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.
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 — full recognition
If your foreign qualification is fully recognised as equivalent to a German one, you're eligible for the card directly, without the points test.
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 foreign qualification is fully recognised as equivalent (then you're eligible directly), or you use the points system: you need 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.
Amtly app
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