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Glossary: Opportunity Map
Category: Visa & Residence Permits (Residence title as long-term visa or long-term residence permit according to § 4 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 1, no. 2 AufenthG )
Author: Mirko Vorreuter , LL.B. , Attorney at Law and Specialist Attorney for Immigration Law (License examination via the Federal Official Directory of Lawyers possible)
Image description: The image shows a binding template of an opportunity card in the form of a so-called " electronic residence permit (eAT) " as defined in Section 78 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) (applicable when issued domestically by the immigration authorities). The template is based on Council Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 on the uniform format of residence permits for third-country nationals , which is regularly updated. In exceptional cases, the opportunity card can also be affixed to the passport by the immigration authorities as an adhesive label ("visa sticker"), in accordance with Section 78a of the German Residence Act. Unlike the electronic residence permit, the corresponding template for the adhesive label is not regulated under European law in Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002 , but nationally in Annex D14 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) (residence permits pursuant to Section 4 Paragraph 1 Nos. 2 to 4 of the German Residence Act ).
If the opportunity card is not issued as an electronic residence permit within Germany by the immigration authorities, but rather as a visa by German missions abroad, the template for the opportunity card must comply with Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format . Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format has been transposed into German law by Section 59 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) . The visa stamp is printed in Annex D13a of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) .
Under “Remarks” (or on the supplementary sheet ), the notation “Opportunity Card” must be entered in the case of the opportunity card (§ 59 para. 1 sentence 3, para. 4f of the Residence Ordinance). Under “Remarks,” it must also be entered, in accordance with § 4a of the Residence Act , that employment is only permitted for 20 hours per week or as a trial employment of up to two weeks, and that self-employment is not permitted ( § 20a para. 2 of the Residence Act ). The substantive validity period of the opportunity card must also be entered under “Remarks” if it differs from the formal validity period (e.g., due to an expiring passport (“Title substantively valid until…”)). In some cases, further supplementary provisions are entered under “Remarks” at the discretion of the case worker (e.g., conditions for termination in the case of receiving social benefits).
Table of contents
1. What does an opportunity map look like (image)?
2. Definition of Opportunity Map
3. Who needs an opportunity map?
4. Example of the opportunity map
5. Important information about the opportunity map
5.1 Duration of the opportunity card
5.2 Extension of the Chance Card
5.3 Costs of the opportunity card
5.4 Processing time for opportunity map
5.5 Authority responsible for opportunity map
6. Rights and Opportunities Opportunities Map
6.1 Work permit with the opportunity card
6.2 Study, school, language course with the opportunity map
6.3 Family reunification with the opportunity card
6.4 Travel and stays abroad with the opportunity map
6.5 Eligible group of people for the opportunity card
7. Requirements for the opportunity card
8. Required documents: Opportunity map
9. Apply for the opportunity card online
10. Advantages of the Opportunity Card
11. Securing residency with an opportunity card
11.1 From the opportunity map to the permanent residence permit
11.2 The path from the opportunity map to naturalization
11.3 Next steps: Residence permit
12. Legal basis for the opportunity map
13. Important laws regarding the opportunity map
14. Important rulings on the opportunity map
15. Frequently Asked Questions about the Opportunity Map
16. Further information
16.1 Opportunity map in other glossaries
16.2 Related Topics
16.3 Blog posts about the opportunity map
16.4 Glossary entries for the opportunity map
16.5 Sources and references for the opportunity map
Definition of opportunity map
An Opportunity Card (pursuant to Sections 20a and 20b of the German Residence Act) is a residence permit and visa (residence title) for seeking employment or for measures to have foreign professional qualifications recognized in Germany (see Section 20a of the German Residence Act ). In many areas, the Opportunity Card replaces the so-called Jobseeker Visa ( Section 20 of the German Residence Act ), which, since the reform of the Skilled Immigration Act in 2024, is only issued to skilled workers with German qualifications . A key legal feature of the Opportunity Card is that it can only be applied for in Germany if the applicant already holds a residence permit for education or employment (Section 20a, Paragraph 4, Sentence 2 of the German Residence Act). Otherwise, the Opportunity Card can only be applied for abroad.
There are different versions of the chance card :
Opportunity map for skilled workers with recognized qualifications (search opportunity map for skilled workers according to § 20a para. 3 no. 1 AufenthG )
Opportunity card for applicants who achieve at least 6 points according to the table in the annex to Section 20a Paragraph 3 Number 2 , Section 20b of the Residence Act (search opportunity card as a points opportunity card pursuant to Section 20a Paragraph 3 Number 2 of the Residence Act )
Extension of the opportunity card by up to two years if a binding job offer and approval from the Federal Employment Agency are available (follow-up opportunity card pursuant to Section 20 Paragraph 5 Sentence 2 of the Residence Act )
The different types of opportunity cards differ in both their requirements and legal consequences.
