Work / Immigration visa · Panama to Germany

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) - Job Seeker Visa

Embassy required

• Maximum stay: 365 days
• Processing time: 3-5 months
• Fee: €75
• Validity: 1 year
• Entry: Multiple entry

Points-based visa for skilled workers to search for employment in Germany. Requires minimum 6 points based on qualifications, experience, language skills, age, etc. Basic requirements: German A1 or English B2, plus 2+ years vocational training or university degree. Allows 2-week trial jobs and part-time work up to 20 hours/week during search. Can convert to work visa upon finding employment.

Eligibility

• Employment

  Must have recognized vocational training (2+ years) or university degree.

  Required status: Qualified professional or graduate

• Financial

  Must prove sufficient funds for 1 year job search period.

  Minimum funds: €13,092 (€1,091/month)

• Purpose of visit

  For seeking qualified employment in Germany through points-based system.

  Includes

  • Job searching
  • trial employment
  • part-time work

Documents you need

• Passport

  Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3

• Photo

  Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, color, white background, biometric

• Application form

  Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

  Form name: National Visa - Opportunity Card; Form url: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/

• Cover letter

  Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.

• Curriculum vitae

  Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.

• Academic transcript

  Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

  Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes

• Language proficiency

  Accepted tests: German A1 (Goethe, telc) or English B2 (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge); Minimum score: A1 German or B2 English

• Blocked account

  Accepted banks: German or approved banks; Minimum amount: €13,092 per year (€1,091/month)

• Credential assessment

  Accepted agencies: ZAB recognition or anabin database verification; Validity months: 24

How to apply

1. Online application

   Calculate points (need minimum 6) and complete application form online.

2. Document gathering

   Gather language certificates, degree credentials, CV, blocked account, and insurance.

3. Appointment booking

   Book appointment at German embassy/consulate.

4. Fee payment

   Pay visa fee.

5. Document submission

   Submit documents proving points qualification.

6. Processing wait

   Wait for processing.

7. Visa collection

   Collect Opportunity Card visa.

This information is general guidance only and can change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for help.