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How to Convert an Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) to a Germany Work Visa (Arbeitsvisum)
As an HR professional, you’re likely helping your non-EU employees navigate Germany’s immigration system. The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) allows skilled workers (Fachkräfte) to enter Germany and search for jobs (Arbeitsplätze) for up to one year. Once your employee secures a position, converting the Chancenkarte into a Germany Arbeitsvisum (work visa) or residence permit for employment ( Aufenthaltsgenehmigung zur Erwerbstätigkeit) is the next step to ensure their legal stay.
This guide covers everything you need—eligibility (Zulassungsvoraussetzungen), process, requirements (Anforderungen), documents (Dokumente), where to apply (Antragsstellen), appointment details (Terminvereinbarung), salary levels (Gehaltsstufen), processing time (Bearbeitungszeit), and fees (Gebühren)—to support your employee’s conversion from Chancenkarte to Germany Work Visa.
What is the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card)?
The Chancenkarte is a residence permit ( Aufenthaltstitel ) under Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act ( Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz ), designed to attract qualified professionals(qualifizierte Fachkräfte) from non-EU countries. It allows your employee to live in Germany for up to one year, work part-time (Teilzeit, up to 20 hours/week), and seek full-time Beschäftigung (employment). Once they sign an Arbeitsvertrag (employment contract), you’ll assist them in converting the Chancenkarte into an Arbeitsvisum to comply with German Aufenthaltsgesetz (residence law).
Read our detailed guide on Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte).
Eligibility (Zulassungsvoraussetzungen) for Converting a Chancenkarte to a German work visa (Arbeitsvisum)
Overview of criteria to convert the Chancenkarte into an Arbeitsvisum (Download format)
See more details around this on Make it in Germany.
Step-by-Step Process to Convert the Chancenkarte to a German work visa (Arbeitsvisum
Requirements (Anforderungen) for Conversion
Beyond eligibility, these Anforderungen apply:
- Language Skills (Sprachkenntnisse): German (Deutschkenntnisse, A1–B2) or English (B2) may be needed for certain Berufe (professions), especially regulated ones like Medizin (medicine).
- Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung): Valid gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (statutory health insurance) is mandatory.
- Financial Stability: Proof of funds (e.g., S생rkonto with €1,091/month) if the job starts later.
- Recognition of Qualifications: For regulated professions, qualifications must be recognized via anabin or an recognition body (Anerkennungsstelle).
Documents (Dokumente) Needed for Conversion
Prepare these documents for the application (Antrag):
- Valid Passport (Reisepass): Must be valid for six months beyond the stay.
- Employment Contract (Arbeitsvertrag): Signed, detailing job role, Gehalt (salary), and duration.
- Proof of Qualifications: degrees, training certificates, or recognition documents.
- CV (Lebenslauf): Outlining work experience.
- Health Insurance Proof: Confirmation of health insurance (Krankenversicherung).
- Current Chancenkarte: Copy of the residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel).
- Employer Declaration: Form declaration of employment completed by HR, if requested.
- Rental Agreement (Mietvertrag): Proof of residence (optional but recommended).
Verify with the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).
Where to Apply (Antragsstellen) for the Arbeitsvisum
Applications are processed in Germany at:
- Local immigration office: The Foreigners’ Authority in the employee’s Wohnort (e.g., Berlin, Munich).
- Online Option: Some regions allow initial submissions via the Consular Services Portal, followed by an in-person visit.
Find your immigration office, Ausländerbehörde at BAMF.
Appointment Details (Terminvereinbarung)
- Booking: Schedule an appointment online or by phone via the Ausländerbehörde. Book 2–3 months ahead in busy areas.
- In-Person: Required for Biometric (fingerprints, photo) and original Dokumente.
- HR Tip: Advise employees to bring organized Documents (Unterlagen) and arrive early.
Salary Levels (Gehaltsstufen) to Consider
Salary impacts visa approval:
- Part-Time (Teilzeit) during Chancenkarte: €12.41/hour (Mindestlohn 2025) for up to 20 hours/week (~€1,000/month gross).
- Full-Time Employment:
- IT: €52,560+ (EU Blue Card eligible).
- Engineering/Healthcare (Ingenieurwesen/Gesundheitswesen): €45,300–€60,000+ based on Erfahrung (experience).
- Mangelberufe: €41,041+.
- Path to Niederlassungserlaubnis: Higher Gehalt speeds up permanent residency after 3–4 years.
Processing Time (Bearbeitungszeit) for Conversion
- Duration: 1-3 months, depending on Ausländerbehörde workload and document Vollständigkeit (completeness).
- HR Tip: Apply early to bridge the gap between Chancenkarte expiration and Arbeitsvisum issuance.
Fees (Gebühren) for Conversion
- Application Fee (Antragsgebühr): €100 for an Aufenthaltsgenehmigung zur Erwerbstätigkeit (2025).
- Additional Costs: Biometrische Fotos (€5–10), translations/certifications (€50–€100).
- Note: Gebühren are non-refundable.
Additional Important Considerations for HR
- EU Blue Card Option: For Gehalt of €48,300–€52,560 and a recognized Abschluss, this offers faster Niederlassungserlaubnis (21 months with B1 Deutsch).
- Family Reunification (Familiennachzug): The Arbeitsvisum allows spouses and children to join—unlike the Chancenkarte. Prepare Heiratsurkunden (marriage certificates) or Geburtsurkunden (birth certificates).
- Support: Use Make it in Germany for HR resources.
- Job Market: Germany needs 400,000 Fachkräfte annually—focus on IT, Ingenieurwesen, and Gesundheitswesen.
Conclusion
Converting a Chancenkarte to an Arbeitsvisum is a straightforward yet detailed Prozess. As HR, your role in managing Zulassungsvoraussetzungen, preparing Dokumente, and coordinating Termine ensures compliance with the Aufenthaltsgesetz. Leverage this guide and resources like Make it in Germany to secure your employee’s long-term Arbeitsvisum in Germany’s thriving job market (Arbeitsmarkt).
Common FAQs around Opportunity card (Chancekarte)
Skilled workers with a recognized university degree or at least two years of vocational training, plus A1 German or B2 English skills, and financial proof of €12,324 annually (or €1,027/month) can apply.
Register your residence at the local Bürgeramt within two weeks of arrival, then actively search for a job. Once employed, apply for a longer residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde.
The card is valid for one year and generally not extendable unless you secure a job, in which case you can switch to a work-related residence permit. Check with the local Foreigners’ Authority for options.
Yes, you can work part-time up to 20 hours per week or do trial jobs for up to 2 weeks per employer while searching for full-time employment.
Yes, if your qualifications aren’t fully recognized in Germany, you need at least 6 points based on education, work experience, language skills, and age. Check the self-assessment tool for details.
Processing can take several weeks to six months, depending on the embassy’s workload and document verification. Apply early to account for delays.
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