Who needs a chance map?
An Opportunity Card is required by all foreigners who wish to reside in Germany without an employment contract and who do not have any other legal purpose of stay. The Opportunity Card is thus a form of Job Seeker Visa in a broader sense. However, it differs from the Job Seeker Visa in the narrower sense ( § 20 of the German Residence Act ) in that the Job Seeker Visa according to § 20 of the German Residence Act can only be issued to foreigners with German qualifications (this was different before the reform of the Skilled Immigration Act and the introduction of the Opportunity Card). Besides job searching, the Opportunity Card is also suitable for attending a language course , studying , or participating in vocational training programs.
Example: A US professional wants to stay in Germany after completing their studies in the USA in order to look for a job and then switch from the opportunity card to a residence permit for academic professionals according to § 18b AufenthG .
Important information about the opportunity map
Duration Opportunity Card
A long-term residence permit (or " opportunity card") is usually issued for a period of 6 to 12 months. The specific duration depends primarily on how long the applicant can secure their livelihood . If proof of sufficient funds for a full year is provided (e.g., with a blocked account ), the permit can be issued for a full year (see Section 20a Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act ).
Extension of Chance Card
The Opportunity Card can be extended for up to two years if the foreigner has an employment contract or a binding job offer for qualified employment in Germany and the Federal Employment Agency has given its consent (subsequent Opportunity Card, Section 20a Paragraph 5 Sentence 2 of the Residence Act). A further extension of the Opportunity Card is not permitted (Section 20a Paragraph 5 Sentence 6 of the Residence Act). A new Job Seeker's Opportunity Card can only be issued if, after the expiry of the last Job Seeker's Opportunity Card, the foreigner has resided abroad or lawfully in Germany for at least as long as they previously resided in Germany on the basis of a Job Seeker's Opportunity Card (Section 20a Paragraph 5 Sentence 8 of the Residence Act).
Cost of opportunity map
The fee for issuing a Chance Card as a visa (category "D") is €75. If the Chance Card is applied for as a residence permit at the immigration office within Germany, the fee is €100 (§ 45 No. 1 AufenthV). Legal fees, potential court costs , and translation and authentication costs may also apply, depending on the specific case.
Processing time opportunity map
The processing time for a residence permit application at the embassy depends on the country, the efficiency of the embassy, and the involvement of domestic authorities. The issuance of a residence permit by the immigration office depends primarily on the office's workload. Overall, most residence permit applications take approximately two to four months. With the assistance of a lawyer, a significantly faster processing time can sometimes be achieved.
Competent authority, opportunity map
For the issuance of an opportunity card abroad ( visa ), the foreign missions (embassies and consulates) authorized by the Federal Foreign Office are responsible, according to Section 71 Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ). For applications for an opportunity card within Germany ( residence permit ), the immigration authorities are responsible (Section 71 Paragraph 1 AufenthG).
Rights and opportunities with the opportunity map
Work permit opportunity card
The Opportunity Card only grants very limited employment rights . Self-employment is not permitted with the Opportunity Card at all. The Opportunity Card only authorizes dependent employment averaging a maximum of 20 hours per week and trial employment of no more than two weeks at a time. This trial employment must be qualified , aimed at vocational training , or suitable for inclusion in a program for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications under Section 16d . Therefore, in practice, the Opportunity Card is used only as a supplementary means of securing a livelihood , but not as an independent work visa .
Studies , school , language course, opportunity map
Attending university, school, and language courses is possible with any residence permit, including the Opportunity Card visa. No separate permit is required.
Family reunification opportunities map
Family reunification with the holder of an opportunity card is generally possible ( § 29 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act ). The same applies to the reunification of minor children with the holder of an opportunity card (see § 32 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act ). In practice, however, all forms of family reunification with holders of an opportunity card are hampered by the fact that securing a livelihood is often difficult.
Travel and stays abroad: Opportunities map
Entry to and exit from Germany is straightforward with the Chance Card , as long as the card is valid . A certificate of fictitious residence is required for travel with an expired Chance Card. Stays abroad of up to six months are permitted with the Chance Card ( § 51 para. 1 no. 7 AufenthG ).
