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Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Most recent source check , against the official sources listed below. A recent source check does not mean every requirement was re-read on that date. This page is information, not legal advice and not a guarantee of eligibility.

Summary

A one-year residence permit that lets you enter Germany to look for work, without needing a job offer first. Issued for up to one year. If you receive a concrete skilled job offer but cannot yet switch to a regular permit, an extension of up to two years may be issued. Requirement as published: Either your qualification is fully recognised in Germany (no points needed), or you score at least 6 points on the points system.

Vocational and general route

  • You are a national of a country outside the EU and EFTA
  • Either your qualification is fully recognised in Germany (no points needed), or you score at least 6 points on the points system
  • For the points route: vocational training of at least two years, recognised in the country where you obtained it
  • For the points route: a positive anabin result, Statement of Comparability, or Digital Statement on Professional Qualification
  • For the points route: German at A1 or English at B2
  • Proof of funds: proof that you can support yourself (confirm the current amount with the official source)

Graduate route

  • An academic degree recognised in the country where it was obtained, with a positive anabin result or Statement of Comparability
  • At least 6 points, or full recognition of the qualification
  • German at A1 or English at B2
  • Proof that you can support yourself (confirm the current amount with the official source)

Key figures and rules

National visa fee

EUR 75 (approx. AED 300); EUR 37.50 under 18 (approx. AED 150)

Set by § 46(2) no. 1 AufenthV, minors at half under § 50(1). Spouses and minor children of German citizens, parents of minor Germans and publicly funded scholarship holders are exempt. Reapplying after a refusal costs the full fee again.

Source: § 46 Aufenthaltsverordnung — visa fees (checked 2026-11-03) · § 50 Aufenthaltsverordnung — half fees for minors (checked 2026-11-03) · Federal Foreign Office — visa fees, reductions and exemptions (checked 2026-11-03)

Residence permit after arrival

EUR 100 first issue (approx. AED 400)

§ 45 AufenthV: EUR 100 for the first electronic residence permit, EUR 93 or 96 for an extension, EUR 98 for a change of purpose. Berlin's counter fees match exactly and add EUR 6 for an on-site photo. Fee exemption where the applicant cannot cover living costs without benefits.

Source: § 45 Aufenthaltsverordnung — residence permit fees (checked 2026-11-03) · Service Berlin — residence permit for the foreign spouse of a foreign national (document list and fees) (checked 2026-11-03)

AED figures in brackets are indicative only, at a rounded 4.0 AED per EUR. There is no official rate or rate date behind them. Check a live rate with your bank before you pay or transfer anything.

What we have not published

These are things readers often look for. Our sources do not support a statement, so we make none.

  • The points table: how many points each criterion earns. Our data states only the threshold of 6 points, not the scoring. Use the official Make it in Germany page linked below.
  • How long a decision takes after you apply. Not sourced.
  • A guarantee of eligibility. A points score or a recognised qualification does not by itself entitle anyone to the card; the German authorities decide.

Common questions

Do I need a job offer for the Opportunity Card?

A one-year residence permit that lets you enter Germany to look for work, without needing a job offer first.

How many points do I need?

Either your qualification is fully recognised in Germany (no points needed), or you score at least 6 points on the points system.

What language level is required for the points route?

German at A1 or English at B2.

How much money must I show?

EUR 1,091 net per month (approx. AED 4,364). The 2026 figure for jobseekers on the Opportunity Card, or alternatively a Declaration of Commitment from a sponsor in Germany.

Can I work while on the card?

Part-time work totalling 20 hours per week, plus job trials of up to two weeks per employer.

How long is the card valid?

Issued for up to one year. If you receive a concrete skilled job offer but cannot yet switch to a regular permit, an extension of up to two years may be issued.

Official sources

Sources used on this page: Make it in Germany — Opportunity Card (Federal Government portal) (checked 2026-11-03) · Make it in Germany — Opportunity Card: visa and entry procedure (official process sheet) (checked 2026-11-03) · § 46 Aufenthaltsverordnung — visa fees (checked 2026-11-03) · § 50 Aufenthaltsverordnung — half fees for minors (checked 2026-11-03) · Federal Foreign Office — visa fees, reductions and exemptions (checked 2026-11-03) · § 45 Aufenthaltsverordnung — residence permit fees (checked 2026-11-03) · Service Berlin — residence permit for the foreign spouse of a foreign national (document list and fees) (checked 2026-11-03) · Make it in Germany — one year of the Opportunity Card (checked 2026-11-03)