Job Spectra
Germany job seeker visa vs Opportunity Card: what the law actually says
Under §20 of the German Residence Act, the residence permit for looking for work is for people who completed studies, research or training in Germany, or had their professional qualification recognised, and it lasts up to 18 months. The Opportunity Card in §20a is the route for people with a foreign qualification, lasting up to one year with up to 20 hours of work a week.
What is the difference between the Germany job seeker visa and the Opportunity Card?
Under §20 of the German Residence Act, the residence permit for looking for work is for people who completed studies, research or training in Germany, or had their professional qualification recognised, and it lasts up to 18 months. The Opportunity Card in §20a is the route for people with a foreign qualification, lasting up to one year with up to 20 hours of work a week.
The two routes side by side
| Job-search permit (§20) | Opportunity Card (§20a) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | People who completed studies, research, qualified vocational training or healthcare/nursing assistant training in Germany, or whose professional qualification has been recognised. | People with a recognised foreign qualification who want to look for a job in Germany. |
| Duration | Up to 18 months for most categories; up to 12 months, extendable by up to 6, for the healthcare/nursing assistant category. | Up to one year, with a possible extension up to two years if you find a job. |
| Living costs | Must be secured. | Must be secured. |
| Language | Not specified in §20. | At least simple German, or English at B2 level. |
| Work while searching | Work must comply with the sections of the Act that §20 refers to. | Up to 20 hours a week, and trial employment of up to two weeks per employer. |
What this means if you are applying from India
Most online articles call everything a "Germany job seeker visa". In law, the permit in §20 is mainly for people who already studied, trained or had their qualification recognised in Germany. A person applying from India with a foreign degree or vocational qualification would normally look at the Opportunity Card in §20a, or at a job-based route such as the EU Blue Card.
Our Germany Chancenkarte points calculator gives an indicative score, and our Germany Opportunity Card page explains our support. Always confirm the current rules and points table with the German government before applying.
Practical next steps
- Decide which route fits you: job-search permit after German studies or training, Opportunity Card, or a job-based route such as the Blue Card.
- Check that your qualification is recognised, and gather proof of secured living costs.
- Prepare your documents early, including a police clearance certificate if the mission asks for one.
- Beware of anyone who sells a "job seeker visa" for a fee: see overseas job scams.
Official sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Information only, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is there still a Germany job seeker visa for people outside Germany?
The Opportunity Card in §20a is the route for people with a foreign qualification looking for work. The permit in §20 mainly serves people who completed studies, research or training in Germany, or had their qualification recognised there.
How long can I stay under §20?
Up to 18 months for most categories. The healthcare and nursing assistant category is up to 12 months, with one possible extension of up to 6 months.
Do I need German for the Opportunity Card?
You need at least simple German or English at B2 level, according to §20a.
Can I work on the Opportunity Card?
Yes, up to 20 hours a week, and trial employment of up to two weeks per employer.