Digitalization at the State Office for Immigration: Opportunity Card now available online

The job search opportunity card has recently been in Berlin can be conveniently applied for online – an important step for Berlin and for all foreign skilled workers who want to begin their careers here. The State Office for Immigration (LEA) has now activated the digital process for the Opportunity Card , making the application for the so-called "Search Opportunity Card" easier, faster, and more modern.

What is the Opportunity Card?

The Opportunity Card is a residence permit for foreign job seekers who have either entered Germany with an appropriate visa or are already in Germany with a residence permit for gainful employment. The aim is to give skilled workers the opportunity to find qualified employment locally or to complete measures to have their professional qualifications recognized. The Opportunity Card is usually issued for one year. It allows part-time employment of up to 20 hours per week and so-called "trial employment" of up to two weeks - for example, as part of an apprenticeship or a recognition procedure. Self-employment, however, is not permitted.

Requirements for the application

Anyone who wants to apply for the Chancenkarte online in Berlin must meet certain requirements:

• Legal residence: You must have entered the country with a national D visa or already hold a residence permit for employment purposes or an EU Blue Card. You cannot apply with a Schengen visa (C visa) or after visa-free entry.

• Secured livelihood: Applicants must be able to cover their own living expenses and health insurance.

• Health insurance: Statutory or comparable private German health insurance is mandatory.

• No security concerns: Anyone who is found guilty of criminal offenses or is subject to ongoing investigations cannot receive an Opportunity Card.

• Residence in Berlin: The main residence must be in Berlin.

• Active email address: The LEA will use this to handle further contact.

How the online application works

The application is submitted entirely digitally via the Berlin Service Portal . The first step involves completing the application for a "temporary residence permit for employment purposes." Various documents must be uploaded, including passport copies, confirmation of registration, rental agreement, proof of livelihood, and health insurance. At the end of the process, a fee (between 98 and 100 euros, reduced for Turkish citizens) must be paid. Payment can also be made online , for example, by credit card or PayPal. You will receive a PDF confirmation documenting the temporary validity of your current residence permit until a decision is made.

The LEA will review the application and then contact you either with an appointment for an interview or with a written decision.

Conclusion

With the new option to apply for the Opportunity Card online, the path to qualified employment in Berlin becomes a bit easier – at least in theory. In practice, it remains to be seen how smoothly the digital processing will run. One thing is certain: The Opportunity Card is an attractive model for skilled workers who want to enter the German labor market directly – and with the online processing, Berlin is taking an important step toward modern and transparent immigration administration.