Germany’s Opportunity Card lets qualified non-EU citizens enter Germany to look for a job. You do not need a job offer first. You can stay up to 12 months to search, network, and interview. You may work part-time during this period. You can also do short trial jobs to prove your skills.

This route suits Bangladeshi graduates and trained professionals who want to move first and secure a job from inside Germany. It reduces the barrier of finding an employer from abroad. It also gives you time to settle, improve language skills, and match with the right role.

You must show that you can support yourself. You also need the right mix of qualifications, language, and experience. If you get a suitable job, you switch to a work residence permit. That allows full-time work and a longer stay.

What is the Opportunity Card?

The Opportunity Card is a job-search residence permit for Germany. It is designed for skilled workers from outside the EU. Its goal is to fill talent gaps in Germany while giving candidates a clear, legal pathway.

Key points you should know:

• No job offer required at application.
• Validity: up to 12 months for job search.
• Work rights: up to 20 hours per week part-time. Short “trial work” with employers is allowed for a limited period.
• Purpose: find qualifying employment that fits your skills.
• Next step: once you secure a job, you convert to the appropriate employment residence permit.

There are some limits:

• It is not a permanent residence by itself.
• It does not allow unrestricted full-time work until you switch permits.
• You must maintain health insurance and sufficient funds during your stay.

For applicants from Bangladesh, this is a practical way to enter Germany, meet employers in person, and compete fairly in the local market. You prepare in Dhaka. You interview in Germany.

Who is Eligible For Opportunity Card

Eligibility follows two clear routes. Choose the one that fits your profile.

1) Skilled Worker Route

This route is for applicants whose qualifications are officially recognised in Germany.

• You hold a university degree or at least two years of formal vocational training.
• Your qualification is recognised as equivalent to a German one.
• If you meet this standard, you do not need to use the points system.
• You still need proof of funds, health insurance, and other standard documents.

Who typically qualifies here?

• Bangladeshi engineers with recognised degrees.
• IT professionals with recognised bachelor’s degrees.
• Nurses, electricians, or technicians whose diplomas are evaluated and accepted by German authorities.

Why this route helps:

• It is straightforward.
• Employers understand your status quickly.
• Switching to a full employment permit after a job offer is usually simpler.

2) Points-Based Route (Minimum 6 Points)

If your qualification is not yet fully recognised, you can qualify through a points system. You must reach a minimum of 6 points across several factors. Typical factors include:

• Education or vocational training of at least two years.
• Language skills: German (A1 and above) or English (often B2 is the benchmark).
• Professional experience: recent, relevant work history.
• Age: younger applicants may receive more points.
• Connection to Germany: prior stays, family ties, or German degrees can help.
• Spouse’s qualifications: can add points in some cases.

Here are some examples for Bangladeshi applicants:

• A BBA graduate with 2+ years of experience and English at B2 may reach the threshold.
• A diploma engineer with A1 German and 3–5 years of work may qualify.
• An IT professional with a bachelor’s degree, English B2, and recent projects often qualifies.

Base conditions for both routes:

• Non-EU citizenship. Bangladesh qualifies.
• Valid passport and clean background.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Proof of funds to support yourself during job search.
• Clear plan to find work that meets German permit rules.

If you can meet the skilled worker recognition standard, use that route. If not, build your profile to reach at least 6 points. Improve language, document experience, and prepare strong proof of funds.

What You Can Do in Germany with the Card

The Opportunity Card is a job-search permit. It gives you time and limited work rights while you look for a full job.

You may:

• Live in Germany for up to 12 months to search for work.
• Work part-time up to 20 hours per week to support yourself.
• Do short trial work with potential employers for a limited period per employer.
• Attend interviews, job fairs, and networking events.
• Take short courses to improve skills or language, as long as they do not conflict with your permit conditions.

You must not:

• Work full-time until you switch to a proper employment residence permit.
• Exceed the 20-hour weekly limit while on the card.
• Ignore local registration rules. You must register your address, maintain health insurance, and follow tax rules for any part-time income.

Goal of the card:

• Find a job that meets German rules for a work permit.
• Once you sign a qualifying contract, apply to convert your status to an employment residence permit before the 12 months end.

Tip for Bangladeshi applicants:

• Plan a focused job search by city and sector.
• Build language and industry contacts early.
• Keep proof of your compliance, such as payslips for part-time work and valid insurance.

Documents You’ll Require For The Card

Prepare a tidy, complete file. Incomplete sets cause delays. Translate non-English or non-German documents with a certified translator.

Identity and forms

• Valid passport with sufficient validity.
• Recent biometric photos.
• Completed national visa application form.
• Appointment confirmation and visa fee receipt.
• Signed motivation letter that explains your plan and target roles.

