How long does it take, what does it cost, and does it lead to permanent residence?

Scores use verified records and are capped by coverage.

Not legal advice. Always verify with official sources.

Verified pathway

🇩🇪 Germany · Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Work Permit

Source: Federal Government (Make it in Germany) · verified 2026-08-15

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What this authority does not publish

No duration published; the authority points to a guidance tool

  • Processing time

    Same national-visa rule as other long-stay visas: may take several months; if foreigners-authority consent is needed, 'bis zu drei Monaten, gelegentlich auch länger'. Varies by mission. No fixed month range is stored.

    Page we read

    Source: Federal Foreign Office · verified 2026-08-15

Application fee

EUR 75

National visa fee EUR 75 (Federal Foreign Office / AufenthV § 46). After arrival, issuing a residence permit is a separate AufenthV § 45 charge of EUR 100. Do not treat 75 as the total of visa plus permit.

Source: Federal Foreign Office · verified 2026-08-15

Funds you must show

From EUR 1,091

Blocked account with a minimum of EUR 1,091 net per month, amount applicable in 2026, or a declaration of commitment. A part-time job of at least EUR 1,091 net per month can also meet the requirement.

Source: Federal Government (Make it in Germany) · verified 2026-08-15

24 records note that unsourced figures were removed. Open the verification log.