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Route · Come to Germany to find a job
Opportunity Card
German: Chancenkarte · Section 20a Residence Act
Come to Germany for up to one year and look for a job on site, without a job offer first. You can already work part-time while you search.
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No-obligation introductory call · Information last updated: November 2026
Up to 1 year
Not needed
Recognition or 6 points
Up to 20 h a week
In short
- 01
For people with a vocational qualification or a university degree from home.
- 02
Two ways in: your qualification is already recognised in Germany, or you collect 6 points.
- 03
With a qualified job offer, you can switch to a work permit without leaving Germany.
General information to help you get oriented. For your own case the German authorities decide, and we are happy to talk it through with you.
01
What it is
The Opportunity Card is a German residence permit for people who want to look for a job, or for a way to get their qualification recognised. It lets you live in Germany and search in person: meet employers, attend interviews and do trial work.
It started in June 2024 with the new Skilled Immigration Act. You apply for a national visa at the German mission responsible for where you live. In Germany you then receive the Opportunity Card as your residence permit.
02
Who it is for
A good fit if you
- have a university degree or at least 2 years of vocational training, recognised by the state in your country
- want to meet employers in Germany before you commit
- can cover your living costs for the year
- speak basic German or good English
You do not need to tick every box today. Many people start by finding out which parts they still need.
Another route may suit you better
- You already have a job offerUsually the skilled worker visa or the EU Blue Card is the route to look at.
- Your training was shorter than 2 yearsVocational training (Ausbildung) may be the better start.
- You want to study firstRead about studying in Germany.
Not sure this is your route?Compare the route guides and see which one fits your situation.
See all routes03
When it fits best
Employers like your profile, but they want to meet you first.
Your recognition is only partial and you want to find a way to complete it in Germany.
Your qualification is in a field with many open jobs, like IT, care or the trades.
04
Conditions
Everyone needs a valid passport, health insurance and enough money to live on. Then there are two ways to qualify.
Recognised in Germany
- Your degree or vocational qualification is fully recognised in Germany
- No points and no language certificate needed
Section 20a(3) no. 1 Residence Act (AufenthG)
Points
- Qualification recognised by the state in your countryat least 2 years of training, or a university degree; confirmed by a German office such as ZAB
- German A1 or English B2, with a certificate
- At least 6 points from the table below
Section 20a(4), 20b and Annex, Residence Act (AufenthG)
Points table6 needed
| Partial recognition in Germanyor a German notice that you need a measure for a licence | 4 |
|---|---|
| Work experience in your field5 years in the last 7 · or 2 years in the last 5 | 3 · 2 |
| GermanB2 · B1 · A2 | 3 · 2 · 1 |
| English C1 | 1 |
| Ageup to 35 · 36 to 40 | 2 · 1 |
| Qualification in a shortage occupation | 1 |
| 6 months of legal stay in Germanyin the last 5 years | 1 |
| Your spouse also qualifies and applies with you | 1 |
Language points do not add up: only your best German level counts. Experience counts after your qualification and in the same field.
05
Steps and timing
- 01
Check your qualification
You + ZAB or anabin · often several weeks
For a degree, check anabin or ask ZAB for a statement of comparability. For vocational training, ask the competent German office.
- 02
Language certificate
You + exam centre · depends on your level
Only for Way B. Choose a recognised exam such as Goethe, telc, TestDaF, IELTS or TOEFL.
- 03
Proof of money
You + bank · about 1 to 2 weeks
The usual proof is a blocked account: a German bank account that pays your own money out to you month by month.
- 04
Apply at the German mission
You + mission · waiting time varies
Book your appointment early. Some missions take applications online.
- 05
Visa decision
Mission · varies by mission
The visa is put in your passport. Then you can travel.
Arrive and find your job
You + employers · up to 12 months
Register your address and meet employers. With a qualified job offer you apply for a work permit in Germany.
Time before you travelDepends on your country
Talk to our team06
Documents
- Passportvalid for the whole stay
- Biometric photos
- Application form and CV
- Degree or training certificatewith transcript
- Recognition notice or ZAB statement
- Proof of work experienceonly if you count points for it
- German A1 or English B2 certificateWay B only
- Blocked account confirmation or other proof of money
- Health insurance
Your certificates need the right stamps. An apostille (an official confirmation stamp) or legalisation by the German mission: it depends on the country that issued them. See the rules for your country
07
Life in Germany
20 h
work a week on average while you search
2 weeks
trial work with each employer
Switch
to a work permit in Germany with a qualified job offer
+2 years
possible with a qualified job offer and approval
08
Costs
| Visa feenational visa, paid at the German mission | € 75 |
|---|---|
| ZAB statement of comparabilitydegrees only | see ZAB |
| Language exampaid to the exam centre | varies |
| Living costs in Germanyusually shown in a blocked account | about € 1,091 a month |
|---|
Official fees as of November 2026. They can change.
09
Your future in Germany
If you find a skilled job, more doors open. The time each step takes depends on your situation and on the law at that time.
- 01With a job
Work permit
Skilled worker visa or EU Blue Card.
- 02After some years of skilled work
Permanent residence
Usually after 3 years with a work permit. Faster for Blue Card holders.
- 03Later
Family and citizenship
Family reunion with a work permit. Citizenship usually after 5 years of legal residence.
10
Tips for a strong application
- Start with your qualification. It decides your way in and saves the most time.
- Keep your CV and certificates consistent. Same names, dates and job titles everywhere.
- Plan your search before you fly. A list of target employers makes your year count.
- Send genuine, complete documents. Clear files are easier to decide.
11
Questions
The rules for family members depend on your permit. Once you have a work permit, family reunion is usually possible. Family reunion guide
Yes. You can work up to 20 hours a week on average, and do trial work of up to two weeks with each employer.
Many people use the year to build contacts, improve their German or finish their recognition. You can plan your next step with this progress, and you can apply again later.
Generally you apply at the German mission responsible for the country where you live. Some missions ask for a minimum time of residence there. Check the current rule on the mission's website.
No. With full recognition in Germany you are a skilled worker, and you need no points and no language certificate for the card.
Words on this page
- Blocked account
- A German bank account for your own living money. It pays out a fixed amount each month.
- ZAB and anabin
- The German office for foreign qualifications and its online database.
- Recognition
- A German office compares your qualification with the German one.
Routes to Germany
Related routes
Recognition in Germany
Course, exam or partnership.
Recognition in Germany: Read the guideAbout DastN
Placement and relocation from Berlin
DastN GmbH is a placement and relocation company in Berlin. We connect skilled people with employers in Germany and help with the steps on the way.
DastN GmbH
Kurfürstendamm 194, 10707 Berlin
HRB 230821 B
Founded in Berlin in 2021
Sources
- Residence Act (AufenthG), Sections 20a, 20b and Annex, gesetze-im-internet.de
- Residence Ordinance (AufenthV), Section 46: visa fees
- Make it in Germany: Opportunity Card (Federal Government portal)
Your next step
Ready for your next step?
Talk to our team in English, German or Arabic, or see all route guides.
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We prepare every step carefully; the decisions are issued by the competent authorities.