Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
A permit to come to Germany and look for work for up to a year, before you have an offer — through the points system, or directly if your qualification is already recognised. Job-hunt on the ground, work part-time while you search, then switch to a work permit once you're hired.
Self-check
Do you reach the six points?
The points route to the Opportunity Card needs six points. Answer honestly: this check uses the same calculation as your free Germany Plan. It works from your answers only, so it can't check your documents or your savings.
2 of 6 points
See result1 · Entry requirements
Before any points count, you need a qualification that is state-recognised in the country where you earned it (a university degree, or vocational training of at least two years), plus German at A1 or English at B2, and proof you can support yourself. It doesn't have to be recognised in Germany: that's what the card is for. If it already is, you can skip the points entirely.
2 · Points
Anything else that applies
3 · Money for your stay
For the initial job-search Opportunity Card, the 2026 funding reference is €1,091 net per month. Confirm the accepted evidence with the responsible mission; a future job you have not secured is not proof of funds.
To plan with: €13,092 for 12 months
Open the points calculator on its own page →
Key facts
Opportunity Card at a glance
Practical guide, not legal or immigration advice — confirm current criteria with the German mission and the official Make it in Germany portal.
Two ways in
How you qualify
Route A: fully recognised qualification
If your qualification already counts as equivalent to a German one, you get the card without the points test. For a university degree, look it up in anabin: the institution must show H+ and your degree must be assessed as 'entspricht' or 'gleichwertig'. If it isn't, a ZAB Statement of Comparability can settle it. You still need to show you can fund your stay.
Route B: points system
Have a university degree or a vocational qualification of at least two years, plus German A1 or English B2, and collect at least 6 points.
Points
Where the points come from
- Partial recognition of your qualification
- Qualification in a recognised shortage occupation
- Work experience (more years → more points)
- German language level (B1 and above score well)
- English at C1 or above, or native English
- Age (under 35 scores highest)
- Previous residence or study in Germany
- A partner who also meets the criteria
Steps
From application to a job offer
- 1
Check your points and whether your qualification can be recognised (see the recognition pages).
- 2
Gather proof: degree/vocational certificate, language certificates, work references, funding proof.
- 3
Apply for the Opportunity Card at the German mission in your country.
- 4
Arrive, register (Anmeldung) and job-hunt — you can work part-time and do trial jobs.
- 5
Once hired, switch to an EU Blue Card or skilled-worker permit without leaving Germany.
Boost your points
Recognition strengthens your case
Having your qualification recognised — even partially — adds points and, for regulated jobs, is required to work. Check exactly what recognition looks like for your occupation before you apply.
FAQ
Common questions about the Chancenkarte
What is the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)?
It's a points-based residence permit that lets you come to Germany to look for a job — for up to 12 months — without already having an offer. You can work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) and do two-week trial jobs while you search.
How do I qualify for the Opportunity Card?
Two ways. Either your qualification already counts as comparable to a German one — check your university in anabin before assuming it does not, because a degree needs no assessment, only a listing — in which case you're eligible directly and are a skilled worker besides. Or you use the points system: a university degree or a vocational qualification of at least two years, plus basic German (A1) or English (B2), and at least 6 points.
How do the points work?
You collect points for things like a partial recognition, working in a shortage occupation, years of work experience, German or English level, age (younger scores more), and previous ties to Germany. Six points is the threshold.
Can I bring my family on the Opportunity Card?
The card itself is for job-seeking, so family reunification is limited during that phase. Once you find a qualifying job and switch to a work permit or EU Blue Card, family reunification opens up.
What happens when I find a job?
You switch from the Opportunity Card to a work-based residence permit — often the EU Blue Card or a skilled-worker permit — without leaving Germany.
Application
How to apply: the short version
- Check that you clear the points (with full recognition of your qualification, no points are needed).
- Gather proof: qualification, language certificates, and funds for the stay.
- Apply for the Chancenkarte visa at the German mission responsible for your country.
Official requirements (Make it in Germany)
Many countries now start the application online via the official Consular Services Portal ↗. The exact documents for your nationality are on the responsible mission's checklist, and your free plan puts them in order, step by step.
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