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Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) – Full Guide
Hello everyone, welcome back! Today’s topic is the Germany Opportunity Card. This is a one-year jobseeker visa of Germany that allows you to travel to Germany, search for a job, and then convert your Opportunity Card into a full-time work permit or even a Blue Card.
In this detailed guide, I am going to cover everything about the Germany Opportunity Card, including:
Benefits of the visa
Issues and challenges
How to search for a job (from outside and inside Germany)
Processing time
Eligibility criteria & point system
Required funds (blocked account)
What kind of jobs you can target in English
How to convert your Opportunity Card into a work permit
So let’s get started.
1. Benefits of the Opportunity Card
The Germany Opportunity Card is basically a jobseeker visa valid for one year. During this time, you can stay in Germany, search for jobs, and once you find employment, you can convert it into a work permit or a Blue Card, depending on your salary.
You will get 1 year to search for a job.
If needed, you can extend it, but the main idea is to find a job within that year.
You are also allowed to work 20 hours per week in part-time jobs.
These jobs can be in restaurants, grocery stores, logistics companies, etc. (survival jobs).
You can earn up to €1,000 per month doing part-time work, which is enough for your living expenses.
Another benefit is that you can do a trial job for 2 weeks with an employer if they want to check your skills before hiring you. It’s not very popular yet, but it’s an option.
2. Converting Opportunity Card into a Work Permit or Blue Card
Once you get a full-time job, you can apply inside Germany at the local immigration office.
With a valid job offer and contract, you will be given a work permit (no minimum salary threshold).
If your salary is higher, you can qualify for a Blue Card, which is even more beneficial.
Blue Card benefits:
Valid for up to 5 years.
Easier path to Permanent Residency (PR).
Salary requirement:
General jobs: €49,000/year
Shortage occupations / recent graduates: €44,000/year
3. What Jobs Can You Target in Germany?
If you don’t know German, you can still find jobs in English in certain sectors:
IT & Technical jobs – software engineers, developers, testers, data science, AI, cybersecurity, UI/UX designers.
Marketing jobs – especially online marketing roles with international clients.
Customer support – if the role requires English communication.
Skilled trade jobs – welders, CNC machinists, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, forklift operators.
Logistics & warehouse jobs – usually minimal German required.
👉 If you know German (B1 or above), you can also consider Ausbildung (vocational training), which combines study + work and provides a salary (~€1,000/month).
4. Job Search: From Outside vs Inside Germany
Yes, you can apply for jobs from outside Germany, but employers prefer candidates who already have a German address and phone number.
Being in Germany increases your chances of getting interview calls.
Popular portals: LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, StepStone.
Always customize your CV for each job to match keywords.
Non-Europass CVs are also fine, as long as they are professional and clear.
5. Processing Time
If your degree is recognized in Germany → Approx. 2 months (application + decision).
If your degree is not recognized → Need to go through ZAB recognition. This takes extra 2–3 months.
Total: 4–5 months.
6. Eligibility Criteria & Point System
If your degree is recognized, you can apply directly.
If not, you must score 6 points on the Opportunity Card point system.
Education recognition (ZAB/ANABIN): up to 4 points.
Shortage occupation: +1 point.
Work experience: 2–3 points.
German language skills: A2 (1 point), B1 (2 points), B2 (3 points).
English test (CLB 9 / IELTS / TOEFL): +1 point.
Age: under 35 (2 points), 35–40 (1 point).
Previous stay in Germany: +1 point.
Spouse applying together: +1 point.
👉 You need a minimum of 6 points to qualify.
7. Financial Requirement – Blocked Account
Although not 100% mandatory, a blocked account is highly recommended for your application.
Amount: ~€13,000 for 12 months.
Monthly release: ~€1,100 for living expenses.
Popular options: Expatrio, Fintiba, ICICI Bank Germany.
Most providers also include health insurance for the first 6 months.
This proves to the visa officer that you have enough funds to survive in Germany.
8. Final Thoughts
The Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is a fantastic option for jobseekers who want to work and settle in Germany.
You get one year to find a job.
Can work part-time for survival.
Convert easily into a Work Permit or Blue Card.
With proper degree recognition, funding, and points, you can secure your visa.
If you want to apply for the Opportunity Card of Germany, Globexa Immigration can help you with:
✔ Checking degree recognition
✔ Job search guidance
✔ Preparing your CV as per German standards
✔ Full visa application support
