FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Chancenkarte.info is a project of the AGS Welt group of companies, which operates across several countries in the European Union and spans three continents: Asia, Europe, and North America
The Opportunity Card allows non-EU citizens to obtain a legal residence permit in Germany for one year to search for a job. During this time, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week and undertake two-week trial jobs. It also offers the chance to have your professional qualifications recognized retrospectively.
- Easier entry and job search in Germany for non-EU applicants.
- Possibility to apply for a permanent residence permit after completing the required time in Germany.
- Expands the applicant pool for German employers, helping to address the skilled labor shortage projected to reach 16 million by 2060.
You can apply at the German embassy or consulate in your home country or at the local immigration office if you are already in Germany. You need to provide proof of professional experience, language skills (German A1 or more and / or English B2 or more), and sufficient financial resources.
You need to fill out an application form, provide a valid passport, proof of education, language skills, previous stays, and financial resources. The authorities will verify if you meet the criteria based on a points system.
Ensure you have the necessary documents like your passport, proof of language skills, vocational training, and financial resources ready. You should also meet the basic requirements: German A1 or English B2 language skills, at least two years of vocational training, or a university degree recognized in Germany.
Qualified employment based on recognized vocational training or a university degree. For regulated professions, a professional practice permit is required.
Through degree certificates, training contracts, or employer confirmations. These must be state-recognized.
You can work part-time up to 20 hours a week, including during language courses or studies, to help secure financial resources.
Yes, if you apply for a different residence permit for self-employment at the local Foreigners’ Registration Office.
No, tourist trips do not count. Only stays of at least six months, excluding short-term departures, are considered.
Currently, there is no limit, but authorities may set a quota if demand is high.
Non-EU countries. You must apply at the German diplomatic mission in your home country and provide proof of language skills and professional experience.
This is totally depending on your country of residence. In some countries the waiting time is few weeks to few months and in some countries it is more than one year.
You must show sufficient financial resources, such as a bank balance, regular income proof, or an employment contract for part-time work. The assumed annual requirement for a blocked account is 12,324 euros in 2024.
Integration and language courses are available in most major cities. These courses help you acquire basic language skills and knowledge of Germany.
The Blue Card is for university graduates with a job offer and a minimum salary. The Opportunity Card is for those with at least two years of vocational training and allows job seeking in Germany.
The experience pillar requires a permanent employment contract, while the potential pillar uses the points system and does not require a job offer.
Several weeks to months, depending on the processing time of the immigration authority or diplomatic mission.
It involves assessing your foreign qualifications against German standards to determine equivalence for non-regulated professions.
Provide evidence like rental agreements, utility bills, employment contracts, or wage payments. Tourist stays are not counted.
It allows you to start working in Germany while your qualifications are being recognized. Employers and applicants agree to complete the recognition process quickly.
The Opportunity Card differs in that it allows a one-year stay without needing a job offer or family ties, while the US Green Card often requires a job offer or family sponsorship and can lead to citizenship.
Someone with vocational training or a university degree recognized in Germany. They receive the Opportunity Card immediately without the points system.
You need to score at least six points based on criteria like language skills, professional experience, age, and connection to Germany.
Accepted German tests: Goethe Certificate, TestDaF, DSD.
Accepted English tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate.
Accepted English tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate.
IT specialists do not need a university degree but must have two years of professional experience and a job offer with a minimum salary.
You can undertake unlimited two-week trial jobs aimed at qualified employment or training.
The regulations came into effect on 1 June 2024.
Through a recognition partnership, where you can work while your qualifications are being recognized. You must apply for this at the immigration authority or German diplomatic mission.
- Skilled Workers: For those with a university degree or recognized vocational training.
- Experience: For those with two years of professional experience.
- Potential: For those meeting the points system criteria.
Generally, no. Family reunification is only possible if you switch to another residence permit, which means as soon you may find a suitable job, first you will change your Visa type and soon after can initiate process to reunite with your family. However, applying together with your spouse allows children to join.
The stay is limited to one year, with a possible extension of up to two years under strict conditions. You can reapply after a one-year break if you leave Germany.
The Opportunity Card is for work, not studies. For studying, you must apply for admission to a degree program and meet the university’s requirements.
No, the Opportunity Card is limited to Germany. Separate work permits and residence permits are required for other EU countries.
No, but you must have language skills (minimum German A1 and / or English B2), at least two years of vocational training or a university degree, and sufficient financial resources.
You can engage in two-week trial work and part-time jobs up to 20 hours a week. If you find a job, you must apply for a longer residence permit.
For those who cannot provide necessary documents, a qualification analysis tests skills and knowledge practically in Germany.