Germany's Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) boosts your chances of finding qualified employment by allowing non-EU citizens to enter Germany and search for a suitable job. You don’t need a permanent job contract to apply, but you must be recognized as a skilled worker or score at least six points under the points system.

The card is valid for up to one year and lets you seek employment or start a business. During this time, you can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) or do short job trials to secure a job, apprenticeship, or qualification.

What is the Germany Opportunity Card?

The Germany Opportunity Card (GOC) is a new program by Germany starting in June 2024. It aims to attract international talent through a points-based immigration system. This adds another option to existing immigration pathways for qualified non-EU citizens.

It allows you to stay in Germany for up to a year to search for employment. During this time, you'll need to cover your living expenses. But can work part-time in any job until you find full-time employment in your field.

To qualify, you need to meet three basic criteria and earn at least 6 points across 8 categories.

What is the Germany Opportunity Card Points Calculator?

The Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) Calculator is a tool to check if you're eligible for the Opportunity Card visa, a new visa introduced by the German government for job seekers. It has replaced the previous job seeker visa.

The calculator assigns points based on factors like qualifications, language skills, and work experience, similar to skilled immigration systems in other countries. This points-based system provides a clear and fair way to evaluate potential applicants for working in Germany. To qualify, you need 6 points.

The visa is granted under Section 20a of the Residence Act.

If you meet the criteria, you'll receive a one-year visa to search for a job in Germany. It will later be converted to a "Skilled Worker Visa."

What’s Your GOC Score?

What factors are considered in the eligibility assessment for the Germany Opportunity Card?

The Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) calculator uses a points system to assess eligibility. Key factors include:

1. Education: Higher qualifications, like a university degree, earn more points.
2. Age: Younger applicants, especially those under 35, score higher points.
3. Language Skills: Proficiency in German (A2 level) or English (C1 level) boosts your score.
4. Professional Experience: More work experience increases your points.
5. Connection to Germany: Having family or a spouse legally residing in Germany adds extra points to your application.

To be eligible for the Germany Opportunity Card, applicants must score at least 6 out of 14 points based on the following criteria:

Germany Opportunity Card Points Calculator

Here is the detailed breakdown of points:

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Qualification Requirements for Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

To qualify for Germany's Opportunity Card, you must meet one of two options:

Option 1: Skilled Worker
You need to have a foreign professional or academic qualification recognized in Germany or a qualification obtained in Germany. Required documents include a vocational training certificate, German university degree, or a foreign degree that meets German standards.

Proof of recognition is essential, with verification from the Anabin database or a Statement of Comparability by ZAB.

For regulated professions like doctors or engineers, you also need permission to practice in Germany.

Option 2: Points System
You must score at least six points and have completed recognized vocational or academic training. A minimum of two years of vocational training is required.

Proof of German language skills (A1 level) or English proficiency (B2 level) is necessary, except for native English speakers.

Points Distribution for Opportunity Card

Germany Needs 400000 Skilled Foreign Workers a Year

Germany Opportunity Card Points Calculator - Bottleneck Occupations List with Codes

The table below provides the categorization of bottleneck occupations, including their specific codes:

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Documents Required for Germany Opportunity Card Application

To apply for the Opportunity Card, you need to submit essential documents. It is a must to satisfy the visa officer and ensure your application's approval.

Basic Information:

• Documents not in German or English must include a certified German translation.
• Do not book flights before receiving your visa.
• The visa section may request additional documents.
• Incomplete applications can delay the process or lead to rejection, so ensure all required documents are submitted.

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Germany Opportunity Card Visa Fee (Cost of Application)

The visa fee for the Opportunity Card is €75 (INR 6,757.86), payable in your local currency at the German embassy. Online visa application submission is not available. However, some embassies offer an online application form that applicants can fill out and print.

On reaching Germany, you must get your Opportunity Card from the Foreign Authorities. It may entail an additional €100 (INR 9,010.48) fee. Once you secure a suitable job aligned with your qualifications, you can transition your visa to a residence permit for skilled workers.

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Application Process for Opportunity Card

• Apply at the competent German mission abroad in your country of origin.
• Fill out the application form and ensure you have a valid passport.
• Provide proof of education, language skills, previous stays, etc.
• Show sufficient financial means. It includes an employment contract for a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week).
• Consider registering for the newsletter if interested in available part-time jobs.
• The responsible authority evaluates your application based on the points system.
• Carry appropriate proof of qualifications (employment references, certificates) during the application process.
• If you've lived in Germany previously, provide evidence of residence. You can do so through rental contracts, employment contracts, utility bills, etc.

What is the Processing time for the Germany Opportunity Card? (H3) (New section added)

Processing time is about 6 weeks, but could take longer depending upon individual cases.

How to Improve Your Germany Opportunity Card Score?

To boost your score on the Germany Opportunity Card points calculator, consider the following tips:

1. Upgrade Your Qualifications: Obtain a higher education degree or vocational training that is recognized in Germany. If your qualifications are not yet recognized, gaining relevant work experience can help improve your score.
2. Gain More Work Experience: Accumulate professional experience in your field. Five years of experience in the last seven years earns you the maximum 3 points. Even two years of experience can give you 2 points.
3. Enhance Your Language Skills: Improve your German language proficiency to gain up to 3 points. If you can’t achieve this, having sufficient German skills or English proficiency at C1 level will still earn you 1 point each.
4. Leverage Your Age: Your age affects your score. If you’re under 35, you’ll get 2 points. If you’re between 35 and 40, you’ll earn 1 point.
5. Pursue Bottleneck Occupations: Focus on professions listed under bottleneck occupations in Germany. Being qualified in these high-demand fields can positively impact your score.
6. Get Your Qualifications Recognized: Ensure that your foreign qualifications are recognized in Germany. This process can add value to your profile and increase your score.
7. Build Connections to Germany: If you have family or a spouse already living in Germany, this can give you extra points. Consider exploring ways to establish or strengthen connections with the country.

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