General Information

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.

APPLY ONLINE NOW: Consular Services Portal

Required documents

⬜ 1 duly completed and signed National visa application forms (VIDEX)

⬜ 1 biometric passport picture not older than 6 months (white/grey background- teeth cannot be visible) Photo requirements

⬜ valid passport (data page and signature page only)

⬜ valid Malaysian permit (applicable to 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 mandatory training

⬜Completed vocational training of at least 2 years duration that is recognized by the state in which you obtained it

OR

⬜ A completed university degree that is recognized by the state in which you obtained it

Either one has to be accompanied by a confirmation from the German Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)

Proof of mandatory language skills:

⬜ Knowledge of German on level A1, from Goethe Institute, Telc or ÖSD incl. from institutions recognized by ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe)

OR

⬜ Knowledge of English on level B2 (IELTS/ TOEFL)

⬜ If you already are 45 years of age or older or you will turn 45 while in Germany to seek a job: attached declaration in regards to provisions for retirement, 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 (1.027,- Euros/month)

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)

Points are obtained for:

Partial recognition of vocational qualification.

- Proof in the form of notification of partial recognition (Teil-Anerkennungsbescheid is necessary)

German skills on levels A2, B1, B2, C1

- Proof as indicated above under Mandatory language skills

English skills on level C1

- Proof as indicated above under Mandatory language skills

Work experience in connection with the qualification

- At least 2 years within the last 5 years, more points for 5 years within the last 7 years.

Proof in the form of employer’s references or certificate of employment.

Please note: These can and will be check for authenticity. If you hand in false documents or documents given to you without you actually having worked at the company indicated, your application will be refused.

If your qualification is in one of the “Shortage Occupations”

- This will be checked by the visa section on the basis of documents that are already part of the application (proof of training, see under Mandatory)

If your age is below 35 or between 35 and 40 and the time of application

Previous stays in Germany

- Proof that you have resided legally in Germany for a continuous period of at least six months in the last five years. Examples of such stays include study, language and work stays. Stays for the purpose of tourism or visiting people do not count. Certified copies of old passports and the visas and entry stamps they contain should be submitted as proof, as well as work contracts, rental contract.

Further Information

Visa Fee: Fees

Processing time: min. 4 weeks

The above list is not comprehensive and is updated frequently. Additional documents may be required in individual cases.

Incomplete applications will be decided by the Embassy based on the documents that were submitted, and may be rejected.

Documents that are not in German or English language need to be translated by a recognized translator. For further information, please see here.

Applicants may be called in for an Interview.

Disclaimer: All data contained herein is based on the knowledge and experience of the German Embassy Kuala Lumpur at the time of drafting this information sheet. However, no liability can be assumed for the completeness and accuracy.