The Opportunity Card is an immigration pathway that allows skilled workers from non-EU countries to live in Germany while searching for employment. Unlike traditional work visas, this residence permit does not require a pre-arranged job contract. It offers greater flexibility for job seekers by permitting part-time work of up to 20 hours per week and allowing a two-week trial job with potential employers. Additionally, applicants can have their vocational qualifications recognised retrospectively while residing in Germany. 

The Opportunity Card is initially granted for one year. If the holder does not secure a suitable job within this period, there is no automatic right to an extension. However, those who do find employment can apply for a different residence permit that allows for a long-term stay. The eligibility criteria depend on whether the applicant qualifies as a skilled worker under German law or needs to apply through the points-based system. 

Regardless of qualification status, all applicants must prove they can support themselves financially during their stay in Germany. For both Options, you must have sufficient financial resources to fund your job search in Germany. During the visa process, you can demonstrate this ability with a blocked bank account (containing a minimum of €1,091 net per month, the amount applicable in 2025) or a declaration of commitment.  

According to Section 5 (1) of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), an applicant’s livelihood is considered secure if they do not rely on public resources (Section 2 (3) AufenthG). Authorities assess this through a forecast decision based on available funds for the entire validity of the permit (up to one year). It is not necessary for an applicant to claim social benefits to be disqualified—being entitled to them can be a deciding factor. 

Applicants can apply for the Opportunity Card through German missions abroad in their country of origin, such as at a German Embassy or Consulate. Those already in Germany can submit their application at the local Foreigners’ Registration Office (”Ausländerbehörde”). Applicants must meet specific requirements to qualify, including proof of vocational training, work experience, or language skills. Financial stability is also a key requirement, demonstrated through an employment contract for a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week) or other means of financial security.

The Opportunity Card is available to skilled workers from non-EU/EEA countries and Switzerland who wish to seek employment in Germany. Skilled workers under German immigration law do not need to go through the points-based system. A skilled worker is defined as someone who meets one of the following criteria (Section 18 (3) AufenthG):

• Holds a professional qualification that is considered equivalent to German vocational training.
• Possesses a university degree that is comparable to a German degree.

Skilled workers meeting these criteria can apply directly for an Opportunity Card without accumulating points.

It should be noted that if an applicant obtained their qualification in Germany, it may be more advisable to apply for a Jobseeker Visa under Section 20 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). The Jobseeker Visa allows its holder 18 months to find a job—longer than the one-year Opportunity Card – and permits unrestricted part-time work during your search.

Applicants who do not qualify as skilled workers can still obtain an Opportunity Card if they meet the following two basic entry requirements:

• Proof of a foreign professional qualification or degree (officially recognised in the issuing country but not necessarily in Germany).
• Language skills: Basic German (A1) or good English (B2) proficiency.

Once these conditions are met, applicants must accumulate at least six points under Germany’s points-based system. Points are awarded based on qualifications, work experience, age, and connection to Germany:

• 4 points – Partial recognition of foreign qualifications in Germany.
• 3 points – Either five years of work experience or German language skills at B2 level.
• 2 points – Either two years of work experience or under 35 years old.
• 1 point – Prior residence in Germany, English proficiency at C1 level, applying with a spouse, or holding qualifications in a profession experiencing a labour shortage.

Applicants must provide proof of their language skills, which count towards the points system. Recognised language certificates include:

• German proficiency: Goethe Certificate, TestDaF, and DSD (German Language Diploma).
• English proficiency: TOEFL, Cambridge Certificate, and LanguageCert.

Applicants should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and gather the necessary documentation before applying.

To apply for the Opportunity Card, you must first check whether you meet the eligibility criteria, including vocational training or a university degree, sufficient language skills, and proof of financial stability. Once eligibility is confirmed, you must gather the necessary documents before submitting your application, such as proof of qualifications, financial means, and language certificates. Applications are processed by either the German mission abroad (if applying from outside Germany) or the Foreigners’ Registration Office (if applying within Germany). The application fee for the Opportunity Card is €75. The process can take several weeks to months, depending on administrative workloads.

Applicants must provide a valid passport, proof of vocational training or a university degree, and language proficiency certificates. Additionally, financial stability must be demonstrated through bank statements, a blocked account, an employment contract for a part-time job or through a declaration of commitment (“Verpflichtungserklärung”). A completed application form and biometric photos are also required for health insurance coverage.

The application process can be complex, and our lawyers provide assistance in several areas. We help applicants prepare and submit their applications, ensuring all necessary documents are included and presented correctly. In cases where applications are rejected due to incorrect point calculations, missing documents, or procedural issues, we support clients in filing appeals. Additionally, we advise on legal compliance, including residence permit extensions and transitioning to full-time employment visas, ensuring a smooth legal pathway for those looking to establish themselves in Germany.

One of the key requirements for the Opportunity Card application is proving that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Germany without relying on public funds. This means you need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your living expenses and, if applicable, those of your family members. The specific amount of financial means you need to prove must show that you have financial self-sufficiency for 12 months with €1,091.00 per month, i.e. a total of €13,092.00 (as of 2025).

A blocked bank account is one method for meeting the financial requirements for the Opportunity Card. It is typically opened with a German bank or a provider offering such services internationally. The account must be set up to ensure that the amount deposited is sufficient to cover your living expenses in Germany.

When opening the blocked account, you must deposit the required amount and pay any associated banking fees. The account allows you to withdraw a fixed amount each month, ensuring financial stability throughout your stay. After conducting thorough research, it is important to choose a reliable provider to ensure the account meets all necessary requirements.

Once your account is opened, it must be verified by the relevant German authorities or embassy. If your visa is approved and you arrive in Germany, the blocked account remains active, ensuring that you have the means to support yourself without public assistance.

The Opportunity Card grants skilled workers from non-EU countries the chance to stay in Germany for one year while searching for employment. If a cardholder successfully secures qualified employment during this period, they can transition to a full employment visa or a long-term residence permit, effectively paving the way for a more permanent stay in Germany.

After the one-year validity of the Opportunity Card, individuals must apply for a different residence permit at the Foreigners’ Registration Office to continue living and working in Germany. Eligibility for this transition varies but often includes demonstrating language proficiency, professional qualifications, or relevant work experience. Securing employment while holding the Opportunity Card is crucial, as it provides evidence of financial stability and professional integration, significantly improving the chances of obtaining a long-term residence permit.

For those who successfully transition to an employment visa, options include the EU Blue Card, which is designed for highly skilled workers with a university degree or equivalent qualifications, or the German Employment Visa for individuals with a job offer in a specific profession. Another potential route is the Skilled Worker Visa for non-EU nationals with vocational qualifications and a job offer in Germany. These permits enable individuals to work full-time and eventually apply for permanent residence.

While the Opportunity Card is initially valid for one year, it may be extended for up to two additional years under specific circumstances. Extensions are typically granted if the cardholder can show progress toward securing full-time employment or meeting the requirements for another residence title. Additionally, individuals who previously held an Opportunity Card and left Germany may reapply after a mandatory waiting period of at least one year.