Chancenkarte
Job Opportunity Card
A German residence permit that lets skilled professionals enter Germany to search for a job — without needing a job offer first. Germany’s flagship route for its skilled-labour shortage.
- initial validity of the permit
- 1 yearinitial validity of the permit
- part-time work a week while job hunting
- 20 hrspart-time work a week while job hunting
- needed to apply — search on the ground
- No offerneeded to apply — search on the ground
- minimum on the points route
- 6 pointsminimum on the points route
Who it is for
The Opportunity Card is designed for people who want to find their job in Germany on the ground, rather than waiting for an employer to sponsor them from abroad.
- Non-EU nationals, including Indian professionals & graduates
- Candidates without a confirmed German employer yet
- Those with a recognised or partially recognised qualification
Key benefits
Job search without an offer
Enter Germany and interview with employers directly on the ground.
Work while you search
Part-time work up to 20 hours a week, or trial employment periods.
Family can apply together
A spouse or partner who also qualifies can apply alongside you.
Access to shortage sectors
IT, engineering, healthcare and skilled trades are actively hiring.
Pathway to long-term stay
Convert to a work permit or EU Blue Card once employed.
No employer sponsorship
You control the process — not dependent on a company applying first.
Two ways to qualify
Every applicant qualifies through one of these two routes.
Route 1 · Direct / skilled worker
- Foreign qualification fully recognised in Germany
- No points calculation required
- Just show proof of funds & health insurance
- Fastest, simplest route where it applies
Route 2 · Points-based system
- Qualification only partially recognised
- Must score at least 6 points
- Points from education, experience, language, age
- Most Indian applicants use this route
The points system
Minimum required: 6 points| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Partial qualification recognition / regulated profession | 4 |
| German language — B2 level | 3 |
| 5 years’ professional experience (within last 7 years) | 3 |
| German language — B1 level | 2 |
| 2 years’ professional experience (within last 5 years) | 2 |
| Age under 35 | 2 |
| German A2 / English C1 | 1 / 1 |
| Qualification in a shortage occupation | 1 |
| Age 35–39 | 1 |
| Prior 6-month legal residence in Germany (last 5 years) | 1 |
| Spouse / partner also qualifies & applies together | 1 |
Points cannot be double-counted within the same category (e.g. only one language level or experience bracket counts).
Requirements & documents
- Valid passport with sufficient validity, plus photos
- Degree / vocational certificate + ZAB recognition statement
- Language certificate: German (A1+) or English (B2+)
- Blocked account: approx. €12,000–€13,000 for one year’s living costs
- Health insurance for the full duration of stay
- CV & experience letters (if claiming experience points)
- Signed VIDEX form via the Consular Services Portal
- National visa fee plus VFS service charge
Step-by-step application
From India, through Allwerks.
- Qualification assessmentConfirm recognition status via ZAB / Anabin.
- Points calculationClear the 6-point threshold (Route 2).
- Language testSit your German or English exam.
- Funds & insuranceOpen the blocked account and arrange insurance.
- Online applicationSubmit VIDEX via the Consular Services Portal.
- VFS appointmentBiometrics and documents at VFS / consulate — mock interview first.
- Decision & visaAwait the outcome and collect your visa.
Costs and timeline
What to plan for on the Opportunity Card route — so there are no surprises.
Apply well ahead of your travel date — incomplete files are the most common cause of delay.
On landing in Germany — immediate to-dos
We guide you through each one.
Register your address (Anmeldung)
Within 14 days of arrival at the Bürgeramt — this unlocks everything else.
Residence permit card
Appointment at the Ausländerbehörde to confirm your Opportunity Card.
German bank account
For salary, rent and daily expenses; most banks need your Anmeldung.
Activate health insurance
Convert or activate local coverage recognised for residents.
Tax ID (Steuer-ID)
Issued after Anmeldung — required before an employer can pay you.
Check your Opportunity Card eligibility
Our team handles your qualification check, points calculation, documentation and application — start to finish.
Start your Germany plan
Leave your details. Your case manager calls you back.
- Registered in GermanyAllwerks UG — an on-ground team, not just an agent in India.
- 10+ yearsGuiding international students to Germany.
- One case managerOne dedicated advisor from sign-up.
- Refund protectionFull service-fee refund if your Opportunity Card visa is refused.