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Opportunity Map Germany
All information from a lawyer on applying for the Opportunity Card in Germany.
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what an Opportunity Card is and the difference to the Job Seeker Visa
the requirements for issuing the opportunity card
What you should pay attention to when applying for the Opportunity Card
whether family reunification and settlement are possible with the Opportunity Card
1. What is the Opportunity Card?
2. Requirements for issuing the Opportunity Card
2.1 Securing a livelihood
2.2 Skilled worker or sufficient points (points table)
2.3 Language skills and other requirements
3. Rights with the new Opportunity Card (2025)
4. Apply for an Opportunity Card from abroad
5. Family reunification with the Opportunity Card
6. Settlement permit with the Opportunity Card
7. FAQ about the Opportunity Map
8. Conclusion
1. What is the Opportunity Card?
The Opportunity Card (not to be confused with the Opportunity Residence Permit pursuant to Section 104c of the Residence Act) is one of the major new features introduced in the 2023 reform of the Skilled Immigration Act. It was modeled on Canada and is intended to enable well-trained or experienced skilled workers to reside in Germany under certain conditions. Unlike other residence permits, the Opportunity Card is not tied to mandatory requirements, but allows for the fulfillment of missing requirements through other features.
The legal regulations for the Opportunity Card came into force on June 1, 2024, and are similar to the Job Seeker Visa in certain cases. The Opportunity Card ( Section 20a of the Residence Act ) therefore partially replaces the Job Seeker Visa ( Section 20 of the Residence Act ).
2. Requirements for issuing the Opportunity Card
2.1 Securing a livelihood
Just like the Jobseeking Visa, the prerequisite for issuing the Chancenkarte is that you can secure your livelihood . In concrete terms, this means that you must be able to finance your rent, health insurance, and your daily needs during your stay in Germany. These expenses usually amount to at least around 1,500 euros per month . So, if you apply for the Chancenkarte for 6 months, you must have financial resources of 9,000 euros (6 x 1,500 euros). You must therefore provide proof of this amount when applying for the Chancenkarte (e.g., by submitting bank statements or a so-called blocked account). Securing your livelihood is a mandatory requirement for applying for the Chancenkarte. The immigration authorities cannot deviate from this.
2.2 Skilled worker or sufficient points
The second important requirement for applying for the Opportunity Card is that you are a skilled worker ( Opportunity Card for Skilled Workers ) or that you have sufficient points according to the points table ( Points Opportunity Card ). If you are a trained skilled worker (i.e., you have a qualification recognized in Germany), you do not need to achieve the minimum number of points. Your training will then replace the required points. The points are therefore only relevant if you do not have a training recognized in Germany. If you do not have a training recognized in Germany, you must achieve at least 6 points .
The points table for the chance card is as follows:
1. (partially recognized) degree or training abroad - 4 points
2. B2 knowledge of German - 3 points
3. B1 knowledge of the German language - 2 points
4. A2 German language skills - 1 point
5. C1 English language skills - 1 point
6. 5 years of professional experience in a relevant field in the last 7 years - 3 points
7. 2 years of professional experience in a relevant field within the last 5 years - 2 points
8. Qualifications in a STEM field - 1 point
9. not older than 35 years old - 2 points
10. not older than 40 years old - 1 point
11. 6 months of legal residence in Germany in the last 5 years - 1 point
12. Have a spouse who meets the requirements for the Opportunity Card - 1 point
2.3 Language skills and other requirements
Furthermore, a prerequisite for the Chance Card is that you have a German language proficiency level of A1 . Finally, the general visa requirements must always be met (in particular, you must have a valid passport). Further information on the general visa requirements for the Chance Card can be found in our VISAGUARD guide to applying for a residence permit .
3. Rights with the new Opportunity Card (2025)
The Opportunity Card allows skilled workers to stay in Germany for a limited period of time to look for a job locally. The Opportunity Card facilitates access to procedures for the recognition of professional qualifications, accelerating integration into the labor market. Once a job is found, the Opportunity Card can be converted into a regular residence permit for gainful employment.
The Chancenkarte also allows you to work up to 20 hours per week . Taking advantage of this opportunity can make securing a living considerably easier. Therefore, it's advisable to look for a part-time job in Germany if you plan to apply for the Chancenkarte.
The opportunity card is generally issued for one year (so-called search opportunity card ) and can be extended to two years under certain conditions (so-called follow-up opportunity card ).
