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Opportunity Card:
Move to Germany
without a job — and find one
The Chancenkarte is a visa for qualified professionals
that allows you to live in Germany for up to 1 year and look for work
locally. No job offer. No stress. With the BCA team.
Length of Stay
up to 12 months
Language Requirements
German A1 or English B2
About the Visa
What Is the Opportunity Card
and How Does It Differ from a Work Visa
The Chancenkarte is a fundamentally new
instrument in Germany’s immigration system, in effect since June 1, 2024.
For the first time, Germany has allowed qualified professionals
from non-EU countries to come to Germany and look for work locally — without
a prior job offer or the need to undergo a lengthy
degree recognition procedure.
With the Opportunity Card, you receive up to 12 months to look for work,
you can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week, attend
interviews in person, and complete trial work with employers. Once you find permanent
employment, you convert the card into a work-based residence permit— directly in
Germany, without returning home.
The information is based on many years of practical experience in relocation and immigration, as well as data from publicly available sources
IT developers, engineers, managers, designers—anyone who wants to move first and find a job in Germany instead of spending years searching from abroad.
If your degree has not yet been recognized or is only partially recognized in the Anabin database, the Chancenkarte points system allows you to compensate through experience, language skills, and age.
IT professionals, doctors, engineers, pharmacists, mathematicians, and other shortage occupations receive an additional point and priority during assessment.
German at A1 or English at B2 is the mandatory minimum. The higher your level, the more points you receive and the better your chances of approval and quickly finding employment.
If you are already in Germany on another basis, switching to the Chancenkarte allows you to secure your status and begin an official job search.
Points System: You Need at Least 6 Points
If your degree is not automatically recognized in Germany, the points system is used. Points are awarded for the following:
The information is based on many years of practical experience in relocation and immigration, as well as data from publicly available sources
Eligibility Requirements
Requirements
for Obtaining an Opportunity Card
2026
Basic requirements for all applicants.
Even if your case is unusual—
we will help you understand the details and
explain the specific requirements.
The services provided are not legal services and are not a substitute for legal advice.
A university degree or at least 2 years of vocational training at an accredited educational institution.
German A1 (basic) OR English B2 (advanced)—a certificate must be provided.
€1.091/month—a minimum of €13.092 for one year. Confirmed through a blocked account (Sperrkonto) at a German bank.
An international Incoming-Versicherung policy for the entire period of stay—from €54/month.
Under the points system (if the degree is not recognized). If the degree is recognized, no points are required.
From January 1, 2026, non-biometric passports of Russian citizens are not accepted for German visa applications.
Package
“Opportunity Card”
€2.042
€1.399
The package costs 32% less than ordering the services separately.
Services Included in the Basic Package (for One Person) · Prices Before Discount:
- Introductory Meeting and Case Review
- Checking the degree in the Anabin database / reviewing qualifications and professional experience
- CV Optimization
- Assistance drafting a motivation letter in German
- Assistance arranging Incoming health insurance
- Opening a blocked account
- Assistance preparing and reviewing national D visa documents and creating an online account in the Auslandsportal
- Assistance completing VIDEX forms for ONE applicant
- Assistance submitting the online application and document package for a national visa
- Assistance communicating with the consulate/embassy
- Assistance scheduling an appointment at the consulate/embassy (once)
- Preparation for the interview at the consulate/embassy
Total: €2.042
* The package is valid where the applicant holds a university degree recognized in Germany.
** The “Degree Recognition” package is charged separately if required following the degree check in Anabin.
*** Services not included in the package are charged separately, including the cost of the insurance policy, the ZAB fee of 208 euros, degree translation, additional translations, courier services, and other services if they become necessary during the process.
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A Pharmacist’s Relocation Story in Germany
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Benefits
Entrust your relocation to professionals who work with German precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still Have Questions?
We Already Know the Answers
We have compiled the most common questions about visas, residence permits, and working with our agency —
so you can get the information you need immediately, without messages or waiting.
These are two key but distinct stages of immigration.
- A visa is authorization to enter Germany and stay for a short period (usually up to 3–6 months). It is requested from the embassy/consulate in your country of residence. The purpose of the visa may be study, work, family reunification, etc.
- A residence permit authorizes long-term residence (one year or more) and is obtained after you are already in Germany, from the immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde). A valid reason is required, such as employment, family reunification, study, or business.
In short: a visa allows you to enter Germany, while a residence permit allows you to live there legally for an extended period. You will often enter on a national visa—for example, for work or family reunification—and then apply for a residence permit.
Yes, in many cases this is possible. The language requirement depends entirely on the purpose of your relocation. English is often sufficient for work visas, while language requirements for EU Blue Cards are simplified. Family reunification usually requires only a basic level, while English may be sufficient for study or job seeking. We will help determine which program is right for you and explain the exact language requirements for your situation
- A visa cannot be extended in Germany. It must be converted into a residence permit at the immigration authority before the visa expires.
- A residence permit can be extended in Germany. The extension is handled by the same authority (Ausländerbehörde). It is important to apply well in advance (2–3 months before expiry is recommended). To obtain an extension, you must demonstrate that the conditions continue to be met, including employment, sufficient funds, and an ongoing purpose of residence.
Important: We support the residence permit extension process by helping you collect an up-to-date set of documents and prepare for submission.
Yes, of course. We understand that circumstances may change. You can discuss every detail with your personal manager and adjust the service package to suit your situation
Getting started is easy! You can:
- Submit a request on the website through the contact form and specify your preferred contact method.
- Email us with a brief description of your situation.
- Call us during business hours.
Our manager will contact you within 24 hours, clarify the details, and arrange a time for an initial consultation, either online or at our office. After the consultation, we will prepare a personalized proposal and action plan for you. Getting started is easy! You can:
