UAE Residents Get Easy Access to Germany With New Visa

Germany has launched a game-changing visa pathway that could completely reshape how UAE residents, especially professionals from South Asia like Indians and Pakistanis, move to Europe for work.

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Called the Opportunity Card or Chancenkarte, this new visa lets you live and work in Germany without a job offer or employer sponsorship. That’s right, no job lined up, no problem.

What Is the Opportunity Card?

The Opportunity Card is a one-year residence visa designed for skilled non-EU nationals. It gives you the right to enter Germany, look for work, and even start working immediately, no company has to sponsor you.

Clint Khan, Director at global immigration consultancy Y-Axis, described it as a “hidden door” to Europe for UAE-based talent. Speaking at the Gulf News Edufair in Abu Dhabi, Khan explained how this route is a faster and more affordable alternative to going through the traditional student visa path.

“One of the reasons students choose to study in Germany is to eventually settle there. But now, they can bypass that and directly apply for work,” Khan said. “This option is cheaper and faster than studying, which can cost upwards of $20,000.”

How It Works

The visa operates on a points-based system, similar to immigration models in Canada or Australia. You’ll need at least 6 out of 14 points, which are awarded based on:

• Age
• Qualifications
• Work experience
• Language skills

Good news: If you already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree equivalent to a German one, you automatically qualify, no need to prove English or German proficiency.

Why UAE Residents Should Care

This is the first time a European country has offered a visa like this to non-EU nationals, allowing you to work from day one with no sponsorship.

It’s especially appealing for UAE-based professionals who want to explore opportunities across Europe. The visa not only lets you live in Germany, it also opens access to the entire Schengen zone and could lead to EU citizenship down the line.

“The Germany option is foolproof,” said Khan. “You’re spending AED 300. It’s a national visa. You’re allowed to travel across the Schengen areas.”

What Does It Cost?

• Visa application fee: €75 (about AED 313)
• Financial proof: €13,092 (around AED 55,000) in a German blocked account. This amount is released to you monthly once you're in Germany.
• Even better: You can get on the interview waitlist before transferring the funds, giving you time to prepare financially.

Faster Than a Schengen Visa

According to Khan, once you complete the visa interview, approvals take just 5 to 15 days. In contrast, getting a regular Schengen visa can take much longer. Right now, UAE residents are facing a 5.5-month wait for the Opportunity Card interview, proving just how popular this new visa has become.

Pro Tip: Learn German

While not mandatory, learning German can give you a serious edge in the job market.

“Those who learn German, even if not required, are the smarter ones,” Khan advised.