Opportunity Card (Germany Job Seeker Visa)
Opportunity Card is a Job Seeker Visa which allows skilled workers to enter Germany and look for suitable employment. With a 12-month validity, extendable twice for another two years, Opportunity Card (Job Seeker Visa) allows you to search for the right job without needing an offer upfront.
Germany is facing a significant skilled worker shortage, making now the perfect time to explore job opportunities. Once employed, you can convert your visa into a work visa, paving the way for a successful career in Germany.
1.5M+
3rd
Jobs available
Largest Economy in the World.
Why Choose Germany?
Here are 6 reasons to choose Germany for your work abroad journey:
-
Strong and Stable Economy: Germany boasts Europe's largest economy, offering vast opportunities in various industries.
-
1.5 million Job Vacancies: With a labour shortage, especially in sectors like IT, healthcare, and engineering, there are many open positions.
-
Path to Permanent Residence: After 21 months on an EU Blue Card, you can apply for permanent residence.
-
Citizenship Path: Eligible for citizenship after 5 years of residency.
-
Spousal Benefits: Your spouse can work without needing a separate permit.
-
Job Security & Work-Life Balance: Germany is known for its strong worker protections and excellent work-life balance.
Check List for Opportunity Card Application –
-
2 copies of Application form.
-
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
-
Two passport-sized photos. The photos should be identical and of high quality.
-
Evidence of academic credentials. Please provide a copy of your degree, diploma or any other documentation that verifies your academic qualifications from a university
-
Evidence of financial resources. There are several possibilities for this:
-
a blocked account with enough funds amounting to €1027/month and sufficient funds for a return flight. (€12324 for 12 months + funds for return flight ticket)
-
employment contract for a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week)
-
a formal letter of sponsorship from German resident.
-
Statements of your bank account
-
Or a combination of the above
-
-
Proof of health insurance policy
-
Documentation of your housing arrangements in Germany.
-
A cover letter or motivation letter.
-
Resume.
How Can Glovels help you?
Glovels Overseas Consultants offers end to end support for people looking to immigrate to Germany. Our services include:
-
Free eligibility check for the opportunity card
-
Visa services from appointment booking to preparing your application packet
-
Free profile evaluation and career counselling
-
German language classes
-
Complete guidance for your job search in Germany
-
Pre departure briefing and post arrival assistance in Germany
What Is Opportunity Card?
Opportunity Card is a German job seeker visa granted to individuals seeking employment opportunities in Germany. If you are approved for this visa, you will have the opportunity to stay in the country for a period of 12 months. During this time, you can search for employment and, if your successful, apply for a work permit to stay in Germany for the long term.
It is important to note that if you have already secured a job and have a valid contract, there is no need for you to apply for a job seeker visa. Instead, you can directly apply for a work visa.
This government initiative aims to assist non-EU nationals in securing employment and establishing long-term residency in Germany.
Why you should apply for Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)?
Easy and Fast entry into Germany. Graduates with university degree can choose the simplified qualification process.
No offer letter needed.
Work permit for part time employment up to 20 hours per week.
Support yourself with part time job and earn approx. €1200 (₹ 1.1 Lakh) per month.
Accelerated pathway to secure permanent residency in Germany. After securing employment, you can be eligible to apply for a permanent resident permit after 21 months.
Explore qualified employment opportunities while you are in Germany
Opportunity to bring your immediate family members, including your spouse and children, to Germany once you have obtained a job.
Requirements for the Germany Job Seeker Visa –
Below are the two pathways available for skilled workers to qualify for Opportunity Card
Pathway 1:
Proof of full recognition of your qualification for Germany.
Minimum of 3- or 4-Year Bachelor’s degree awarded by a recognised university
OR
2-year vocational programme recognized by German Chamber of Commerce
Pathway 2:
You have either.
Bachelor’s degree awarded by UGC recognised university
OR
2-year vocational programme (ITI or Diploma) completed at a state recognised institution.
With confirmation from the ZAB (German Central Office for Foreign Education).
AND
Language Proficiency:
German proficiency certificate of CEFR level A1 or higher awarded by Goethe or ÖSD or telc
English proficiency certificate of CEFR level B2 or higher, awarded by TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge English Assessment.
What are the financial requirements for Germany Opportunity Card?
For both pathway 1 and pathway 2, you must demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself during your job search in Germany. This can be done by showing a savings account in your name or blocked bank account with a minimum of €12324 per year (amount valid for 2024) or through a formal declaration of commitment.
You can also show a part time job offer, to count as your proof of funds.
Opportunity Card Points Calculation:
Applicants who are eligible for Opportunity card must get 6 points from the below table to qualify for opportunity card
More About Germany
Germany offers an exceptional quality of life, characterized by its robust economy, excellent healthcare system, and world-class education. The country is known for its high standard of living, safe and efficient public transportation, and a rich cultural scene that includes historical landmarks, museums, and diverse arts. Additionally, Germany's central location in Europe allows easy travel to neighbouring countries, enhancing its appeal as a hub for both personal and professional opportunities for prospective immigrants.
Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa)
-
Eligibility: This visa is for short-term stays in Germany and other Schengen Area countries, up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
-
Purpose: It is suitable for students attending short courses, language programs, or preparatory visits.
-
Limitations: This visa does not allow you to begin full-time studies or work in Germany. It is not extendable for long-term study purposes.
National Visa (D Visa)
-
Eligibility: This visa is for long-term stays over 90 days and is typically used by students intending to pursue full-time academic programs in Germany.
-
Purpose: This includes full-time university studies, preparatory courses (such as Studienkolleg), language courses longer than three months, or doctoral studies.
-
Duration and Extension: Initially issued for three to six months. Upon arrival in Germany, you must apply for a residence permit at the local Alien Registration Office to cover the full duration of your studies.
Blogs
FAQs
Indeed, it is necessary for all Indian nationals to acquire a visa prior to their arrival in Germany. Even if you possess a valid Schengen visa for Germany, it is necessary to apply for a job seeker visa in India if you plan to seek employment in Germany.
You can apply at the relevant German embassy in your country. You need a valid passport, proof of education, language skills, and sufficient financial means.
Application fee the Germany Opportunity Card is €75.
You must have a Germany recognized qualification or score at least six points based on language skills, work experience, age, and links to Germany. Calculate your points to determine eligibility.
The expanded Skilled Immigration Act, including the Opportunity Card, comes into force on 01 June 2024.
You need to show sufficient financial means through bank balances, blocked account, formal letter of sponsorship, or a part-time job contract in Germany. The minimum annual requirement is 12,324 euros.
Proof of funds is required for the Opportunity Card (Job Seeker Visa) to demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself during your job search in Germany. Since you may not have an income during this period, the German authorities need to ensure that you can cover your living expenses independently, preventing financial strain on the country’s welfare system.
No, there is no age limit. But you can score 1 point if you are aged 35-39, and 2 points if you are younger than 35
You don’t need 6 points, if you have Bachelor’s degree from a ZAB recognised university.
You don’t need language tests, if you have Bachelor’s degree from a ZAB recognised university.
To prove English language proficiency, you can take tests such as the IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English exams.
No. You must provide proof of either English or German language proficiency. If you have 6 points from other criteria, English language proficiency is not mandatory.
To prove German language proficiency, you can provide certificates from Goethe, OSD or telc etc
No. You must provide proof of either German or English language proficiency. If you have 6 points from other criteria, German language proficiency is not mandatory.
Professions in shortage in Germany include those in engineering, IT, healthcare, and skilled trades. Specific requirements and opportunities may vary, so it's advisable to check current demand and criteria.
Yes. You can get 1 bonus point, if your occupation is in the shortage list. But it is not a requirement for eligibility.
Check List for Opportunity Card Application –
-
2 copies of Application form
-
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months
-
Two passport-sized photos. The photos should be identical and of high quality.
-
Evidence of academic credentials. Please provide a copy of your degree, diploma or any other documentation that verifies your academic qualifications from a university
-
Evidence of financial resources. There are several possibilities for this:
-
a blocked account with enough funds amounting to €1027/month and sufficient funds for a return flight. (€12324 for 12 months + funds for return flight ticket)
-
employment contract for a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week)
-
a formal letter of sponsorship from German resident.
-
Statements of your bank account
-
Or a combination of the above
-
-
Proof of health insurance policy.
-
Documentation of your housing arrangements in Germany.
-
A cover letter or motivation letter
-
Resume.
-
The processing time for your German job seeker visa application is typically 4-6 weeks. However, the processing time may vary depending on the embassy and the completeness of your application. For the opportunity card, most applications are typically processed within 2 weeks. If you have previously lived in Germany this will add to processing times, as the immigration office may need to look into your previous immigration record.
The German Opportunity Card is valid for 1 year. It can be extended for two more years.
As an Opportunity Card holder, your spouse can join you in Germany if your spouse is eligible for Opportunity Card and apply for it together. Children may also come with you under this arrangement. If your spouse is not eligible for Opportunity Card and they can only join you once you have a job and change your status to another residence title.
Currently, there is no set limit on the number of Opportunity Cards issued per year. However, this may change if the demand is exceptionally high.
Copies of previous passports, along with any visas and entry stamps they contain, can be submitted as proof of past stays. These stays may include study, language courses, or work-related visits. However, stays for tourism or visiting friends or family do not count toward this evidence.
No, work experience is not a mandatory requirement.
When you secure a job in Germany during your stay with the opportunity card, you have the option to apply for an EU Blue Card, an alternative work visa, or a residence permit for qualified professionals. It is necessary to submit your application for a work visa and residence permit to the appropriate Foreigners' Authority in your region.