Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
A points-based permit to come to Germany and look for work — for up to a year, before you have an offer. 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 have the six points?
The Opportunity Card is scored out of twelve criteria and you need six points. Answer honestly — the check below is the same one your free Germany Plan uses.
First, the entry requirement
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. Miss either and the points are irrelevant. It does not have to be recognised in Germany to get you this far: that is what the card is for.
Anything else that applies
Your score
2 of 6 points
You do not meet the entry requirement yet, so the points below do not apply.
| What counts | Points |
|---|---|
| 35 or younger | +2 |
An indication, not a decision. The consulate decides, and the criteria are set by §20b AufenthG and the table annexed to it.
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 — your qualification already counts
If your qualification is held comparable to a German one, you're eligible for the card directly, without the points test. For a university degree nobody has to assess it: look the institution up in anabin, and if it shows H+ and your degree is listed, it already counts. A vocational qualification needs a recognition decision.
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 (for those without strong German)
- 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.
Many countries now start the application online via the official Consular Services Portal ↗. The exact order, documents and mission for YOUR nationality — that's what your free plan spells out, step by step.
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