Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
Germany introduced the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) in 2024, a points-based job search visa. The EU Blue Card is available for highly skilled workers earning above the threshold.
| Visa | Category | Fee | Processing | Stay | Work | Study |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU Blue Card BLUE |
Skilled Worker | EUR 100 | 1–3 months | Up to 4 years | ✅ | ✅ |
| Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) CHANCE |
Job Seeker | EUR 75 | 4–8 weeks | 1 year | ✅ | ❌ |
| Skilled Worker Visa SKILLED |
Skilled Worker | EUR 75 | 1–3 months | 4 years | ✅ | ❌ |
| Student Visa STU |
Student | EUR 75 | 4–8 weeks | Duration of course | ✅ | ✅ |
| Job Seeker Visa JOB |
Job Seeker | EUR 75 | 4 weeks | 6 months | ❌ | ❌ |
| Freelance / Self-Employment Visa FREE |
Freelance | EUR 100 | 1–3 months | 3 years | ✅ | ❌ |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker SEAS |
Agriculture | EUR 75 | 2–4 weeks | Up to 8 months | ✅ | ❌ |
| Schengen Visa (Type C) SCHEN |
Schengen | EUR 80 | 10–15 days | 90 days in 180 | ❌ | ❌ |