Germany job search opportunity card

People from outside the EU and EFTA who can support themselves in Germany and qualify through either a German or fully recognised qualification, or the points system.

• Nationality

  The opportunity card guidance addresses applicants from countries outside the EU and EFTA.

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• Qualify through one route

  Either hold a German academic degree or non-academic vocational qualification, hold a foreign qualification fully recognised in Germany, or meet the separate qualification, language and points requirements of the points-system route.

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• Qualification for points route

  If applying through the points system, have a completed academic or non-academic vocational qualification recognised by the country where it was obtained; non-academic vocational training must have lasted at least two years. The guidance also describes when a category A German Chamber of Commerce Abroad qualification may be suitable.

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• Prove the qualification

  For the points route, provide positive anabin results or a Statement of Comparability for a foreign university degree, or a positive Digital Statement on Professional Qualification for a foreign vocational qualification.

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• Language for points route

  If applying through the points system, demonstrate German at least at CEFR A1 or English at least at CEFR B2. Applicants qualifying through a German or fully recognised qualification do not need to prove language skills for this route.

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• Points for points route

  If applying through the points system, score at least six points; this does not apply to applicants qualifying through a German or fully recognised qualification.

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• Support yourself

  Show sufficient resources for the job search. The guidance gives a blocked account containing at least €1,091 net per month in 2026 or a Declaration of Commitment as ways to demonstrate this; its questions and answers also explain when income from a part-time job can count.

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• Valid passport

  A valid passport is required for the application.

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• Health insurance

  Provide proof of health insurance; the opportunity card guidance says this is generally incoming health insurance covering the period for which the visa was issued.

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• No grounds for expulsion

  There must be no reasons preventing the applicant's stay in Germany; the authorities check whether the applicant could pose a threat to public safety and order.

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• Long-stay entry visa applicationResearched just now · being double-checkedSource€75 per person

1. Get ready

   • Check which route you meet

     Check whether your qualification is German or fully recognised in Germany, or whether you meet the qualification, language and six-point conditions of the points route.

     You’ll need: Qualification documents, Recognition evidence, if applicable, Evidence supporting points, if applicable

   • Gather your application documents

     Prepare your passport and evidence of your qualification, applicable recognition or points, language skills where required, and health insurance.

     You’ll need: Valid passport, Qualification evidence, Applicable recognition or points evidence, Language evidence, if required, Proof of health insurance

   • Arrange proof of living costs

     Prepare evidence that you can support yourself during the job search, such as the blocked-account or Declaration of Commitment evidence described in the guidance.

     You’ll need: Proof of financing

2. Apply

   • Check the responsible German mission

     Check the mission's document requirements and application procedure, including whether the online application is available in your country of residence.

   • Submit your application

     Apply through the Consular Services Portal where available, or follow the responsible mission's instructions for submitting the application and documents.

     You’ll need: Application form, Supporting documents

3. Visa

   • Attend the visa appointment

     Follow the mission's appointment instructions, bring the required original documents and pay the visa fee.

     You’ll need: Original supporting documents, Valid passport

4. Travel

   • Travel after the visa is issued

     When you arrive

     Once the visa has been granted, plan your journey and bring your personal documents; you need health insurance in Germany from your first day.

     You’ll need: Passport, Issued visa, Personal documents, Proof of health insurance

5. Settle in

   • Register your address

     Register your home address at the Residents' Registration Office after moving to Germany.

   • Search for work and apply for the next permit

     Search for a suitable opportunity and, after finding one, apply to the local foreigners authority for the appropriate residence permit or, where applicable, an opportunity card extension before the card expires.

     You’ll need: Evidence of the job or other qualifying opportunity, Documents requested by the foreigners authority

After finding a suitable job, apprenticeship or other qualifying opportunity, the holder can apply for an appropriate residence permit; an opportunity card extension of up to two years may be possible in the circumstances described in the official guidance.

• Radware Pagemake-it-in-germany.comOfficial
• How do I apply for a visa?make-it-in-germany.comOfficial
• make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/opportunity-card/questions-a…Official
• make-it-in-germany.com/fileadmin/1_Rebrush_2022/a_Fachkraefte/PDF-Dat…Official

Japper is an AI immigration assistant. It gives general information from official sources, not legal advice, and it can be wrong. For your own case, ask a licensed advisor.