Germany's Opportunity Card
The Opportunity Card lets you live in Germany for up to a year while you look for work, and take a part-time job in the meantime. You need six points, or a qualification Germany already recognises.
Who can apply
The card is for nationals of countries outside the EU and EFTA. There are two ways to qualify.
Route 1: a fully recognised qualification. If your vocational or university qualification is fully recognised in Germany, you count as a skilled worker. No points are needed.
Route 2: the points system. You need all of the following:
- a vocational qualification of at least two years, or a university degree, recognised by the state where you obtained it (for Indian degrees, typically shown through the anabin database or a Statement of Comparability)
- German at level A1 or English at level B2
- at least 6 points
How the points add up
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Partial recognition of your qualification in Germany | 4 |
| Qualification in a German shortage occupation | 1 |
| At least 2 years of relevant experience in the last 5 years | 2 |
| At least 5 years of relevant experience in the last 7 years | 3 |
| German A2 / B1 / B2 or higher | 1 / 2 / 3 |
| English C1 or native speaker | 1 |
| Age up to 35 / 35 to 40 | 2 / 1 |
| At least 6 months' legal stay in Germany in the last 5 years | 1 |
| Spouse who also qualifies for an Opportunity Card | 1 |
An example. A 29-year-old software tester from Hyderabad with a recognised Indian degree, three years of experience, German at A2 and English at B2 scores 2 (age) + 2 (experience) + 1 (German A2) = 5 points. Adding B1 German (+1) takes her to 6.
Proof of funds
You must show you can support yourself. In 2026 the amount is €1,091 net per month, usually through a blocked bank account, or a formal declaration of commitment from someone in Germany.
What you can do with the card
- Stay in Germany for up to one year to look for work
- Work part-time up to 20 hours a week
- Do trial work of up to two weeks per employer
- Switch to a skilled worker permit or EU Blue Card once you find a qualifying job
- If you find a job but cannot yet get the final permit, the card can be extended for up to two years
How to use the year well
- Arrive with German at B1 if you can. It multiplies your options.
- Have your CV in German format and your documents ready to send.
- Target sectors with real shortages: engineering, IT, healthcare, technical trades.
- Budget carefully. Part-time work helps, but rent in big cities can be high.
Apply online through the Federal Foreign Office's Consular Services Portal.
Quick answers
What is Germany's Opportunity Card?
A points-based card that lets qualified people from outside the EU stay in Germany for up to one year to look for work, with the right to work part-time up to 20 hours a week.
How many points do I need for the Opportunity Card?
Six points, plus a qualification recognised in India and German at A1 or English at B2. If your qualification is fully recognised in Germany, you need no points.
How much money do I need to show?
€1,091 net per month in 2026, usually through a blocked bank account or a formal declaration of commitment from someone in Germany.
Where do I apply from India?
Online, through the German Federal Foreign Office's Consular Services Portal.
