Your Gateway to Building a Career in Germany
What is the Opportunity Card?
The Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is a residence permit for qualified professionals from non-EU countries to enter Germany and search for employment without a prior job offer. It allows you to stay in Germany for up to 12 months while exploring opportunities matching your skills and qualifications. This initiative is part of Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act, aimed at attracting global talent and addressing labor shortages.
Benefits of the Opportunity Card
Enter Germany without a job offer
Stay for 12 months with extension options
Work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) or take trial jobs
Convert to a Work Visa or EU Blue Card once employed
Access Germany’s job market in skilled and shortage occupations
Family reunion available after transitioning to a work visa
Eligibility Criteria
Recognized or partially recognized qualification in Germany (check recognition status via Anabin database)
Minimum of two years of professional training or higher education
Basic German (A1) or English (B1) language skills
Sufficient financial means to support yourself
Minimum of 6 points under the points-based system (if qualification is partially recognized)
Two Pathways to Qualify
Option 1: Direct Recognition Route
For fully recognized foreign qualifications — no points required
Option 2: Points-Based Route
For partially recognized qualifications — minimum 6 points based on qualification, experience, language skills, age, and previous stay in Germany
Germany Opportunity Card Points Table
Minimum 6 points required to qualify under points system
What You Can and Cannot Do
You Can: – Enter Germany for 12 months to look for a job – Work part-time (20 hours/week) – Take up trial employment – Apply for Work Visa or EU Blue Card after finding employment.
You Cannot: – Work full-time before job offer – Extend Opportunity Card indefinitely – Bring dependents until converting to work visa.
Documents Required
Passport and photos
Opportunity Card application form
Qualifications & transcripts (check recognition via Anabin)
Work experience proof
Language certificate (German/English)
Financial proof
Health insurance
Motivation letter
Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)
A Blocked Account is required to show sufficient funds for living in Germany. The minimum balance is €11,208 for one year (2025 standard). Funds are “blocked” and released monthly to cover living expenses. Waymax can guide you in opening and funding a blocked account.
Apply via the Consular Portal
All applications must be submitted via the German Consular Portal: https://consularportal.diplo.de
Application Procedure via Consular Portal
- Create an account
- Fill out application
- Upload documents & pay fee
- Book appointment at Embassy/Consulate
- Attend interview & submit biometrics
- Wait for visa approval
Steps After Landing in Germany
- Register your address (Anmeldung)
- Open bank account & health insurance
- Begin job search & attend interviews
- Take part-time or trial work
- Apply for residence permit after obtaining employment
After Securing Employment
- Work Visa: For employment aligned with qualification
- EU Blue Card: For highly skilled professionals
- Opportunity Card Extension: If not yet eligible for Work Visa or EU Blue Card
How Waymax Can Help You
Waymax simplifies the Opportunity Card process: assess eligibility & points, assist with documents & blocked account, guide through the consular portal, and provide advice on job search and visa transition.
Can I enter Germany without a job offer?
Can I work full-time on the Opportunity Card?
Can my family accompany me?
How long can I stay in Germany?
Do I need prior German experience?
Salary & Job Prospects
Sectors in demand: IT & Software Development, Engineering & Technical Roles, Healthcare (nurses, caregivers, doctors), Skilled trades (mechanics, electricians, technicians).
Average salaries: IT & Engineering: €45,000–€65,000/year, Healthcare: €35,000–€50,000/year, Skilled trades: €28,000–€40,000/year.
Jobs in shortage occupations improve chances of employment and fast-track residence permits.
Start Your Germany Opportunity Card Journey Today!
Germany is calling skilled professionals like you. Let Waymax guide you through the Opportunity Card process — from eligibility to Work Visa or EU Blue Card transition.