Please forgive the bragging, but we believe this is the most comprehensive, current, and user-friendly FAQ section on Visa and Opportunity Cards in Germany you'll come across. It includes every question we've ever received from our fellows, answered by experts in Visa and Migration like our Head of Partnership, Claudi, and our colleagues from the Labour Migration Law Firm, Dr. Julia Uznanski, LL.B. If you find something missing, don't hesitate to let us know here!

<aside> 🚨 How to use this FAQ more efficiently? Simply use the search function and find what you’re looking for.

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<aside> ❓ VISA & RESIDENCE PERMIT TYPES

• VISA & RESIDENCE PERMIT - is there a difference?
• FAMILY REUNION - What type of visa and residence permit do my family members get and what may be required?
• BLUE CARD - What is the difference between a Blue Card (type of residence permit) and “normal” residence permit?
• JOB SEEKER VISA - Germany only: Is German required for the Job seeker visa, and if not, should I have a certificate for the English language?
• SPONSORSHIP VISA - Companies often refer to Sponsorship visa and that they are not doing this. What is this all about?
• SHORT-TERM-VISAS - e.g. Schengen visa and specific requirements:
• Is there anything like an entrepreneur visa?
• Can I apply for a residence permit if I am already in Germany?
• VISA - What is the difference between public/private (also called statutory) health insurance and travel insurance and which do I need for the visa appointment? </aside>

<aside> ❓ GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - UNIVERSITY, FINANCES & WORKING REMOTELY

• UNIVERSITY DEGREE - I do not have a university degree- do I still have the chance to come to Europe?
• MIN SALARY REQUIREMENTS for Blue Card & other visa types
• What happens if I would like to work remotely? Is it possible to start working before I enter Germany?
• What if my university is listed in Anabin but not my degree?
• Almost every European country requires a flight ticket, a 6 month accommodation proof, insurance and some other documents which will cost us plenty if our visa gets rejected. How to deal with that? </aside>

<aside> ❓ DURATION OF PROCESSES

• How long does it take to obtain the visa and afterwards the residence permit? </aside>

<aside> ❓ OPPORTUNITY CARD 2024

• What can I do with the German Opportunity Card?
• How long will it be valid?
• POINT SYSTEM - What factors matter for the opportunity card and how many points do I get for each?
• Do I qualify for the German Opportunity Card?
• The opportunity card becomes effective in June 2024. Can one already apply from now?
• Will I be able to work directly in Germany with an obtained Opportunity Card?
• How much money do I have to present for the Opportunity Card?
• Are scholarships considered proof of financial resources?
• What are the alternative visa options available right now, given that the Opportunity Card will only become active in June? Would it be advisable to opt for existing visa categories like the work visa or the job seeker visa until the Opportunity Card becomes available?
• Can I come with my family? </aside>

<aside> ❓ UNEMPLOYMENT IN GERMANY

• UNEMPLOYMENT - I have lost my job in Europe? What happens now?
• UNEMPLOYMENT - Unemployment support: if I get money from the state, does that affect my residence permit process? </aside>