Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Who it’s for

Qualified professionals without a German job offer yet.

Key requirements

• Recognised vocational qualification (2+ yrs) or degree
• German A1 or English B2
• 6 points, or full recognition in Germany
• Proof of funds

Step by step

1. 1
   Check recognition

   Look up your degree in anabin or apply for ZAB statement of comparability.
2. 2
   Prove language

   German certificate (Goethe, telc, ÖSD) or English (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge).
3. 3
   Open a blocked account

   Or get a formal declaration of commitment from a sponsor.
4. 4
   Book a visa appointment

   At the German mission or via the Consular Services Portal.

Document checklist

Start the application to track these, set due dates and attach files.

• Valid passport
  Bio page scan. Check it is valid for the whole planned stay (6+ months beyond travel is safest).
• Digital photo to specification
  Recent passport-style photo meeting the destination’s size and background rules.
• Degree certificates and transcripts
  All post-secondary qualifications, with certified translations if not in English/French.
• Qualification recognition (anabin / ZAB / recognition notice)
  Shows your degree is recognised, partially recognised or comparable in Germany.
• Language test result
  An approved test for this visa, taken within the validity period (Canada: 2 years; Australia: 3 years).
• CV / résumé
  Up-to-date, with dates in month/year and no unexplained gaps.
• Employment reference letters
  On letterhead: job title, duties, hours per week, salary and dates, signed by a manager or HR.
• Blocked account or declaration of commitment
  Proof you can support yourself in Germany for the duration requested.
• Health / travel insurance
  Coverage meeting the visa requirement for the whole stay.
• Completed application forms
  All forms signed and dated; double-check names and dates match your passport.
• Government fees paid
  Keep the receipt. Check the current fee on the official site before paying.