Germany is offering a new residence visa permit called the ‘Opportunity Card’ (known as Chancenkarte in German) that provides an opportunity to skilled workers from countries outside the EU, including Pakistan, to secure a job in Germany.
The scheme is part of Germany’s effort to address labour shortages in several sectors.
The card allows people to stay for up to one year while searching for qualified employment. During that time, they can also work part-time or do trial jobs under certain rules.
Who can apply from Pakistan?
Pakistanis are among those who can use this route, as Germany has been expanding options for skilled workers from third countries.
Applications from Pakistan go through German missions in Islamabad or Karachi.
How to apply?
The process starts online through the Consular Services Portal of the German Foreign Office.
First, go to the portal (digital.diplo.de/chancenkarte or similar entry point for Opportunity Card).
Select your country, and then choose the city where your nearest German mission is located, usually Islamabad or Karachi.
The portal shows an estimated processing time for applications from that mission.
Times vary but often range from several weeks to a few months, depending on the workload, commonly around 4-6 weeks to several months after submission, though it can take up to six months in some cases.
Who can apply?
There are two main ways to qualify.
People who already hold a university degree or vocational qualification that is recognised in Germany can apply directly as skilled workers. They do not need to collect points.
Others can apply through a points-based system. A minimum of six points is required.
In both cases, applicants must show they have enough money to support themselves during their stay in Germany.
How to apply online?
Applications can be submitted through Germany’s Consular Services Portal or at the relevant German mission.
The application process for Pakistanis begins by selecting Pakistan as the country of residence on the portal. Applicants are then asked to choose the German mission responsible for their region.
According to the online portal shown for Pakistan, applicants can select:
- Islamabad (covering Islamabad Capital Territory, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir)
- Karachi (covering Sindh and Balochistan)
After selecting the city, applicants can proceed by clicking “Apply online now”.
The portal currently indicates that the German mission is operating at full capacity.
It states that new applications are not being accepted at the moment and that the estimated waiting time is more than one year.
Applicants can register to join a waiting list and will be notified when they can submit their application.
To register, users must:
- Enter their family name and first name
- Provide an email address
- Repeat the email address for confirmation
- Create and confirm a password
- Give consent to data processing
- Complete a security verification
After registration, they can access the online application and, if required, use a points calculator to check eligibility.
After completing the online part, you may need to book an appointment at the German mission for biometrics, fee payment (around €75), and submission.
Applicants should check the official portal for the latest details, as steps can depend on the mission and any updates.
The Opportunity Card has been available since mid-2024 and aims to help Germany fill skill shortages by making it easier for qualified people to enter and search for work.
How the points system works
Applicants who do not qualify directly as skilled workers must score at least six points based on several criteria:
Partial recognition of qualifications: 4 points
Qualification in a shortage occupation: 1 point
Professional experience: 2 to 3 points, depending on years worked
Language skills:
- German A2: 1 point
- German B1: 2 points
- German B2 or higher: 3 points
- English C1 or native level: an additional 1 point
Age:
- Under 35 years: 2 points
- Between 35 and 40: 1 point
Previous stay in Germany: 1 point
Applying with spouse or registered partner: 1 point
To apply on a points basis, candidates must have completed a degree or at least two years of vocational training recognised by the state where it was obtained.
They must also show German language skills at least at the A1 level or English at the B2 level.
What happens next?
If approved, the Opportunity Card is issued for up to one year. During this time, the holder can search for employment in Germany.
If a job offer is secured, the individual can apply for a longer-term residence permit for employment from the local foreigners’ authority in Germany.
German missions may work with service providers to process applications. These providers may charge a service fee, which is explained during the application process.
For many Pakistani professionals, the Opportunity Card offers a new legal pathway to explore work opportunities in Germany, although waiting times suggest demand is currently high.
Also read: Portugal offers indefinite residency for Pakistanis, apply now