Eligible group of people: Opportunity Card
All non-European foreigners (third-country nationals) who either possess a recognized university or vocational qualification ( skilled workers ) or who achieve at least 6 points according to the table in the annex to Section 20a Paragraph 3 Number 2 , Section 20b of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) are eligible to receive an Opportunity Card. Foreigners who have already held an Opportunity Card for 12 months are only entitled to reapply if they have a concrete job offer or an employment contract and the Federal Employment Agency has approved the employment ( Section 20a Paragraph 5 AufenthG ). Holders of a residence permit for job-seeking purposes ( Section 20 AufenthG ) are also entitled to the Opportunity Card in most cases, even though it is not definitively clear whether the Job Seeker Visa pursuant to Section 20 AufenthG and the Opportunity Card pursuant to Section 20a AufenthG can be combined. However, most immigration authorities (especially the Berlin State Office for Immigration) accept the combination of both residence permits. Third-country nationals already residing in Germany can only apply for the Opportunity Card if they already hold a residence permit for education or employment . In particular, applying for the Opportunity Card from a visa-free residence permit is not possible. This differed from the predecessor of the Opportunity Card (the Job Seeker Visa in its version prior to the Skilled Immigration Act reform in 2024). German and other European citizens cannot obtain an Opportunity Card, as the Residence Act does not apply to them ( § 1 AufenthG ).
Requirements Opportunity Card
The requirements for a residence permit vary depending on the specific permit type. However, the general requirements for issuance according to Section 5 of the Residence Act (in particular, proof of sufficient means of subsistence ) must be met for every type of residence permit.
The skilled worker opportunity card ( § 20a para. 3 no. 1 AufenthG ) is issued under the following conditions:
The applicant has a recognized qualification ( skilled worker status according to § 18 para. 3 of the Residence Act )
The applicant applies for the opportunity card abroad or, if applying in Germany, currently holds a residence permit for educational or employment purposes (Sections 3 and 4 of the Residence Act) (§ 20a para. 4 sentence 2 Residence Act).
The applicant does not already possess a residence permit (reissuance is only possible after prior departure, § 20a para. 5 sentence 8 of the Residence Act)
Secure livelihood ( blocked account or part-time employment contract, Section 5 Paragraph 1 No. 1 of the Residence Act )
Valid passport and verified identity (§ 5 para. 1 no. 1a, no. 3 Residence Act)
No ongoing investigations/no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (see Section 79 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act )
No grounds for deportation , no security risk, no criminal record (§ 5 para. 1 no. 2, no. 3 of the Residence Act) and no entry ban ( § 11 of the Residence Act )
No specific grounds for refusal (e.g., Section 10 of the Residence Act ) and no grounds for expiry ( Section 51 of the Residence Act ) exist.
Approval of the immigration authority (only if the applicant has previously resided in Germany with asylum or tolerated stay, see Section 31 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 No. 2 c) dd) of the Residence Ordinance)
The points-based opportunity card ( § 20a para. 3 no. 2 AufenthG ) is issued under the following conditions:
The applicant has a foreign professional qualification (company training with a training period of at least 2 years or a university degree) that is not recognized in Germany and at least A1 level German language skills or B2 level English language skills (§ 20a para. 4 sentence 3 AufenthG)
The applicant achieves at least 6 points according to the table in the annex to Section 20a Paragraph 3 Number 2, Section 20b of the Residence Act.
The applicant applies for the opportunity card abroad or, if applying in Germany, currently holds a residence permit for educational or employment purposes (Sections 3 and 4 of the Residence Act) (§ 20a para. 4 sentence 2 Residence Act).
The applicant does not already possess a residence permit (reissuance is only possible after prior departure, § 20a para. 5 sentence 8 of the Residence Act)
Secure livelihood ( blocked account or part-time employment contract, Section 5 Paragraph 1 No. 1 of the Residence Act )
Valid passport and verified identity (§ 5 para. 1 no. 1a, no. 3 Residence Act)
No ongoing investigations/no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (see Section 79 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act )
No grounds for deportation (no negative AZR/SIS/VIS entries ), no security risk, no criminal record (§ 5 para. 1 no. 2, no. 3 AufenthG) and no entry ban ( § 11 AufenthG )
No specific grounds for refusal (e.g., Section 10 of the Residence Act ) and no grounds for expiry ( Section 51 of the Residence Act ) exist.
Approval of the immigration authority (only if the applicant has previously resided in Germany with asylum or tolerated stay, see Section 31 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 No. 2 c) dd) of the Residence Ordinance)
The subsequent opportunity card ( § 20a para. 5 AufenthG ) is issued under the following conditions:
The applicant currently already has a chance card.
