🇩🇪 Germany
Opportunity Card · Chancenkarte
Points-based residence permit to enter Germany and seek work.
Overview
Looking to move to Germany to search for work? The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is a new German visa (Section 20a of the Residence Act) that lets qualified foreign workers enter Germany for up to 12 months to find employment or complete recognition training. Introduced in June 2024, it is designed for non-EU professionals (such as Indian nationals) without a job offer. During your stay you can attend interviews, work trials or part-time work (up to 20 hrs/week). Hyderabad-based 7 Wings Immigration helps Indian applicants navigate the Opportunity Card visa process from start to finish.
On this page
Opportunity Card Visa Benefits
Job-Search Stay: Live in Germany for up to 12 months to hunt for skilled employment.
Flexible Work Trials: Attend unpaid job trials or do part-time work (max 20 hrs/week) while you search.
Training for Qualification: Start training to get your foreign degree or qualification recognised in Germany.
Pathway to Work Visa: Once you find a job or get qualified, switch to a German Skilled Worker Visa or EU Blue Card.
Who is Eligible? (Key Requirements)
You must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national (e.g. an Indian citizen) and meet one of two routes:
Option 1 – Recognised Qualification: Foreign vocational or academic degree fully recognised in Germany, or earned in Germany. You qualify as a "skilled worker" without needing points.
Option 2 – Points System (6+ points): Without a fully recognised qualification, you must score at least 6 points and meet: a completed qualification recognised in your country of origin (with ANABIN / Zeugnisbewertung), German A1 or English B2 minimum, and proof of funds (blocked account ≈ €1,091/month in 2026).
Opportunity Card Points System (Option 2)
Qualification Recognition (4 points): Foreign qualification partially recognised in Germany.
Shortage Occupation (1 point): Qualification on Germany's official shortage list (IT, engineering, healthcare).
Work Experience (2–3 points): 2 pts for ≥2 yrs (last 5 yrs); 3 pts for ≥5 yrs (last 7 yrs).
German Language (1–3 points): A2 = 1, B1 = 2, B2+ = 3.
English Language (1 point): C1 or native.
Age (1–2 points): 2 pts if ≤35, 1 pt if 36–40.
Previous Germany Stay (1 point): 6+ continuous months legally in Germany in last 5 yrs.
Spouse's Qualification (1 point): Partner also qualifies for the Opportunity Card.
How to Apply
Visa Application: Apply at the German Embassy/Consulate in India via the Federal Foreign Office Visa Portal with proof of qualifications, points, funds and certified translations.
Processing Time: Approximately 4–6 weeks. Do not book flights until the visa is stamped.
After Arrival: Receive a residence permit (job seeker) valid up to 12 months. Once you secure qualified employment, switch to a Skilled Worker Visa or EU Blue Card.
Why apply through 7 Wings Immigration
What you get when you start with us
- We score your profile against the official BAMF matrix in the very first call - no guesswork.
- Full ZAB recognition support so your Indian degree is accepted in Germany.
- Notarised translation, blocked-account setup and health-insurance - handled in-house.
- Mock VFS interview before your appointment so nothing surprises you on the day.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you wanted to ask
Talk to a consultant
Free 15-min eligibility call
Share your details — a senior counsellor will call back within 4 working hours.
More Germany programs