4. Apply for an Opportunity Card from abroad
The Opportunity Card offers qualified professionals from third countries the opportunity to look for a job in Germany. Especially for professionals who are still abroad, questions often arise about how to apply and what steps are required. This guide explains how to successfully apply for the Opportunity Card from abroad.
To apply for the Opportunity Card from abroad, you must first locate the responsible embassy . You can find out how to locate the responsible embassy in our corresponding VISAGUARD guide to applying for a visa . You must then submit the necessary documents and schedule an appointment at the responsible embassy. The required documents can generally be found on the respective embassy's website (see also the Federal Foreign Office's overview page on applying for the Opportunity Card ).
Once you have collected your documents , you can request an appointment at the embassy. Your documents will be reviewed there, and if successful, the Opportunity Card visa will be issued. This Opportunity Card visa will then allow you to enter Germany.
The processing time for the Opportunity Card can vary greatly depending on the embassy and country. By law, foreign missions (embassies and consulates) have up to three months to process an application for the Opportunity Card (Section 75 of the Administrative Court Code). Further information on the processing time for the Opportunity Card can be found in our VISAGUARD Guide to Accelerating Processing Times .
5. Family reunification with the Opportunity Card
Family reunification is theoretically possible with the Opportunity Card, but is subject to the general requirements for issuing the card, with no special concessions granted. This means, in particular, that the entire family's livelihood must be secured. Therefore, you must be able to pay for housing, everyday needs, and the necessary insurance with the Opportunity Card. Given that the Opportunity Card only allows for part-time employment of up to 20 hours per week (see above), this is likely to be comparatively difficult.
Furthermore, the spouse who is joining the family must also provide evidence of basic language skills when applying for the Opportunity Card, as the Opportunity Card is not privileged for family reunification (as is the EU Blue Card, for example) (see Section 30, Paragraph 1, Sentence 2 of the Residence Act ).
6. Settlement permit with the Opportunity Card
The granting of a settlement permit based on the Search Opportunity Card (Section 20a (5) Sentence 1 of the Residence Act) is excluded (Section 20a (6) of the Residence Act). However, with the so-called "Follow-Up Opportunity Card" (Section 20a (5) Sentence 2 of the Residence Act), a settlement permit can be applied for in accordance with the general requirements of Section 9 of the Residence Act . The decisive criteria for this are, in particular, complete security of livelihood, payment of contributions to statutory pension insurance for a period of 60 months, and possession of a residence permit for at least five years. Periods spent with a Search Opportunity Card are credited towards these requirements.
7. FAQ Opportunity Map
Can I apply for the Opportunity Card online?
No, the application must be submitted in person at the German embassy or consulate. However, some documents can be submitted digitally in advance (see the Federal Foreign Office's overview page on the Opportunity Card ).
What happens if my application for an Opportunity Card is rejected?
If your application for an Opportunity Card is rejected, you can file an appeal (“remonstration”) or seek to meet the remaining requirements. One of VISAGUARD's independent attorneys will be happy to advise you on this matter.
Can I apply for BAföG with the Chancenkarte?
As a rule, there is no entitlement to BAföG, as BAföG usually requires a 5-year prior residence in Germany ( Section 8 (3) BAföG ).
8. Conclusion
Since its introduction in 2024, the Opportunity Card has represented a significant innovation in German immigration law. It provides qualified professionals from third countries with more flexible access to the German labor market, even if they do not meet certain traditional requirements (e.g., recognized training). A transparent points system and the possibility of limited employment offer applicants a realistic entry into the German labor market. At the same time, however, key requirements such as securing a livelihood and basic language skills remain. Strict conditions also apply to family reunification and subsequent settlement . Overall, the Opportunity Card offers an attractive option for motivated professionals actively pursuing a professional future in Germany – but it requires thorough preparation, sound information, and, ideally, legal advice.
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List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Kluth/Heusch, BeckOK, Aliens Law, 3rd edition 2025, § 20a
[2] Bergmann / Dienelt, Aliens Law, 15th edition 2025, § 20a
[3] Holger Kolb, The idea is good, but the world is not yet ready: Securing a livelihood in the area of the Opportunity Card (Section 20a, Paragraph 4, Sentence 1 of the Residence Act) remains a challenge, SVR Brief Information 2025-1
[4] BeckOK AuslR/Breidenbach, 42nd Ed. 1.7.2024, Residence Act § 20
[4] Visa Handbook, Opportunity Card (§§ 20a, 20b Residence Act), as of: 01/2025