Foreigner has an employment contract or a concrete job offer for qualified employment in Germany (§ 20a para. 5 AufenthG)
Secure livelihood ( blocked account or part-time employment contract, Section 5 Paragraph 1 No. 1 of the Residence Act )
Valid passport and verified identity ( § 5 para. 1 no. 1a, no. 3 Residence Act )
No ongoing investigations/no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (see Section 79 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act )
No grounds for deportation (no negative AZR/SIS/VIS entries ), no security risk, no criminal record (§ 5 para. 1 no. 2, no. 3 AufenthG) and no entry ban ( § 11 AufenthG )
No specific grounds for refusal (e.g., Section 10 of the Residence Act ) and no grounds for expiry ( Section 51 of the Residence Act ) exist.
Approval of the immigration authority (only if the applicant has previously resided in Germany with asylum or tolerated stay, see Section 31 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 No. 2 c) dd) of the Residence Ordinance)
Required documents: Opportunity card
The documents required for an opportunity card depend primarily on the type of opportunity card being applied for and the country or city where it is being applied for. Experience shows that applying for opportunity cards in Western countries is considerably less restrictive than in North Africa or Central Asia. In some countries, the requirements for the plausibility of certain documents are even excessively stringent, to prevent the opportunity card from being misused for illegal immigration. When applying for an opportunity card domestically as a residence permit, immigration authorities generally do not apply the same strict standards as when applying for a visa abroad .
In most cases, the opportunity card requires at least the following documents:
1. Proof of qualification
Skilled worker opportunity card: Certificate of completion and proof of recognition in Germany ( Anabin extract )
Points Opportunity Card: Graduation certificate and proof of recognition abroad ( Digital Information on Professional Qualifications (DAB) ) as well as language certificate (A1-German or B2-English) and proof of the points according to the points table (e.g. work references and CV)
Follow-up opportunity card: Previous opportunity card and employment contract or concrete job offer for qualified domestic employment , as well as a declaration regarding the employment relationship.
2. Application form for the Opportunities Card ( VIDEX form or online form in the foreign country portal when applying for a visa abroad; when applying for a residence permit at the immigration office, the specific form depends on the authority).
3. Proof of the authority's jurisdiction: Proof of residence (registration certificate when applying domestically for a residence permit or other proof (e.g., driver's license with address) when applying abroad for a visa )
4. Proof of secured livelihood: blocked account , declaration of commitment or (part-time) employment contract
5. Proof of sufficient means of subsistence ( health insurance ): Health insurance certificate in Germany
6. Proof of identity and nationality: Passport ; in some countries additional proof such as birth certificates, registration certificates or ID cards is required.
7. If required by authorities, proof of the plausibility of the application: letter of motivation, CV, school certificates
8. Other formalities:
Only required if applying through an authorized representative (e.g., a lawyer ): Power of attorney
When applying for a visa in a country other than the country of origin: valid residence permit of the respective country.
Fees for the residence permit
Photograph (passport photo) that complies with the standards of Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 ; see also sample photos of the Federal Foreign Office
Depending on the authority: Data protection declaration/Consent to data processing
If the foreigner's name in the submitted documents differs from the name in the passport: Certificate of name change
Apply online for an opportunity card
The Opportunity Card can be applied for online via the Federal Foreign Office's international portal , as well as in many immigration offices. Online applications for the Opportunity Card at German missions abroad (embassies and consulates) can be submitted here:
The largest immigration authorities offer the following online application process for the Chance Card :
Advantages Opportunity Card
The Chance Card has the following advantages:
Entry and stay in Germany permitted.
Possibility of part-time employment (20 hours per week) and trial employment.
Opportunity to gain work experience in Germany and to get to know employers .
An opportunity to learn about German culture and language.
No recognized training is necessary if enough points are achieved.
From the opportunity map to the permanent residence permit
Converting a temporary residence permit into a permanent residence permit is of little practical relevance, as the permanent residence permit requires proof of sustainable means of subsistence (general requirement for issuance under Section 5 Paragraph 1 No. 1 of the German Residence Act). However, from a purely legal standpoint, a permanent residence permit can also be applied for with a temporary residence permit, provided it is not a search-for-job temporary residence permit (see Section 20a Paragraph 6 of the German Residence Act ). Therefore, applying for a permanent residence permit is only possible if the applicant holds the subsequent temporary residence permit.
From the opportunity map to naturalization
Naturalization is not possible with the "Opportunity Card" because Section 20a of the Residence Act is excluded in Section 10 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 Number 3 of the Nationality Act . Contrary to a widespread misconception, this does not mean that the periods spent with this permit do not count towards the naturalization period . These periods do count; that is, a change to a different residence permit (e.g., a work visa ) is simply required before naturalization.
