Germany Opportunity Card
Who it's for: Skilled workers with a recognised degree or vocational qualification who want to move to Germany first and then look for a job.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 27 Oct 2026
Requirements at a glance
- A degree or a vocational qualification of 2+ years recognised by the state where you got it
- German at A1 or English at B2
- At least 6 points (unless your qualification is fully recognised in Germany)
- Money to show of €1,091 a month, through a blocked account or a sponsor declaration
- Health insurance with at least €30,000 cover
- Visa fee of €75
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points needed | 6 points | make-it-in-germany.comOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 | |
| Money to show, per month | €1,091 | — | make-it-in-germany.comOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Money to show, for a year | €13,092 | — | make-it-in-germany.comOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Minimum insurance cover | €30,000 | — | make-it-in-germany.comOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Visa fee | €75 | — | make-it-in-germany.comOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Fee in Germany, up to | €100 | — | make-it-in-germany.comOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Part-time work, hours per week | 20 hours | make-it-in-germany.comOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 | |
| Maximum stay | 12 months | make-it-in-germany.comOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
Figures marked check come from secondary sources or could not be confirmed on an official page.
Costs and local steps by country
Costs in your currency, plus what's specific to applying from there, such as how the German mission takes applications.
How the route works
You check your qualification, collect points evidence (language certificates, work references), open a blocked account or arrange a sponsor declaration, take out insurance and apply at the German mission. The card lasts up to one year.
Points
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Partial recognition of your qualification in Germany | 4 |
| German at B2 / B1 / A2 (highest only) | 3 / 2 / 1 |
| English at C1 | 1 |
| 5 years’ experience in the last 7 / 2 years in the last 5 (highest only) | 3 / 2 |
| Age under 35 / 35 to under 40 | 2 / 1 |
| Shortage occupation | 1 |
| 6 months’ lawful stay in Germany in the last 5 years | 1 |
| Spouse who also qualifies and applies with you | 1 |
Common questions
How do the points work?
Points come from partial recognition of your qualification in Germany, German and English skills, work experience, age under 40, a shortage occupation, earlier stays in Germany and a spouse who also qualifies. You need at least 6.
Can I work on the Opportunity Card?
Yes, part-time up to 20 hours a week, plus trial work. Once you find a qualified job you switch to a work permit or the EU Blue Card.
Can my family come with me?
The card is designed for one person to look for work. Ask the German mission whether family members can join before you have a job.
The full Opportunity Card guide
Step-by-step process, every cost for you and your family, document checklist, money rules, common refusal reasons and official links. The same guide for every buyer, dated.
Other Germany routes
Before you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.