At a glance: Job search opportunity card from third countries
From the preparatory stage to completing the application forms: this step-by-step guide shows you how to obtain a job search opportunity card.
Are you interested in coming to Germany to look for a suitable job? Learn about the requirements for a job search opportunity card here.
The opportunity card (Section 20a of the Residence Act [AufenthG]) improves your chances of making contact with German employers and finding qualified employment in Germany.
To find out if you need to apply for an opportunity card visa to enter Germany, please refer to the Do I need a visa? section.
Are you from a country outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland and would like to apply for an opportunity card under Section 20a of the Residence Act [AufenthG]? The following options are open to you:
If you obtained your academic or non-academic vocational qualification in Germany, you can immediately apply for a residence permit for jobseekers under Section 20 of the Residence Act [AufenthG]. This gives you more time to look for a job (18 months instead of one year) and you can work part-time without restrictions during this time. For more information, see the “Prospects after graduation” section and the “Prospects after your vocational training” section.
If you completed Category A vocational education and training at a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK) that meets the requirements of the Vocational Training Act [BBiG], this qualification may also be suitable. For more information, please contact the AHK where you obtained your qualification. For general information, visit the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) website.
For both Option 1 and Option 2, you must have sufficient financial resources to fund your job search in Germany. During the visa process, you can demonstrate this ability with a blocked bank account (containing a minimum of €1,091 net per month, amount applicable in 2025) or a declaration of commitment.
The points system is only relevant if Option 2 applies to you, i.e. if you are unable to demonstrate that you have a German qualification or that your foreign qualification has been fully recognised. To apply for an opportunity card visa, you must also provide evidence of formal qualifications and the necessary language skills. You can score points for the following criteria:
Please note that all information you provide in the above categories must be supported by appropriate evidence or certificates for the visa application.
Did you get a positive result in the self-check? Congratulations! You can now apply for an opportunity card at your diplomatic mission abroad. To find the contact address, please refer to our world map . If you are already living in Germany with a valid residence title, please contact your local foreigners authority.
Opportunity cards are issued initially as job search opportunity cards for a maximum of one year. The card allows you to look for gainful employment in Germany, i.e. you can seek employment or become self-employed.
While you are looking for gainful employment, you are allowed to have one or more part-time jobs (secondary employment) totalling 20 hours a week. You can also do job trials for a maximum of two weeks per employer as part of your job search. The aim of the job trial must be either to obtain qualified employment, an apprenticeship or a qualification programme.
To get the most out of your job search stay, you should start preparing for your job search as early as possible: How should your application be structured to convince a German employer? Which contact points can help you? For more information, please refer to the “Finding a job” section.
If you have found a specific job or apprenticeship, or if you want to become self-employed, you can apply to your local foreigners authority for one of the existing residence permits for qualified employment, for vocational training, for the recognition of your qualifications or for self-employment. If your job meets the requirements for qualified employment but you are not eligible for any other residence title, your opportunity card will be extended for up to two years (opportunity card extension).
From the preparatory stage to completing the application forms: this step-by-step guide shows you how to obtain a job search opportunity card.
Let us advise you on your opportunities to work and live in Germany. Our experts will support you with questions regarding job search, visa, recognition and learning German.
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