Opportunity card
Opportunity card: job search in Munich - after arriving!
Your opportunity for a local job search in Munich, Germany: The opportunity card is in high demand for a reason – it gives you the chance to look for a job after arriving in the city. Do you want to know more about the requirements and steps to take? Find out more about how it works here.
Opportunity card: legal background
Considering a career move to Munich, Germany? The opportunity card (Section 20a of the Residence Act) is a fantastic option for skilled professionals looking to land a job in their field. It grants you temporary residence in Germany – to actively search for qualified positions.
First steps in Munich
Permits, bank accounts, documents: First steps in Munich, Germany for third-country nationals can be demanding. “Make it in Munich“ helps with transitioning. Find out more here!
Opportunity card requirements
To apply for this type of visa, you have two options, depending on your situation:
Option 1:
Your qualification is recognized
You have a foreign professional or academic qualification recognized in Germany, OR you earned your degree or professional qualification in Germany.
Option 2:
Points-based qualification
This option allows you to qualify through a point system – by meeting the following criteria in addition to earning a minimum of six points:
- Recognized training:
You must have completed vocational or academic training that is recognized in the country where you received it. For vocational training, it must be at least two years in duration.
- Qualification recognition (for foreign credentials):
To support your visa application, obtain a positive assessment of your foreign qualification from the “Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)“ – this can be done online.
- Professional Experience
Points are also awarded for professional experience related to your formal qualification, gained after graduation.
- Two points: At least two years of relevant experience within the last five years.
- Three points: At least five years of relevant experience within the last seven years.
- Language skills:
Demonstrate proficiency in either German (level A1 or higher on the CEFR) or English (level B2 or higher on the CEFR).
- Age:
Points are allocated based on your age:
- Two points: Up to 35 years old (inclusive).
- One point: Between 35 and 40 years old.
- Previous stays in Germany:
If you have legally resided in Germany for at least six continuous months within the last five years, you will earn one point. Eligible stays include those for study, work, or language purposes – but not for tourism or personal visits. You can provide evidence using copies of old passports, visas, or entry stamps.
- Skilled work potential of spouses or partners:
Are you married or in a domestic partnership and planning to move to Germany with your partner – and are you using an opportunity card? Then you will receive one point if your partner also qualifies for an opportunity card. They can complete the self-check for confirmation.
- Financial resources:
For both option 1 and option 2, you must prove that you can cover your living expenses during your job search in Germany. This can be done through a blocked bank account (minimum €1,027 net per month as of 2024) or a declaration of commitment.
Take the self-check – to find out if you are eligible to apply for an opportunity card according to the scoring system.
