Germany Launches One-Year Opportunity Card: Dh300 Visa Offers UAE Residents a Gateway to Work and Travel Across Europe

Abu Dhabi : In a game-changing move, Germany has introduced a new immigration pathway that opens up direct access for UAE residents—particularly professionals from South Asia—to live and work in the country without the need for a job offer or employer sponsorship.

The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), valid for one year, provides non-EU nationals with a streamlined, affordable route to gain entry into Germany and, by extension, the wider Schengen area. The initiative was highlighted during a session at the Gulf News Edufair in Abu Dhabi, where Clint Khan, Director of global immigration consultancy Y-Axis, discussed the programme’s significance for UAE-based talent.

“This is a breakthrough for professionals who previously had to spend upwards of $20,000 on education in Germany just to eventually settle there,” said Khan. “Now, they can bypass that and begin working directly, making it a much faster and more cost-effective alternative.”

Points-Based Eligibility

The Opportunity Card operates on a points-based system, where applicants must score at least six out of 14 points. Points are awarded based on age, educational qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency.

Candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree equivalent to a German degree automatically qualify—without the need to prove language proficiency in German or English.

No Employer Sponsorship Needed

Unlike traditional migration destinations like Canada, Australia, or the UK, Germany’s new visa does not require employer sponsorship, making it significantly more accessible for qualified professionals.

“This is the first time a European country has introduced a visa that allows non-EU nationals to start working from day one—without a sponsor,” Khan noted.

Full Schengen Access, Low-Cost Entry

The Opportunity Card, classified as a national visa, also permits travel across the Schengen zone, adding a major benefit for professionals seeking mobility in Europe.

The application fee is just Dh313 (€75), with the main financial requirement being proof of €13,092 (about Dh55,000) in a German blocked bank account. These funds are disbursed monthly to cover living expenses. UAE applicants can secure an interview slot before transferring funds, allowing time to arrange finances.

Quick Processing Times

Visa approvals typically take 5 to 15 days post-interview. In the UAE, interview wait times are currently around 5.5 months due to high demand—still faster than average Schengen visa processing times.

“You can’t even get a Schengen visa that fast,” Khan said, noting the growing interest in this program.

German Language a Strategic Advantage

While not mandatory, learning German is strongly encouraged to enhance job opportunities and integration prospects.

“Those who take the initiative to learn German are setting themselves up for success,” Khan advised.

This innovative visa pathway is expected to appeal widely to young professionals, graduates, and skilled workers in the UAE looking for a realistic and rewarding path to European employment and future settlement.