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Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) Application for Academics/Skilled Workers - Online Application
The Opportunity Card (“Chancenkarte”) enables candidates from non-EU countries to enter Germany for the purpose of seeking employment without the need for a permanent employment contract. Candidates must be recognized as skilled workers or score at least six points in the points system. Additionally, they must have guaranteed means of support during their stay.
Online Application via the Consular Services Portal
You can easily apply for your visa online through the Foreign Office's Foreign Portal. We assist you in preparing the documents through pre-examination. You can check your application status online at any time.
Here is how the online application process works:
Step 1: Fill out your online application form and upload your documents.
Step 2: Submit your application. Your information and documents will be checked for completeness. You will receive feedback online. If your application is complete, you will receive a link to book an appointment.
Step 3: Attend your on-site appointment. During this appointment, your identity will be verified, and your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be captured. You can then pay the fee.
On-Site Application at the Embassy
You can also apply for the visa on-site at the Embassy. To do this, prepare the necessary documents and then schedule an appointment. The documents will be checked for completeness only during the appointment. If there are missing documents, an additional appointment at the embassy may be necessary.
Application Essentials
Prepare in advance by understanding the administrative requirements and key details for your visa application.
- Visa Fee: Please refer to the Embassy website for the current fee.
- Processing Time: Applications require a minimum of 4 weeks. Note that visas will not be issued earlier than three months before your planned travel date.
- Booking an Appointment: Appointments can be made via our online portal or via the Embassy website
- Identity Verification: Applicants are required to appear in person for identity verification and fingerprint collection.
- Additional Documents: The list of required documents may change and is not exhaustive. Incomplete applications may require a new appointment, and applicants may be called for an interview.
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Disclaimer: Information provided is based on current knowledge and practice. The Embassy cannot assume liability for completeness or accuracy. Visa status can be checked via email only 12 weeks after submission; earlier requests will not be entertained.
How to Prepare Your Papers
Ensure your documents meet the required standards before your appointment to avoid delays.
- Certified Translations: All foreign-language documents must be translated into German by a certified translator. Documents in English are also accepted and do not require translation.
- Document Copies: Bring one set of copies of all documents along with the originals. All papers should be A4 size, neatly organized, and not stapled (applicable for on-site application only)
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Biometric Photo Requirements: 1 recent passport photo (not older than 6 months) white or grey background. Teeth must not be visible
Mandatory Document Checklist
Bring all items listed below to your appointment to ensure smooth processing.
- 1 duly completed and signed national visa application form VIDEX
- 1 biometric passport picture meeting the specifications above
- Valid passport (data and signature pages only)
- Valid Malaysian permit (for non-Malaysians only)
- Motivation letter (signed)
- clearly stating the type of work or job you intend to pursue in Germany
- provide details on your German language proficiency, including the duration and intensity of your language learning efforts.
- disclose any prior job applications made, specifying the companies applied to, as well as any invitations received for job interviews.
- articulate your reasons for choosing Germany as your desired destination over other EU countries.
- kindly attach verifiable proof of your job applications or invitations to job interviews
- Curriculum vitae
- Proof of vocational or academic training (such as bachelor’s or master’s degree) and – if applicable – prior work experience in the form of confirmation letters by previous employers
- Proof of acknowledgement of your qualification in Germany
- Academic Degree: Anabin database printouts listing both your degree and the awarding institution
OR - A “Statement of Comparability” by anabin, the infoportal for foreign educational qualifications.
- Academic Degree: Anabin database printouts listing both your degree and the awarding institution
Printout of search result from the anabin website or statement of comparability from the German Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)
The recognition of your University Degree + Degree course title can be verified through the Database on the Anabin website http://anabin.kmk.org.
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Please refer to the following table:
Please request the statement of comparability from the Central Office of International Education (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen) (ZAB) zabservice@kmk.org Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications The Statement of Comparability is an official document issued by the “Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen” (Central Office for Foreign Education – ZAB) that describes a foreign higher education qualification, its professional and academic usage. The ZAB Statement of Comparability can facilitate access to the German labour market for holders of foreign higher education qualifications. It is a comparative assessment but not a recognition certificate: |
Vocational training: Proof of recognition of your training; additional information can be found here.
General information on the recognition process can be found here.
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If you are already 45 years of age or older, or will turn 45 while in Germany for job-seeking purposes, you must submit the attached declaration regarding retirement provisions, duly signed.
If you are successful in finding employment, but do not meet the criteria for a Blue Card EU, you will either have to show an annual income of at least 49.830,- EUR or you have to show adequate provision for your retirement in order to obtain a residence and work permit.
- Proof of Financial Stability
- Blocked account (1.091,- Euros/month)
- Blocked account (1.091,- Euros/month)
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Proof of Accommodation (Hotel bookings, Rental Agreements) for the first month only
If you intend on staying at your relatives or friends place please make sure to include
- an Invitation letter
- a copy of their Passport (data page and signature page only)
- a copy of their German permit (if applicable)
- a copy of their rental agreement
- Proof of Health Insurance Coverage
- Certificate of German statutory health insurance (valid from entry date)
OR - Certificate from a private health insurance company (covering statutory health insurance requirements)
OR - Incoming health insurance for the period between arrival and employment start (covering statutory health insurance requirements)
- Certificate of German statutory health insurance (valid from entry date)