Education and work

• Degree certificates and transcripts.
• Vocational training certificates if applicable.
• Proof of work experience. Include employment letters and payslips.
• Any recognition or equivalence assessment if you have it.

Language

• Language certificates. German A1 or higher helps. English at B2 is often used by employers. Keep test report forms ready.
  

Financial ability

• Proof of funds that covers your stay. This can be a blocked account or sufficient bank balance.
• If available, a pre-arranged part-time job offer that fits the 20-hour limit. Keep a draft contract or letter.

Health and accommodation

• Health insurance that is valid in Germany from day one.
• Temporary accommodation booking or address plan for registration after arrival.

Background and civil status

• Police clearance certificate if requested by the embassy.
• Marriage certificate or birth certificates for dependents if you plan to apply with family.
• Copies of previous visas and travel history if relevant.

Helpful extras

• Updated CV in German or English using German standards.
• Portfolio or GitHub for tech roles.
• Reference letters with contact details.
  

Bangladesh-specific notes

• Keep originals and certified copies.
• Provide notarised translations where required.
• Bring both printed and digital sets.
• Follow the German Embassy in Dhaka’s latest checklist, since requirements can change.

How to Apply From Bangladesh

Start with a self-check. Decide whether you fit the Skilled Worker route or the Points route. Confirm the basics:  

• You must hold a valid passport
• Have health insurance from entry 
• Show funds for your stay

Build your file next. Keep it clean and complete. Include: 

• Passport, photos, visa form, fee receipt.
• Degrees, transcripts, vocational certificates.
• Work experience letters and payslips.
• Language certificates.
• Proof of funds or blocked account setup.
• Health insurance starting from entry.
• CV and motivation letter.

Translate non-English or non-German documents with a certified translator. Keep originals and certified copies.

If you aim for the Skilled Worker route, begin qualification recognition early. Save proof of equivalence or recognition. It makes the later permit switch easier.

Book your appointment at the German Embassy in Dhaka. Arrive prepared. In the interview, explain your job-search plan, target roles, and why Germany. Show proof of funds and valid health insurance. Provide clear answers. Be concise.

After submission, wait for a decision. 

Processing often takes several weeks. Respond quickly to any extra requests. Once approved, arrange a short-term place to stay, prepare a German-style CV, and line up calls or interviews if you can.

Proof of Funds: How Much to Budget

You need enough money to live while you search. Plan for EUR 1,200 to 1,500 per month in many cities. Big cities may cost more. Smaller towns can be lower.

Typical monthly costs:

• Rent and utilities: EUR 600 to 1,000
• Health insurance: EUR 120 to 160
• Food and essentials: EUR 250 to 350
• Public transport pass: about EUR 49
• Phone and internet share: EUR 20 to 40
• Miscellaneous: EUR 100 to 200

There are setup costs too. A rental deposit is often one to two months of rent. Basic furniture and gear can add EUR 200 to 600. City fees and small registrations may cost EUR 50 to 150.

How to show funds. A blocked account is common. Recent bank statements also help. A compliant part-time job contract for up to 20 hours per week can strengthen your case. Keep statements consistent and easy to read. Add a three-month buffer if possible. Job searches can take longer than expected.

Job Search Strategy in Germany

Come with a plan. Execute fast after arrival.

Target roles and regions

• Map your skills to sectors with demand.
• Tech and startups: Berlin and Munich.
• Engineering and manufacturing: Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
• Logistics and industry: North Rhine-Westphalia and Hamburg.
• Healthcare and skilled trades: nationwide shortages.

Localise your profile

• One-page CV in German or clear English.
• Add a short profile summary and measurable results.
• Use German job titles where possible.
• Prepare a concise cover letter for each role.

Where to search

• Nice World: get jobs in Europe. 
• National portals and company career pages.
• LinkedIn jobs with Germany location filters.
• Federal portals and city job boards.
• Recruiters who focus on your niche.

Network quickly

• Attend meetups, job fairs, and chamber events.
• Join professional groups in your city.
• Ask for informational calls. Keep it polite and short.
• Use trial work legally to prove fit.

Interview readiness

• Research employer and salary bands.
• Practice simple German greetings even if the job is in English.
• Bring printed CV, references, and portfolio links.
• After interviews, send a short thank-you note.

Compliance while searching

• Respect the 20-hour weekly limit on work.
• Keep payslips and insurance proof.
• Update your address registration if you move.

Conversion mindset

• Track roles that meet permit criteria.
• When an offer comes, move fast on the permit switch.
• Keep your documents updated so the conversion is smooth.