Next steps Opportunity map
If you wish to apply for the Opportunity Card , you should first check whether you meet the relevant requirements (especially regarding securing your livelihood ). If you can secure your livelihood, you must verify whether you meet the qualification requirements (recognized degree) or whether you have enough points to apply. You can obtain the required 6 points as follows:
(Partially recognized) degree or training abroad - 4 points
B2 level German language skills - 3 points
B1 level German language skills - 2 points
A2 German language skills - 1 point
C1 English language skills - 1 point
5 years of professional experience in a relevant field within the last 7 years - 3 points
2 years of professional experience in a relevant field within the last 5 years - 2 points
Qualifications in a STEM field - 1 point
not older than 35 years - 2 points
not older than 40 years - 1 point
6 months of legal residence in Germany within the last 5 years - 1 point
Having a spouse who meets the requirements for the opportunity card - 1 point
If you meet the requirements for the Opportunity Card, you must research on the international portal (Opportunity Card as a visa) or on the immigration office's website ( Opportunity Card as a residence permit ) which additional documents are required and how to submit the application (e.g., online). Our lawyers will be happy to advise you on the specific requirements and assist you with the application process. → Book an appointment
Legal basis Opportunity Card
The legal basis for the Opportunity Card is initially Section 20a of the Residence Act . The points table for the Points Opportunity Card is regulated in the annex to the Residence Act. The criteria for receiving points are regulated in Section 20b of the Residence Act . Section 20 of the Residence Act, on the other hand, does not provide a legal basis for the Opportunity Card, as the Opportunity Card and the Job Seeker Visa are completely different things (even though both residence permits have the same purpose of residence: job search).
Important laws regarding the opportunity map
The most important laws regarding the chance map are the following:
Important rulings on the opportunity map
Since the opportunity map is relatively new, there is hardly any relevant case law on the opportunity map.
Frequently asked questions about the opportunity map
Who receives a chance card?
The opportunity card is aimed at two groups of applicants: Those who already possess a qualification fully recognized in Germany receive it directly as skilled workers. All others must demonstrate a foreign, state-recognized qualification as well as language skills (German A1 or English B2) and achieve at least six points in the points system, which is based on factors such as age, professional experience, and connection to Germany.
How much money does one need for a chance card?
For financial security, you must prove that you can support yourself. In 2026, this will require €13,092 (€1,091 per month), which is usually deposited in an escrow account. During the card's validity period, your working hours are limited: you may work up to 20 hours per week in any part-time job to cover your expenses and may also undertake unlimited two-week trial employment periods.
How many hours can you work with an opportunity card?
The Opportunity Card entitles you to work up to 20 hours per week. Full-time employment is not permitted with the Opportunity Card alone. Its purpose is to help you find qualified employment; once you sign such an employment contract, you must apply to the immigration office for a change to a regular residence permit for employment in order to fully enter the workforce.
Which health insurance is suitable for the Chance Card?
Regarding insurance coverage, full health insurance (often a so-called incoming insurance) that meets the requirements for the Schengen Area is already required for the visa.
Can I work full-time with an opportunity card?
No, full-time employment is not permitted with the Opportunity Card. Self-employment or freelancing is also not possible with the Opportunity Card.
Opportunity map in other glossaries
The opportunity map can also be found in the following glossaries:
Sources and references for the opportunity map
( Government resources and literature )
[1] Visa Handbook, Opportunities Card (§§ 20a, 20b Residence Act), version: 01/2025
[4] Bergmann/Dienelt/Broscheit, Commentary on Immigration Law, 15th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 20a
[5] Dippe in Huber/Mantel, Residence Act/Asylum Act, 4th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 20a
[6] Huber/Gerdes/Tabbara StAngR/Tabbara, 1st ed. 2025, § 2 para. 208-213
[7] BeckOK AuslR/Breidenbach/Kolb, 46th ed. 1.7.2025, AufenthG § 20a Rn. 1-16
[8] BeckOK MigR/Hänsle, 24th ed. 1.1.2026, AufenthG § 20a Rn. 1-22
[9] Kluth/Hornung/Koch, Immigration Law Handbook/Breidenbach, 4th ed. 2025, § 4 para. 550
[10] Melms/Felisiak in Munich Lawyers' Handbook on Employment Law, 6th ed. 2025, § 11, paras. 81-86
[11] Law on the further development of skilled worker immigration – new regulations as of 1 June 2024, article by Dr. Gunther Mävers, ArbRAktuell 2024, 562
[12] Kolb: Minimum salary-specific inconsistencies in the new labor migration law, article by Kolb, ZAR 2024, 311
[13] Sade: The “search” in immigration law, article by Sade, ZAR 2023, 371
Last updated: February 20, 2026
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