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Will my stay with an Opportunity Card count towards the length of stay for a settlement permit?

To obtain a settlement permit according to § 9 AufenthG, you must fulfill several requirements. One of these requirements is that you must have resided in Germany for a certain minimum period, generally five years. The time during which you can use an job search opportunity card in Germany with an opportunity card, does not count towards this period. This is regulated by § 20a Para. 6 AufenthG. However, the situation is different with the so-called follow-up opportunity card which you will receive if your job search with the Search Opportunity Card was successful and you would now like to work. Any periods of residence with this residence permit can be fully credited towards a settlement permit.

Published: May 13, 2024
Updated: April 23, 2025

Further FAQs on the topic:

The change in the law that introduces the opportunity card will come into force on June 1, 2024. From then on, you can apply for it at the relevant diplomatic mission or immigration office.

The points system does not apply to does not apply. Specialists therefore do not need a minimum number of points. According to § Section 18 (3) AufenthGwho has completed vocational training or a studies either in Germany or has acquired such a qualification abroad, provided that the foreign qualification is recognized in Germany or is considered equivalent or comparable.

Yes, that's why we have developed our free points calculator. It allows you to quickly and easily understand the points system of the Opportunity Card. If you would like to use our calculator to find out whether you are eligible for an opportunity card, click here.

In order to receive a Chancenkarte, you must have at least basic German language skills (level A1) or English language skills at level B2 level. An exception to this only applies to skilled workers within the meaning of § 18 Para. 3 AufenthGi.e. persons with a foreign university degree recognized in Germany, a university degree or vocational training qualification obtained in Germany, or a foreign training or university degree that is comparable or equivalent to a German degree.

If you can prove that you have particularly good language skills, you will be awarded points system of the opportunity card more points. For German language skills at the level B2 or better is awarded 3 pointsfor German language skills at level B1 is awarded 2 pointsand 1 point for knowledge of German at level A2. For knowledge of English at the level C1 or better, you will also receive 1 point.

You should send the relevant language certificates to the Foreigners' Registration Office together with your application for a Chancenkarte.

The prerequisite for obtaining a Chancenkarte is that you are able to support yourself. You must be able to prove that your own livelihood and, under certain circumstances, that of your close family is secure. This proof can be provided, for example, by a so-called blocked account from which you may only withdraw a certain amount each month. In 2024, you must have 934 euros per monthfor each month, i.e. a total of 11,208 euros for one year. Also a declaration of commitment can also serve as proof of your livelihood.

If you want to pursue a part-time job during your job search with the opportunity card and have already signed an employment contract , you can also use this to prove that you have sufficient income.

The Chancenkarte is a residence permit that entitles foreigners to look for a job in Germany. But how long is an opportunity card valid for? In general, an opportunity card can be valid for up to one year be issued. However, how long you can stay in Germany with your card depends exclusively on the the expiration date of your own Chancenkarte. You will find this expiration date on the front of your residence permit.

If your job search in Germany was successful, you must switch from your Search Opportunity Card to another residence permit for gainful employment for gainful employment. If you do not meet the necessary requirements for a residence permit, the immigration authority can grant you for up to two further years a follow-up opportunity card for up to two more years. This allows you to stay in Germany for longer.

You must submit the opportunity card to your German diplomatic mission abroad i.e. the embassy or consulate responsible for your region. You can find out which one this is using the consulate finder of the Federal Foreign Office to find out.

If you are already in Germany, you must apply for the Chancenkarte at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence. immigration office where you live.

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