What's the Difference Between the Job Seeker Visa and the Chancenkarte? How to Choose?

Germany's strong economy and skilled workers make people want to work there from all over the world. If you are not from the country and want to work there, you need to know about the right visa option. Possible ways to get here are the Job Seeker Visa and the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card). There are jobs available at both, but they are geared towards different types of people and meet different needs.

Request for a Job Seeker Visa

The Job Seeker Visa is for professionals with a lot of experience who want to work in Germany. If you want to apply, you need to have a degree from a German university or a vocational qualification that is recognised there. If your application is based on your training, you should be able to speak German at a B1 level. You might not have to speak German if you have a grade that is recognised.

This visa lets people stay in Germany for up to six months while they look for work. Applicants must show that they have enough money to cover their own costs during this time. This will cost them about €947 per month, or €5,604 for six months. You should know that you can't work while you have the visa. Its only purpose is to help you look for work. To apply, people must go to a German embassy or consulate in their home country.

Opportunity card: "Chance Card," or "Chance Letter,"

People who are skilled and have experience in the real world have more choices with the Chancenkarte. If you want to apply, you need a professional qualification, at least two years of vocational training, and work experience in a field that is related to the job. Less strict language requirements: you only need to be able to speak German at the A1 level or English at the B2 level.

If you want this kind of visa, you have to pay more. Each month it costs about €1,027, or €12,324 for the whole year. That people can work up to 20 hours a week part-time is a big plus. This helps them get experience while they look for full-time work. You can use the Internet or go to a German embassy or consulate to apply. There are times when you might even be able to apply from inside Germany.

How to Choose the Best Option?

Your skills, experience, and ability to pay for it will help you decide between the Job Seeker Visa and the Chancenkarte. The Job Seeker Visa is best for professionals with a lot of education who only want to find a full-time job. The Chancenkarte, on the other hand, lets skilled people with experience and vocational training work part-time while they look for full-time work.

For professionals from other countries who want to do well in Germany, knowing about these differences will help them make plans.