1. Which route applies?
- Skilled-worker route: a German qualification or a foreign vocational/academic qualification fully recognised in Germany. No points system or language certificate is required for this route; adequate funding is still necessary.
- Points route: an eligible formal qualification, at least German A1 or English B2, at least 6 points and secured living expenses. Strong German helps with employment beyond the minimum rules.
2. Prove your qualification and language skills
For the points route, the academic degree must be state-recognised in its country of acquisition; check both institution and degree in anabin or obtain a ZAB statement. Non-academic vocational training generally needs at least two years and state recognition in the training country; DAB provides evidence. Eligible AHK qualifications may also be considered.
A German recognition decision requiring compensatory measures is a separate statutory evidence route: Section 20b(1) waives the specific formal-qualification condition in Section 20a(4), sentence 3, no.1. Have the competent authority identify the evidence for your case. Language, points and funding still need checking.
The German mission accepts suitable recognised language examinations. Check its current list and certificate-validity rules before booking.
3. Complete points table
At least 6 points are required for the points route. Within German-language, experience and age groups, count only the applicable highest level. Do not add every row together. Each criterion requires evidence. The age limits below follow Section 20b.
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Recognition decision requiring compensation or further qualification | 4 |
| Relevant post-qualification experience: 5 years in the last 7 | 3 |
| Relevant post-qualification experience: 2 years in the last 5; alternative to the previous row | 2 |
| German B2 or above | 3 |
| German B1; alternative to B2 | 2 |
| German A2; alternative to B1/B2 | 1 |
| Evidence of English C1 | 1 |
| Qualification in a legally listed shortage occupation | 1 |
| Age at application: no older than 35 | 2 |
| Age at application: over 35 and no older than 40; alternative | 1 |
| At least 6 months of continuous lawful residence in the last 5 years; mere tourism/visits do not count | 1 |
| Spouse/registered partner meets the requirements and applies to the same authority, with joint entry and a reference to their application | 1 |
4. A worked example
German B1 (2) + two years of relevant experience in the last five years (2) + age up to and including 35 (2) = 6 points. You still need an eligible qualification, adequate financing and the other residence requirements.
5. Prepare funding and documents
For 2026, the official portal specifies at least EUR 1,091 net per month as evidence of funding, for example through a blocked account or a declaration of commitment. A suitable part-time contract may count; lower net earnings may require supplementary evidence. Recheck the amount and accepted proof before applying.
- Valid passport, qualification/recognition evidence and language proof where required.
- Evidence for points, financing and health insurance, plus the mission’s country-specific documents.
6. Apply and understand work limits
Start in the Federal Foreign Office’s Consular Services Portal and select your place of residence and competent mission. If you already lawfully live in Germany, consult the foreigners authority about the appropriate application. The authority decides; the self-check is guidance.
The initial job-search card lasts up to one year. During the search, secondary jobs may total up to 20 hours a week, and trial work may last up to two weeks per employer. Trials must aim at qualified employment, vocational training or a qualification measure.
After a suitable job offer, check the residence title required for employment. The Opportunity Card does not automatically permit unrestricted full-time work. PRÜVIO information is free; visa, insurance and living costs are separate.
Statistics & analysis
Opportunity Card statistics
Historical snapshot: June 2024 to November 2025
Data-source publication date:
17,489
Issuances by German missions abroad
4,706
Domestic residence issuances stored in AZR · 31 Oct 2025
Issuances per month · Consistent bar scale from 0, maximum 1,286
Values as a table
| Issuances per month | Value |
|---|---|
| 2025-06 | 1,072 |
| 2025-07 | 1,286 |
| 2025-08 | 1,038 |
| 2025-09 | 1,069 |
| 2025-10 | 1,051 |
| 2025-11 | 1,085 |
Meaning and limits of the data
Source: government response 21/3132, printed pages5–6. Visas and domestic residence permits measure different things and periods; do not add them. AZR figures for August–October2025 undercount delayed reports. This is not a live2026 counter.
Our analysis
Our interpretation: these figures show use of the route, not its job-search success rate. The smaller AZR number is not evidence of failed entry or failed employment.
The government explains that direct transitions from an Opportunity Card visa into employment residence are not fully represented in these AZR figures. They cannot calculate your individual job prospects.
Frequently asked questions
Do 6 points guarantee approval?
No. Points are one part of the second route. Qualification, language, funding, evidence and other residence conditions are assessed.
Do I need a job contract first?
A binding qualified-job offer is not a prerequisite for the job-search card. You must still secure financing for your stay.