Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) from Pakistan
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) gives up to a year in Germany to look for work. It is open to recognised skilled workers, and to others who score at least 6 points with a degree or vocational qualification, German at A1 or English at B2, and proof of funds such as a blocked account. The main fee is €75 (about PKR 23,300).
Last checked:
At a glance
- Main fee
- €75 (about PKR 23,300)
- Processing time
- Varies, see below
- Documents
- 12 on the list
- There are two ways in. With a qualification fully recognised in Germany, the points system does not apply.
- Otherwise the points route needs a recognised qualification: a degree, or at least two years of vocational training, recognised in the country where you obtained it (for example Pakistan).
- The points route also needs German at level A1 or English at level B2, and at least 6 points for things like language skills, work experience, age and ties to Germany.
- You must show you can support yourself while you look for work.
Fees
| Fee | Official amount | About in PKR |
|---|---|---|
| National visa fee | €75 | PKR 23,300 |
Rupee amounts are a guide only, at the mid-market rate on October 8, 2026 (1 EUR = PKR 310.37). Your bank and the visa centre use their own rates.
Check the amount on the official source.
Official fee pages:Visa and entry to Germany
Processing time
Not confirmed
Appointment waiting times vary; check the German mission in Pakistan.
Official source: German Embassy Islamabad and Consulate General KarachiDocuments you need
From our draft document list for this visa. Your own list depends on your situation, so check the official source.
Usually needed
Passport
Degree certificate
Degree certificate (HEC-attested; Germany accepts neither apostilles nor legalisation of Pakistani documents) or, for vocational qualifications, the certificate showing at least 2 years of state-recognised training.
Transcript / detailed marks certificate
Curriculum vitae
Health insurance certificate
Travel health insurance until you have other cover in Germany.
Passport-size photograph (destination specification)
Biometric photo.
Needed in some situations
Proof of recognition (anabin printouts, ZAB statement or recognition notice)
Proof of degree recognition: two anabin printouts (your university listed as H+ and the exact degree entry) or a ZAB Statement of Comparability; if the degree is fully recognised, the recognition notice.
German language certificate (Goethe, telc, TestDaF)
German certificate (A1 or higher).
English test result (IELTS TRF, PTE, CELPIP, TOEFL)
English certificate (B2 or higher) if you do not have German.
Blocked account confirmation (Sperrkonto)
Blocked account confirmation or another accepted proof of funds. The German Mission in Pakistan also lists funds for a return ticket (reported as EUR 500; check the mission's checklist).
Polio vaccination certificate (NIMS/NADRA)
Pakistan exit requirement, not a visa document: when you leave Pakistan you must show a NIMS/NADRA vaccination certificate including polio (the old paper card is no longer accepted, and since 14 September 2026 airports check a NADRA-integrated vaccination record). Verify current rules.
Can support your application
Employer reference or leave letter (NOC)
Experience letters (for experience points).
Where to apply in Pakistan
Which mission takes your application depends on where you live in Pakistan.
The official page for this visa is dated Jun 20, 2025:Work visa: employment, training or jobseekerWe last checked it on Oct 7, 2026. Until this list is verified, follow that page where the two differ.
German Embassy Islamabad
EmbassyRamna 5, Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad
Takes applications from Islamabad Capital Territory, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Including the former FATA, now part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Ways to apply
Online portalConsular Services Portal: work and jobseeker visas
Apply and upload your documents online. A visa officer screens them, then invites you to an appointment or asks for more documents. Covers the EU Blue Card, skilled workers and the Opportunity Card.
Open the official pageOfficial source: Work visa: employment, training or jobseeker
Visa questions go by email to visainfo@isla.diplo.de; questions about the status of an application are not answered. Appointments are only given online, never by phone or email. The honorary consul in Lahore does not take visa applications.
German Consulate General Karachi
Consulate92-A/7, Block 5, Clifton, Karachi
Takes applications from Sindh, Balochistan.
Ways to apply
Online portalConsular Services Portal: work and jobseeker visas
Apply and upload your documents online. A visa officer screens them, then invites you to an appointment or asks for more documents. Covers the EU Blue Card, skilled workers and the Opportunity Card.
Open the official pageOfficial source: Work visa: employment, training or jobseeker
The visa section answers phone questions only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 to 12:00, on the number its page gives. Missing documents go in the mailbox at the barrier, marked with your application number.
How to apply, step by step
Check recognition
Check your degree in anabin or apply for recognition / a ZAB statement; full recognition removes the points requirement.
Recognition in Germany (official portal)Language certificate
German A1 or English B2 on the points path; more German earns more points.
Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)Prepare funds
Open a blocked account or arrange a formal obligation letter or part-time job contract.
Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)Apply for the national visa
Apply online through the Consular Services Portal and attend the appointment at the German mission in Pakistan.
Consular Services Portal (online visa applications)Decision
Waiting times for appointments and decisions in Pakistan can be long; check the embassy website.
German Embassy Islamabad and Consulate General Karachi
Questions people ask
How much does a Germany Opportunity Card cost from Pakistan?
National visa fee: €75 (about PKR 23,300). Fees change, so check the official fee page before you pay.
Visa and entry to Germany (opens in a new tab)How long does a Germany Opportunity Card take from Pakistan?
Appointment waiting times vary; check the German mission in Pakistan.
German Embassy Islamabad and Consulate General Karachi (opens in a new tab)What documents do I need for a Germany Opportunity Card from Pakistan?
The usual documents are: Passport, Degree certificate, Transcript / detailed marks certificate, Curriculum vitae, Health insurance certificate, and Passport-size photograph (destination specification). Depending on your situation, you may also need: Proof of recognition (anabin printouts, ZAB statement or recognition notice), German language certificate (Goethe, telc, TestDaF), English test result (IELTS TRF, PTE, CELPIP, TOEFL), Blocked account confirmation (Sperrkonto), and Polio vaccination certificate (NIMS/NADRA).
Where do I apply for a Germany Opportunity Card in Pakistan?
German Embassy Islamabad takes applications from Islamabad Capital Territory, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. German Consulate General Karachi takes applications from Sindh and Balochistan.
How many points do I need for the Germany Opportunity Card?
At least 6, unless your qualification is fully recognised in Germany, which removes the points requirement. On the points path you also need German at A1 or English at B2; more German earns more points.
Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) (opens in a new tab)Does Germany accept an apostille on Pakistani documents?
No. Germany objected to Pakistan joining the Apostille Convention, so Pakistani apostilles are not accepted, and the German missions in Pakistan do not legalise Pakistani documents. Degrees need HEC attestation plus proof of recognition; matric and intermediate certificates should be board-verified and IBCC-attested.
German Embassy Islamabad and Consulate General Karachi (opens in a new tab)