Opportunity Map: First official figures show great interest – over 11,000 visas since launch

Since June 2024, people from non-EU countries have been able to come to Germany with the new Opportunity Card under Section 20a of the Residence Act to seek employment locally. Now, in response to a parliamentary question in the Bundestag, the Federal Government has published figures for the first time – with exciting insights.

👉 11,497 visas have already been issued , demonstrating high demand. India leads the field with over 3,700 visas issued, followed by China, Turkey, and Great Britain. The Opportunity Card is aimed at qualified professionals, but also at individuals with at least two years of vocational training and good language skills (German A1 or English B2). Among other things, it allows for trial work and part-time employment of up to 20 hours per week – initially for one year, extendable to up to three years.

📊 The German government sees the Opportunity Map as an important tool for attracting skilled workers, even if no job offers have yet been made . According to "Make it in Germany," interest is huge: The information and self-check pages on the Opportunity Map are among the portal's most visited offerings.

Some key points from the answer to the parliamentary question:

• The opportunity map will be evaluated for the first time in 2027 .

• Data on gender, age or professional background are not yet statistically recorded .

• There is also hardly any usable data on entries, jobs or social benefits – there is still a need to catch up in this regard.

Despite the incomplete statistics, the high number of visas shows that the Opportunity Card is a real door opener for qualified migrants – and a visible sign that Germany is breaking new ground in skilled immigration.

💡 VISAGUARD tip: Anyone applying for an Opportunity Card should pay particular attention to providing clear documentation of their education and language skills. Proof of a part-time job or financial reserves can also be crucial. You can find more information about the Opportunity Card and how to apply in our VISAGUARD Opportunity Card Guide .