include a prepaid, self-addressed Special Delivery return envelope (up to 500g) for the return of your passport.

If you're applying under the Skilled Professionals Pathway, you'll also need:

• Academic degree or professional qualification: Submit the original or a certified copy of your degree or qualification certificate, along with a photocopy and a certified translation if it's not in German, English, or French.
• Proof of comparability or recognition:
  • If your foreign degree is considered comparable, provide printouts from the official Anabin database showing that both your qualification and the awarding institution are listed.
  • If your foreign degree is not listed in Anabin, you'll need a "Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications" issued by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).
  • For professional qualifications, provide a photocopy of the formal assessment notice confirming recognition in Germany.

If you're applying under the Points-Based Pathway, you'll need these additional documents:

• Academic degree or professional qualification: Similar to the Skilled Professionals Pathway, provide the original or certified copy, photocopy, and translation (if needed).
• ZAB assessment confirmation: Include a photocopy of the confirmation that the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) has assessed your degree or qualification.
• Evidence of German and/or English language proficiency: Submit certificates from recognised Meldebescheinigung language testing institutions, such as those aligned with the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) standards. IELTS and TOEFL are also accepted for English proficiency. The tests should not be older than one year.
• Evidence of professional experience (if applicable): If claiming points for professional expertise, provide written confirmation from your previous employer(s) stating the employment dates and a description of your responsibilities.
• Evidence of prior residence in Germany (if applicable): If claiming points for previous residence, submit documents such as confirmation of registration (), rental agreements, or employment contracts.

What is the application process for the Germany Opportunity Card?

If you meet the criteria and have your documentation ready, it's time to apply. Fortunately, if you have everything set up and organised at this point (an experienced visa consultant can help with this), then the actual application process should be smooth sailing.

Step #1 - Complete the online application form

Visit the official website of the Consular Services Portal to complete the online application form. You can find this page here.

Carefully complete all sections of the form, providing accurate and detailed information about yourself, your freelance activities, and your financial situation. You’ll also need to ensure you meet the six point requirements using the Points system.

Remember that each applicant must submit a separate application form, including any accompanying children.

Step #2 - Compile supporting documentation

Gather all the necessary supporting documents as listed in the "Documentation" section above. Ensure that all documents are originals or certified copies. If any documents are not in German, English, or French, provide accredited translations.

Step #3 - Book an appointment

If you are a British citizen or a citizen of one of the other eligible countries (Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, or the United States), you can apply directly at the German Mission (embassy or consulate) that has jurisdiction over your place of residence in the UK.

For all other nationalities, you must apply through a TLScontact Visa Application Centre or the relevant office in your home country.

Additional considerations:

• Processing time: The processing time for Freelance Visa applications is typically 6 to 9 months. This timeframe also applies to accompanying family members.
• Contacting authorities: You'll receive a file number for your application, but avoid contacting the embassy or consulate regarding its status unless they request additional information or documents.
• Visa-free travel: Remember that British citizens and certain other nationalities may be eligible for visa-free travel for short stays if their activities are non-economic.

What is the duration of stay for the Germany Opportunity Card?

The Germany Opportunity Card, or Chancenkarte, is initially issued for a period of 12 months.

The aim of this is to provide you with ample opportunity to explore the German job market, network with potential employers, and secure a suitable position that aligns with your qualifications and skills.

While an extension of the Opportunity Card is possible, the requirements are relatively strict.

Instead of pursuing an extension, you may find it more advantageous to transition to a follow-up residence title, such as a residence permit for skilled workers, once you've secured a qualifying job offer.

The process will look like this.

• Job offer requirement: To transition to a follow-up residence title, you'll typically need a concrete job offer for qualified employment approved by the Federal Employment Agency.
• Extension for up to 2 Years: If you meet this requirement, your Opportunity Card can be extended for a maximum of two additional years, allowing you to continue your employment and potentially fulfil the requirements for a permanent residence permit.
• Application at the Foreigners' Office: The application for the extension or transition to a follow-up residence title must be submitted at your local foreigners' office (Ausländerbehörde).

What are the fees and costs of the German Opportunity Card?

The Germany Opportunity Card has a processing fee of €75. This fee is paid in the applicant's local currency at the current exchange rate.

In addition to the processing fee, applicants will also need to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Germany. This typically requires showing proof of a blocked account holding a minimum of €1,027 per month.

Other potential costs may include:

• Translations and certifications: If any documents are not in German, English, or French, they must be translated by a certified translator.
• Health insurance: Applicants must have health insurance that meets German standards.
• Travel expenses: If applying from outside Germany, travel costs to the embassy or consulate may apply.
• Accommodation and living expenses: Applicants need to budget for their living costs in Germany during their job search.

Remember that these costs are subject to change. Consult the official German Federal Foreign Office website or a qualified immigration advisor for the most up-to-date information.

For professionals looking for a new chapter in Germany, the Opportunity Card does precisely what it says on the tin. As long as you can prove your status and intentions, the process should be relatively simple and come back with a fast answer.

However, if you're looking to optimise your application, ensure everything's in order, have some special individual circumstances you aren't sure about, or just want the process taken care of on your behalf, speak with an experienced visa consultant.

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