Updated: July 27, 2026 · Chancenkarte
Opportunity Card and freelancing: a mistake that causes trouble with the immigration office
One wrong step on the Chancenkarte can cause serious problems with the immigration authorities — and many people take it without realising.
The case
We recently looked at the situation of someone who moved to Germany on the Opportunity Card. He found several clients and invoiced them for fees, and they happily paid. But there's an important detail in immigration law.
Check your visa's additional conditions
Open your visa or the Zusatzblatt and read the additional conditions carefully. If it says “Selbständige Tätigkeit nicht erlaubt”, self-employment is not allowed.
What the Opportunity Card allows
Opportunity Card holders may work only as employees:
- up to 20 hours a week;
- trial employment with an employer for up to two weeks.
You can't officially work as a freelancer, invoice clients or earn income from such activity until you change your residence status.
What to do if you've already invoiced clients
Stop the activity and get your situation reviewed as early as possible. In this case we're currently solving the problem together and switching to a different legal basis. If freelancing is your main way of working, look at the freelance visa under § 21 or the EOR model, where you remain an employee.
Our main advice
Read your visa conditions carefully and ask for help early — before you start working.
More about the Opportunity Card on the Chancenkarte page and in German freelance visa.
FAQ
Can I freelance on the Opportunity Card?
No. The Opportunity Card allows you to work only as an employee. You can't invoice clients or earn income from self-employed activity until you change your residence status.
How much can I work on the Opportunity Card?
As an employee, up to 20 hours a week. On top of that, trial employment with an employer is allowed for up to two weeks.
How do I know whether self-employment is banned for me?
Open your visa or the Zusatzblatt and read the additional conditions carefully. If it says “Selbständige Tätigkeit nicht erlaubt”, self-employment is not allowed.
What should I do if I have already invoiced clients?
Stop the activity and get your situation reviewed as early as possible. In the case described here we are solving the problem together with the client and switching to a different legal basis. If freelancing is your main way of working, look at the freelance visa under § 21 or the EOR model, where you remain an employee.