Opportunity Card: How to apply for Germany Chancenkarte from India?
For those individuals who are dreaming of building a career abroad, Germany is now one of the most attractive destinations for job seekers. A career in Germany is not a one-track path. There are many routes that you can take when you are considering settling in Germany.
One of the most relevant paths modern professionals can take to Germany is the Opportunity Card—also known as Chancenkarte. This is a unique opportunity to carve a quicker path to your life in Germany.
This blog will dive deeper into the facts, figures, eligibility criteria and other aspects that are essential for students and professionals to keep in mind when pursuing an Opportunity Card in Germany.
What is an Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)?
Skilled workers have a great opportunity to start their career abroad in Germany with the German Opportunity Card.
The opportunity card (Chancenkarte) allows candidates from countries outside the EU to enter Germany to seek relevant job opportunities. With Chancenkarte, candidates do not need a solid employment contract to move to Germany.
The Chancenkarte measures skilled candidates on a point-based system. Once the card is approved, candidates can make their way to Germany. During their stay in Germany, the candidates are also required to find means of supporting themselves until they find a job that is relevant to their experience.
What are the advantages of an Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)?
Finding a suitable job in Germany is much easier with the Opportunity card. The points system that this option offers allows easier requirements for entry into the German workforce.
The basic requirement with the Opportunity card is that candidates obtain at least 2 years of vocational training or a degree from their native country. In addition to this, they will also require a minimum language certification of A1 in German or B2 in English.
The advantages of the Opportunity Card at a birds-eye glance are as follows
- Easier entry into Germany
- Permission for a one-year residency in Germany, with a chance at PR
- Opportunity for 1000+ EUR income per month
- Work permit that allows up to 20 hours work/week
- Opportunity to seek out a qualified part-time or full-time job
- No permanent job contract needed
- Direct access to 1.8M job opportunities across 20+ sectors
What is a shortage occupation?
A shortage occupation is what happens when certain industries face a shortage of workers to keep up with market demand. Germany is currently facing a workforce shortage across major industries in its economy.
This gives candidates from non-EU countries opportunities to fill these vacancies. The Opportunity card is a relevant pathway for skilled professionals to leverage this shortage and settle in Germany with a high quality of life and a solid career.
How is an Opportunity Card (Chancenkart) Different from a German Job Seeker Visa?
The differences between the Chancenkarte and the German Job Seeker Visa are detailed in the table below. With this, you can choose between the options that are favourable for your career abroad in Germany.
| Factors | Opportunity Card | German Job Seeker Visa |
| Minimum Qualifications |
|
|
| Visa duration | 1 year | 6 months |
| Visa extension | +24 months | No extension is possible |
| Required language level | Minimum B2 in English, or Minimum A1 in German | Not Mandatory |
| Required funds | EUR 12,324 | EUR 5,604 |
| Paid work permitted | Up to 20 hours per week | Not available |
What are the eligibility criteria for applying for the Germany Opportunity Card?
The Opportunity card might make it easier for students and professionals to enter Germany, but there are certain criteria that determine a candidate’s eligibility for this special visa.
•Educational Qualifications
Candidates must have a university degree or a minimum of 2 years of vocational training that is recognised by their native country and Germany alike.
•Professional Experience
The candidate must have professional work experience that is relevant to their qualification of at least 2 years.
•Language Skills
Proficiency in German is equivalent to an A1 certificate, and English proficiency is equivalent to a B2 certificate.
•Age
Opportunity card is offered only to candidates aged between 18 and 40 years
•German-based connection
The candidate must have a previous legal stay in Germany that amounts to at least 6 months or more
•Proof of Funds
Candidates must show proof of funds that is equivalent to 12,324 EUR in order to qualify for the opportunity card.
Germany Opportunity Card Points calculator
There are five main factors that influence the points-based system that determines a candidate’s eligibility for the German Opportunity card. These factors are:
- • Professional Experience
- • Age
- • Language Skills
- • Previous stay in Germany
- • A Qualifying Spouse who is also applying for Opportunity Card
The system offers a maximum of 14 points. In order to be eligible for the Chancenkarte, candidates must secure a minimum of 6/14 points.
This German Opportunity Card calculator will show you how these points are broken down:.
Criteria Maximum Points
| Age | 2 |
| Professional Work Experience | 3 |
| Qualification | 4 |
| English Language Skills / German Language Skills | 3 or 1 |
| Previous stay in Germany | 1 |
| Qualifying Spouse | 1 |
| Total | 14 |
How can ZEIQ help you to obtain the opportunity card in Germany?
We are Zeiq Consultants. Since the beginning, we have been dedicated to providing students and professionals with the best chance at international career development. Over the years, we have grown and transformed into a top German recruitment agency in Kerala.
We have forged strong partnerships with organisations and universities all across Germany. We use our extensive German network to connect professionals with lucrative career opportunities abroad.
Our faculty and staff are trained to provide our talents with assistance in every facet of their preparation for a career abroad. ZEIQ can help you master the German language, prepare for interviews, apply for nursing jobs in Germany, secure a German visa, and much more.
We make it our mission to ensure that every candidate we send abroad is cared for till they acclimate to the German environment. That is what makes ZEQI Consultants the top German career recruitment agency in Kerala.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Opportunity Card is a special residence permit in Germany that has less stringent criteria for eligibility. You can apply for the Opportunity card either online through the Consular Services Portal or you can visit the German embassy in your native country to start your process.
There is a point-based system that every candidate has to clear in order to be eligible for the German Opportunity Card. The system offers a maximum of 14 points, and each candidate needs to secure 6 points in order to qualify for the opportunity card.
Candidates aged between 18 and 40 can apply for the Opportunity card in Germany. They need to satisfy certain criteria like qualifications, relevant professional experience, language skills, etc. This is set on a points-based system that maxes out at 14 points. Candidates need to secure 6 points on this scale in order to be eligible.
Yes! Candidates looking for a direct path to employment in Germany can get there easier with the Opportunity card, also known as the Chancenkarte Visa.
Yes, but it will be difficult to connect reliably with an employer in Germany without the proper credentials. With ZEIQ’s successful track record, our experts can help you apply for your dream job in Germany with ease—especially with an Opportunity Card.
Having a good IELTS score can be beneficial for your points when applying for the German Opportunity Card.
The processing time depends on the country from which the candidate is applying. It can take anywhere between four to six months to get your Opportunity Card processed.
As per the latest intimation, candidates applying for the opportunity card in Germany should have funds equivalent to EUR 12,324 in order to be eligible.
