Opportunity Card Germany from Pakistan: the language requirement and points

The Opportunity Card is a German residence permit for job seekers: it lets skilled workers from outside the EU live in Germany for up to one year while they look for work. The official details are on the German government's Make it in Germany Opportunity Card page.

There are two routes. If your professional or academic qualification is fully recognised in Germany, you can get the card without points. Everyone else uses the points system and needs at least 6 points.

On the points route, you must show a minimum level in German or English. One of these is enough:

• German at A1 or higher, or
• English at B2 or higher

Meeting the minimum doesn't earn points by itself. A1 German gets you in the door, but it adds nothing towards the 6 points.

Points also come from other criteria, such as recognition of your qualification in Germany, work experience, age, your connection to Germany, and the potential of a partner who applies with you. The official Opportunity Card self-check shows how many points you would get in each area.

Imagine an applicant whose other criteria add up to 4 points. That is not enough: the minimum is 6. Here is how their German level changes the total:

In this example, going from A1 to B1 is what lifts the total to 6. Your own numbers will be different, so use the official self-check to see your real total. Meeting the points minimum is required, but it doesn't guarantee a visa; the German mission decides each application.

Each level takes 6–8 weeks in our classes. The German for a work visa course takes you from A1 to B1 in about 6 months, with workplace German from the start.

Work backwards from when you want to apply. First, use the official self-check to see how many points you already have without German. That tells you which level you need: if you are 1 point short, A2 may be enough; if you are 2 short, aim for B1; if you are 3 short, you'd need B2.

Plan the language exam itself too: you need a certificate to prove your level, and exam dates and seats are limited. Leave time between finishing a level and your application. Not sure where you are now? Take the free German level test.

These rules change, so we only point you to the official sources:

• Assuming A1 German earns points. It meets the minimum but adds nothing to the 6 points.
• Relying on points calculators or summaries from agents. Use the official self-check and the official pages, because the rules can change.
• Leaving the language exam to the last minute. Exam seats are limited, and you need the certificate before you apply.
• Treating the card as a job guarantee. It lets you look for work; finding a job is still up to you, and German makes that much easier.

With B2 English you can apply without German, but German still helps. It earns points, it opens more job offers, because most workplaces use German every day, and it makes daily life easier while you search. For the level different jobs and Ausbildung programmes ask for, read what German level you need for a work visa.