The Opportunity Card of Germany becomes effective today as of 1 June 2024 officially. This visa is also called “Chancen Karte” in German and it allows skilled workers to work and live in Germany in a faster easier way. Skilled workers holding a university degree or vocational qualification with English or German language proficiency can apply for this one-year visa under a points-based system.
Opportunity Card can now be applied through a dedicated online portal of the German government named Counselor Service Portal” or at the Embassy or Consulate of Germany in their country of origin. This visa is a part of the new “Skilled Immigration Act” of Germany
As per visa-guru.com reports, none of the embassies, consulates, or official servie portals have started accepting application as of today. This might be due to the official delays. However during the first two weeks of June, applicants may be able to apply for the opportunity card finally.
The Opportunity Card is a residence permit of one year that can also be extended for up to two years. The visa has been designed to search for a job in Germany. You can also work in Germany part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the time you search for a qualified job. After getting it, you can apply for a typical residence permit that allows you to get faster permanent residence and citizenship in Germany.
Skilled workers whose qualification is recognized in Germany can directly apply for the opportunity card as a recognized skilled worker. On the other hand, if your qualification is not recognized by Germany (or if it is partially recognized), you must apply through the points-based system which is in general as follows:
| Skills | Maximum Score |
| Age | 2 |
| Language Proficiency | 3 |
| Skilled worker potential of spouses or life partners | 1 |
| Previous stays in Germany | 1 |
| Professional Experience | 3 |
| Qualification from Bottleneck occupations (shortage occupations list) | 1 |
| Partial recognition of Qualification | 4 |
Check our complete guide!
Please use the combination of the guidance to identify if you qualify for the “Opportunity Card”.