With the Opportunity Card, applicants from non-EU countries can spend a year in Germany looking for work and gaining initial work experience. As soon as they have a concrete job offer and a signed employment contract, they can switch from the Opportunity Card to a regular work visa or the EU Blue Card. In this blog article, you will learn how to switch from the Opportunity Card to an official work visa in just 5 steps.
Opportunity Card change: How to apply for the EU Blue Card in Germany
Applicants with a university degree from non-EU countries can take up regular employment in an EU member state with the EU Blue Card. In addition to a university degree, a valid employment contract and a minimum gross salary are required.
| Minimum gross salary per year | Minimum gross salary per month | |
|---|---|---|
| Regular occupations | 48.300 € | approx. 4.025 € |
| Shortage occupations (e.g. IT, engineering, mathematics, natural sciences, medicine) | 43.759,80 € | approx. 3.647 € |
Source: Federal Foreign Office 2025
Anyone who can present a qualified job offer may work in Germany with the EU Blue Card for as long as the employment contract is valid – plus a maximum of three months. In the case of permanent contracts, the authorities may even grant a residence permit for up to four years at a time. In order to successfully switch from the Opportunity Card to the EU Blue Card, you must register with the local immigration office in good time. There is often a fee for the applicant. (22.80 euros for those under 24, or 37 euros for those 24 and over, source: Migrando.de)
IMPORTANT: If you wish to change employers, you must report to the authorities within two weeks.
Tip: If the required salary threshold is not reached, you can first apply for a regular work visa and later (with a higher salary) switch to the EU Blue Card.
Example
Aryan from India enters Germany on a Chancenkarte (opportunity card) to look for a job in the IT industry. After six months, he finds a permanent position as a software developer in Berlin with an annual salary of €51,000. Aryan can then apply to the local immigration office to switch from the Opportunity Card to the EU Blue Card. Once approved, Aryan is allowed to work in Germany on a long-term basis and can apply for a settlement permit after 21 months (with B1 German language skills).
Opportunity Card change: How to apply for a work visa in Germany
Skilled workers without a university degree must apply to the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) to switch from the Opportunity Card to a regular work visa. For regulated professions (e.g. nursing or skilled trades), a licence to practise may be required. You can obtain information in advance from the immigration office.
The prerequisite for the change is proof of training recognised in Germany. For skilled trades and technical professions, recognition is assessed by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or the Chamber of Skilled Trades (HWK). If the transition period takes longer to process, you can apply for a provisional residence permit. This allows you to continue to stay and work in Germany until the new residence permit is issued by the immigration office.
IMPORTANT: In addition to the application, the form for a residence permit for the purpose of employment (§ 18a/b AufenthG) must also be completed.
Example
Manila comes to Germany from the Philippines with an opportunity card to look for a job in the care sector. After four months, she is offered a position as a nurse in a Hamburg hospital. Her annual salary is €38,000. Without a university degree, she can apply for a regular work visa (§ 18a AufenthG) at the local immigration office. Manila also needs a work permit (Federal Employment Agency) because her profession is regulated. After five years in the job, she can apply for a settlement permit from the authorities.
From the Opportunity Card to a long-term residence permit – in just 5 steps
To ensure a smooth transition from the opportunity card to a residence permit via the EU Blue Card or a work visa, you should follow these steps:
- A secure job offer and a signed employment contract are available.
- Approval from the Federal Employment Agency has been obtained. (The job offer must be suitable for the training programme and meet the prescribed salary thresholds.)
- Contact the local immigration office.
- Submit documents, including:
- Valid and signed employment contract
- Declaration of employment (completed by the employer)
- Proof of identity (identity documents)
- Proof of qualifications (degree certificates) – If proof is not possible, recognition by, for example, the ZAB (Central Office for Foreign University Degrees) is required
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of residence (registration certificate, tenancy agreement)
- Professional licence, if your profession is regulated (e.g. in medicine, law, etc.)
-> Once you have been approved by the immigration office, you are allowed to work full-time.
- After five years of employment with a residence permit, you can apply for a settlement permit (with an EU Blue Card, this is possible after 21–27 months, depending on your language level).
IMPORTANT: Long stays outside Germany (usually more than 6 months at a time) can jeopardise your residence permit. For some residence permits, such as the EU Blue Card, stays of up to twelve months abroad are possible.
Tip: Gather all the necessary documents BEFORE your opportunity card expires so that you can submit them on time.
Conclusion
With the Opportunity Card, applicants from non-EU countries can legally enter Germany and look for a job locally within one year. Once a suitable job has been found and the signed employment contract is available, the responsible immigration office can convert your residence permit into a regular work visa or the EU Blue Card.
In many cases, the authority will quickly approve the change from the Opportunity Card to a long-term residence permit because you have already proven that you meet the most important requirements. Another advantage is that you do not have to apply for a visa abroad. The work visa is always tied to a specific employer. From the Opportunity Card to long-term residence – if you are well prepared and meet the requirements, you can find your dream job in Germany.
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