National Visa: Opportunity Card (§§20a,20b)

The Opportunity Card enables international professionals to enter Germany for job search – even without a concrete job offer. The points system evaluates qualifications, language skills, professional experience, and other criteria.

The Opportunity Card can be applied for in two ways depending on the purpose: As a professional with a fully recognized qualification or a degree obtained in Germany, one can apply for the Opportunity Card directly – without the points system and without proof of language proficiency. Those who cannot demonstrate full recognition must achieve at least six points in the points system and additionally meet the basic requirements.

Duration of stay

The Opportunity Card is issued for up to twelve months. If livelihood cannot be proven for this full period, it is temporarily granted for a shorter period and can be extended later. After entry, a residence permit must be applied for at the responsible immigration office.

Employment

With the Opportunity Card, it is permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. Additionally, trial employment of up to two weeks is possible. This regulation makes it possible to gain practical experience during the job search while partially financing one’s own living expenses.

Requirements for issuance

The diplomatic mission examines whether the following conditions are met:

• Sufficient financial means for the entire stay.

Additional requirements for the respective purpose are:

Recognized professionals (§20a)

• Professional or academic qualification fully recognized in Germany or degree obtained in Germany.

Points system (§20b)

• Completed university degree or at least two years of professional training that is state-recognized in the country of employment.
• German language skills at least at level A1 or English language skills at least at level B2

Within the Opportunity Card points system, points are awarded according to the following criteria:

• Partial recognition: If partial equivalence has been established or if compensatory measures are still required for a regulated profession – 4 points
• Qualification: For shortage occupations (e.g., healthcare professions) – 1 point
• Professional experience: For at least two years of experience in the last five years – 2 points; for at least 5 years in the last seven years – 3 points
• German language skills: For A2 – 1 point, for B1 – 2 points, for B2 or higher – 3 points
• English language skills: For C1 or native speaker – 1 point
• Age: Up to 35th birthday – 2 points; between 35 and 40 years – 1 point
• Previous stay in Germany: For at least six months stay in the last five years (e.g., studies, language course – not touristic stays) – 1 point
• Partner as professional: If spouse or life partner also meets the requirements for the Opportunity Card – 1 point

Application submission

In many countries, the Opportunity Card can only be applied for online through the international portal. A points calculator is available there that determines the likely achievable points score. If online application is not yet available, the application is submitted in person at the competent German diplomatic mission. Further information on scheduling appointments and the on-site appointment process at a German embassy can be found here.

The application form

For online application, the form is filled out digitally and the scheduling of an on-site appointment is not required. For personal application, the visa application form can be filled out online and then brought as a printout to the on-site appointment. The application form D is available for download here.

A detailed guide for correct completion can be found here.

Required documents

The following documents must be submitted for the application. To avoid additional requests and delays, all required documents should be checked for completeness:

• Completed and signed application form D
• Valid passport (valid at least until the end of the planned stay)
  
• Biometric, recent passport photo
• Proof of academic or professional qualification
• Proof of financing
• Proof of health insurance
• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae

Also relevant for the application depending on the purpose:

Recognized professional

• Recognition decision from the competent German authority or proof of degree obtained in Germany

Points system

• Proof of state recognition of the foreign university or professional degree
• Proof of language proficiency for German or English
• For partial recognition: Recognition decision
• For professional experience: Employment references
• For previous stay: Copies of old passports with visas and entry stamps

Details on providing proof of academic recognition as well as state recognition of university or vocational degrees can be found here.

Detailed information on proof of financial means and choosing the right health insurance as well as support in preparing a curriculum vitae and motivation letter for the application can be found in the respective articles.

Plausibility, practical tips, and time frame for application

When submitting the application, it is important to present a comprehensible plan that clearly outlines the visa purpose. For the Opportunity Card, this means: It should be made clear how the job search will be concretely approached. In the motivation letter, for example, industries, regions, or already possible employers can be named. A timeline for the job search also demonstrates the seriousness of the undertaking.

When applying via the points system, it is recommended to use the points calculator in the international portal in advance to ensure that the required six points are achieved. Additionally, all relevant documents, such as for professional experience, language skills, or previous stays, should be completely available, as missing documents can reduce the point score.

Also crucial is proof that financing is secured for the entire duration of stay. Since it is permitted to work up to 20 hours per week with the Opportunity Card, planned part-time employment for financing living expenses can also be mentioned. The presented plan should be realistic and implementable within the validity period of the visa, i.e., a maximum of twelve months.

The application should be submitted several months before the planned entry, as processing times can vary.

Processing time and fees

Processing of a national visa typically takes between six and eight weeks. In individual cases, processing may take longer. The fee for a national visa is currently 75 euros. It is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the procedure. More information on processing times of the visa application can be found here.