Free Eligibility Test

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Banner
Employment & Education
Need Help? Book Lab Visit
+49 157 713 681
Job-search residence for Germany

Opportunity Card

Come to Germany for up to 12 months to search for qualified employment under a transparent, points-based route. The Opportunity Card lets you work part-time (up to 20h/week) and do short job trials (up to 2 weeks per employer) while you secure a suitable offer. Once you sign, you switch to the right employment title (e.g., EU Blue Card)

Arrive first, search on-site
Build momentum with in-country interviews.
Job trials allowed
Up to 2 weeks per employer to prove fit.
Work part-time up to 20h/week
Keep finances and skills active.
Switch smoothly
Convert to the right title once you have an offer.

Who is it for?

Non-EU candidates with recognised qualifications or sufficient points (education, experience, language, age, prior stays, shortage occupation, partner). A basic language level (German or English, CEFR) and secured livelihood for the stay are required.

FREE ELIGIBILITY TEST FREE ELIGIBILITY TEST FREE ELIGIBILITY TEST
BOOK A 15-MIN CALL BOOK A 15-MIN CALL BOOK A 15-MIN CALL

What you can do with it

Up to 12 months in Germany, 20h/week part-time work, and 2-week job trials per employer while searching. When you sign a suitable offer, we help you convert your card into the correct work residence.

Live in Germany for up to 12 months to search for a qualified job.
Part-time work up to 20h/week and job trials (max. 2 weeks per employer).
After securing a suitable offer, switch to an employment title (e.g., EU Blue Card).

Process & realistic timeline:

Week 0–2: pre-check, documents, appointment booking.
Week 2-4: submission (country/mission workload varies).
Decision: several weeks is typical once the file is complete.

Documents (typical)

Passport (valid 12+ months), CV, degree/qualification proofs (and translations),
Language certificate (German or English per CEFR; issuers must be ALTE-certified or officially recognised e.g., Goethe-Institut),
Proof of secured livelihood for the stay (e.g., blocked account or contract for permitted part-time work),
Health insurance, motivation/plan.

Eligibility is based on recognised qualifications or a points score across education, experience, language (German/English), age, prior stays in Germany, shortage occupations, and partner profile. You must also prove secured livelihood and adequate health insurance for the search period.

How we help

1
Pre-check (free):
quick fit and points estimate.
2
Documents & booking:
checklist, translations if needed, and embassy/consulate booking.
3
Submission & follow-up:
we track your case and clarify requests.
4
After arrival:
registration, insurance, and title conversion support.
Can I start full-time immediately?
No—on the Opportunity Card you’re limited to part-time up to 20h/week and job trials while searching. After an offer, you switch to the right work title.
Do I need German?
Points track accepts German and/or English (CEFR). Accepted issuers must be ALTE-certified or recognised (e.g., Goethe).
How long is it valid?
Opportunity Cards are issued up to one year; extensions or conversion depend on meeting the legal conditions and having a suitable offer.
SEE ALL FAQ'S
FREE ELIGIBILITY TEST FREE ELIGIBILITY TEST FREE ELIGIBILITY TEST
BOOK A 15-MIN CALL BOOK A 15-MIN CALL BOOK A 15-MIN CALL

Create your account