Visa-free travel

Japanese citizens may apply for their residence permit at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) after arrival in Germany and without having obtained a visa prior to travelling to Germany. Please note that you need to register your new residence (Anmeldung) with the authorities (Meldebehörde) within 2 weeks after having moved in and apply for the residence permit at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) within the first 90 days of your stay in Germany. We strongly recommend contacting the local immigration office as soon as possible after your arrival in Germany in order to secure a timely appointment.

The visa-free privilege also applies to citizens of Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Israel, New Zealand, Korea (Republic) and the United States of America.

All other nationalities require an opportunity card visa prior to travelling to Germany.

General information

The opportunity card is initially issued for a maximum of one year provided that you are able to secure your subsistence for that period of time. Proof that you will be able to support yourself for the duration of your stay in Germany can be provided in the form of a blocked account or a declaration of commitment, for example. At least 1,027 euros per month (as of 2024) are generally required. You are allowed to have one or more part-time jobs up to 20 hours a week. You can also take up trial jobs for a maximum of two weeks per employer to familiarise yourself with potential jobs The aim of the job trial must be either to obtain qualified employment, an apprenticeship or a qualification program.

The opportunity card can be obtained in two ways: 

Pathway 1:  Skilled workers

Third-country nationals who can prove that their foreign qualification is fully equivalent and are therefore considered 'skilled workers' can obtain the opportunity card without any further special requirements if they can prove that they are able to support themselves.

In this pathway

a) You must hold a German academic degree or a comparable foreign academic degree. Your degree course must have taken a minimum of 2 years to complete. In order to find out whether your foreign degree is deemed comparable, please check whether both your degree and the awarding academic institution are listed as comparable in the official Anabin database 

If either is not listed, you need to obtain a “Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications” issued by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)

OR

b) You must have undergone professional training in Germany or overseas. Your training must have taken a minimum of 2 years to complete. Any professional qualification obtained overseas must have been fully recognised by the competent body in Germany and you must be able to provide the formal recognition notice. To find out more about having your qualification recognized please refer to this database.

Pathway 2: Scoring-system

The points-based pathway provides a separate option for individuals holding an academic or professional qualification that is not deemed comparable or has not (yet) been fully recognised. The following basic requirements must be fulfilled for the opportunity card on a points basis:

• Completion of a degree or at least two years of professional training that is recognised by the state in which it was obtained. Additionally, your degree or professional training needs to be assessed by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). If you completed a category A vocational education and training at a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK) that meets the requirements of the Vocational Training Act [BBiG], this qualification may also be suitable. The AHK abroad or the BiBB can provide you with information on whether your qualification fulfils these requirements.
• German language skills at least at level A1 or English language skills at least at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Higher proficiency levels than the minimum requirements in either language are an additional advantage in the point-based system.
• a score of at least 6 points in the points-based system. For additional information on the points-based system including a self-check, please refer to this link 
• sufficient financial means to cover your living expenses for the duration of your stay in Germany.

What documents to provide for your visa application 

Where to apply for the visa / where to book your appointment

You can easily apply for your visa online via the foreign portal of the Federal Foreign Office. This will support you in preparing the documents by checking them in advance. You can view the status of your application online at any time.  

This is how the online application works: 

Step 1: Complete your application form online and upload your documents. 

Step 2: Submit your application. Your details and documents will be checked for completeness. You will receive online feedback. If your application is complete, you will receive a link to book your appointment. 

Step 3: Use the link you receive to book an appointment online at your diplomatic mission abroad. 

Step 4: Attend your appointment on site. During this appointment, your identity will be checked and your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) recorded. You can then pay the fee. 

Step 5: Track your application status online.

Please do not book an appointment directly via our appointment system. You will get a separate link for booking the appointment during step 3 by e-mail!

Apply online here:  Consular Services Portal | Opportunity Card (diplo.de)  

Additional information

The German missions are unable to provide individual advice. For any additional information on the qualifications required, the recognition of qualifications etc. please contact the advisory service set up by the Federal Government; details are available here.