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National Visa – Category D: Chancenkarte / Opportunity Card

20.01.2025 - Article

Additional Information:

  • A Job Search Opportunity Card Visa can be issued for:

a) academic professionals (university graduates) holding a German or a recognizedcomparable academic degree or a holder of a vocational training or professional qualification recognized by the competent German authority as equivalent to a German qualification.

and

b) skilled workers, who completed a vocational training, which is recognized in the country, where it was obtained from.

  • These visas are issued for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of twelve months for the purpose of seeking employment corresponding with the applicants’ qualification in Germany. The visa can be converted into a residence permit once employment has been found.

  • If you wish to work in a so-called regulated profession (e.g., in health care), you must have either obtained, or have been assured that you will be given, written permission to exercise your profession (Berufsausübungserlaubnis).

All information regarding the Chancenkarte / Opportunity Card can be found: here. The link provides you with the possibility of doing a self-check on whether you qualify or not. If you do not qualify for the Chancenkarte / Opportunity Card please refrain from applying.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED

Your application set has to be sorted as follows:

Please don’t staple the application form or the documents

1.

Videx Application Form

  • Fully completed in English or German, signed, and dated by the applicant himself.

  • Must be submitted as printout including the barcode page (page 7) and signed forms on page 5 and 6.

2.

Passport

  • The original passport must be present & copies of the passport (personal data page including validity & signature pages) must be submitted.

  • UAE residency as well as Emirates ID must be submitted as copies.

  • It is recommended that the passport is valid for at least 1 year at the day of submission. Please be aware that a visa validity cannot exceed the validity of the passport.

  • Signed by bearer

  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)

  • At least 2 consecutive blank pages (i.e. a blank double page spread).

  • Special rules might apply for some nationals which passports are not recognized by the German authorities.

3.

2 recent biometric passport sized photographs (3.5x4,5 cm)

Requirements:

  • Should NOT be older than 6 months.

  • A frontal view of the face covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.

  • A uniform and light-colored background.

  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.

  • Head coverings are only accepted for religious reasons.

Do not glue or staple the pictures to the application form.

4.

If applicable: previous stays in Germany / previous Schengen Visa

  • Copies of your old German residence permit

  • Copies of previous Schengen visa

5.

Proof of Qualification

Proof of academic degree / training or vocational training and (if applicable) prior work experience

Option A

For academic professionals with a recognized degree: German university degree or recognized foreign university degree comparable to a German degree.

You can check whether your foreign university as well as degree is recognized or comparable by

consulting the ANABIN database and submit ANABIN-printout of university comparison and ANABIN-printout of degree comparison. General information on the recognition process can be found here.

If your university/degree is not listed in ANABIN, you will first have to apply for a Statement of Comparability with the Central Office for Foreign Education & submit the proof when applying or refer to option B.

For Applicants (skilled workers) who completed a recognized vocational training: Proof of recognition of your training; additional information can be found here: Anerkennung in Deutschland

General information on the recognition process can be found here.

Proof of German language proficiency is necessary for certain professions (especially customer related professions).

Option B

(Applicable on applicants with a completed vocational training or a university degree not recognized in Germany but recognized in the country, where it was obtained)

  • Applicants are holding a completed university degree that is recognized by the country in which it was obtained.

OR

  • Applicants (skilled workers) who completed vocational training of at least 2 years duration that is recognized by the country in which it was obtained.

With confirmation from the German Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) Obtained through the website https://zab.kmk.org/en/dab

AND

proof of knowledge of German on level A1 from Goethe Institute or ÖSD OR knowledge of English on level B2, certificate with ALTE Q-mark

And if applicable proof of:

  • Notification of partial recognition of vocational qualification

  • Proof of German skills on levels A2, B1, B2, C1 from Goethe Institute or ÖSD

  • Proof of English skills on level C1, certificate with ALTE Q-mark

  • Proof of work experience in connection with the qualification

  • Proof of a least 6 months continuous legal stay in Germany in the last 5 years

For option 1 & 2 a printout for the Self-Check result must be submitted.

6.

Proof of financial means to cover the costs of the time of your stay:

  • Proof of a “Sperrkonto” (blocked account) in Germany with sufficient funds currently amounting to at least 1.091,-- EUR/month of intended stay plus sufficient funds for the return flight. For further information, please check our website under National Visa. Additional Information regarding limited withdrawal bank accounts can be found here

or

  • formal obligation letter “Verpflichtungserklärung” by sponsor living in Germany.

Please refer to our Information Sheet- Blocked Account & Obligation letter Information Sheet- Blocked Account & Obligation letter .

7.

Curriculum vitae (CV) of professional career, specifying the certificates, diplomas and qualifications you have obtained.

8.

Relevant previous work experience certificates & additional proof of previous and current academic studies (e.g., Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, Higher National Diploma)/professional training/work experience

9.

  • Proof of recent job search in Germany (e.g., email correspondence re applications, potential job offers, agency enquiries, etc.)

  • Plan of job search in Germany including list of potential employers, If applicable proof ofemail correspondence with potential employers.

  • Cover Letter/ Motivation Letter (including the reason why you are searching for a job in Germany? information and plan to find employment in Germany as well as career plans. Area of work? What part of Germany? Accommodation? Future plans?)

10.

Proof of accommodation in Germany at least for the first month

11.

Incoming medical insurance or proof public / private insurance covering the applicant as an expat in Germany has to be provided. A travel insurance is not sufficient.

Note further:

  • False or falsified documents will lead to the refusal of visa and / or further consequences.

  • The German Consulate Dubai reserves the right to ask for additional documents and / or call applicant for additional information or interview.

  • If your application is successful, you will be issued a limited-validity entry visa - similar to a UAE entry visa for longer stay. Please make sure to check the validity of your visa!

Disclaimer:Although the information in this leaflet has been prepared with utmost care, we cannot accept any responsibility for inaccuracies contained herein.

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