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A points-based job-search residence permit (§20a Residence Act) launched on 1 June 2024, letting qualified non-EU nationals come to Germany to look for work without a prior job offer. It replaced the former Job Seeker Visa for most applicants.
Skilled non-EU jobseekers who want to search for qualified work on the ground in Germany.
Our licensed advisors assess your eligibility, build a strategy to strengthen your application, and manage the process end to end, so you submit a complete, competitive application with confidence.
Family members cannot generally join an Opportunity Card holder during the search phase, unless your spouse independently qualifies for their own Opportunity Card; spouses can usually join only after you secure qualified employment.
Once you find qualified work you must apply for the appropriate work residence permit at the foreigners authority; if you qualify for nothing else but have a suitable job, the card can be extended for up to two years.
The Opportunity Card uses a points system based on qualifications, language skills, work experience, age and ties to Germany, and you generally need at least six points to qualify.
You must show you can support yourself during the search, typically through a blocked account or a formal declaration of commitment from a sponsor.
When first issued, the Opportunity Card is granted as a search card allowing you to stay in Germany for up to one year to look for qualified work.
The Opportunity Card is a points-based job-search residence permit launched on 1 June 2024, letting qualified non-EU nationals come to Germany to look for work without a prior job offer. It replaced the former Job Seeker Visa for most applicants.
Yes. While searching for a job you may work part-time up to 20 hours per week, and you may also take a trial job of up to two weeks with a potential employer.
