What the Chancenkarte is
The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) is Germany's points-based visa for looking for a job from inside Germany. Introduced in June 2024 as part of the Skilled Immigration Act, it lets qualified non-EU nationals move to Germany for up to a year to find skilled work — without needing a job offer in hand first.
It is governed by § 20a of the Residence Act (AufenthG), which defines it as a residence permit for "seeking employment or measures to recognise foreign professional qualifications". Think of it as the modern successor to the older job seeker visa: broader, points-based, and — crucially — it lets you work part-time while you search.
Who qualifies: the two routes
There are two ways in.
Route 1 — recognised skilled worker (no points needed). If your foreign qualification is already fully recognised in Germany, or you hold a German degree, you count as a skilled worker under § 18 (3) AufenthG and qualify for the Chancenkarte automatically. Securing that recognition is the Anerkennung process.
Route 2 — the points system. If your qualification is not yet fully recognised, you can still qualify by scoring at least 6 points. To enter this route you need all of:
- a foreign university degree, or a vocational qualification from at least two years of training, recognised by the state where you earned it;
- A1 German or B2 English;
- proof you can support yourself (see below).
The points system: how to reach 6 points
You need a minimum of 6 points. Points stack across the criteria below — but you only count your highest age band and your highest language band, not both levels.
- 4 points — a recognition notice confirming full or partial equivalence of your qualification, or a licence to practise a regulated profession.
- 3 points — German at B2 or above; or at least five years' relevant work experience in the last seven (alongside a two-year vocational qualification).
- 2 points — German at B1; or two years' relevant experience in the last five; or being aged 35 or under.
- 1 point — German at A2; English at C1 or native level; age 36–40; at least six months' prior legal residence in Germany within the last five years; a qualification in a recognised shortage occupation; or a spouse/partner who also meets the Chancenkarte requirements and moves with you.
Notice the leverage of recognition: a partial recognition notice on its own is worth four of the six points — which is why the Anerkennung step is the single most useful thing most applicants can do.
Money you must show, and what you can work
You must prove you can cover your living costs while job-hunting. For 2026 that is roughly €1,091 per month, usually shown via a blocked account (Sperrkonto) with a matching monthly withdrawal limit, or a part-time employment contract.
While you hold the Chancenkarte you may:
- work up to 20 hours per week in any job, to fund your stay; and
- take a trial or probationary job (Probebeschäftigung) of up to two weeks with a prospective employer in your qualified field.
How to apply
- Check your points honestly against the list above before doing anything else.
- Gather your degree or vocational certificates, language certificates, proof of funds, CV and passport. Get certified German translations where needed.
- Apply at the German mission (embassy or consulate) in your country of residence — or, if you are already in Germany on a permit that allows it, at your local Ausländerbehörde.
- Build your German setup plan in parallel so you can move fast once you land — start your plan.
After you arrive: converting to a work permit
The Chancenkarte is a bridge, not a destination. It is issued for up to 12 months and cannot be extended on its own terms. Once you have a qualified job offer you switch to the matching work permit — most often the EU Blue Card or a skilled-worker permit, on the basis of your employment contract.
If you already have a concrete offer that can't start straight away, you can apply once for a follow-up Opportunity Card (Folge-Chancenkarte, § 20b AufenthG) of up to two further years to bridge the gap. Plan the switch early: your right to stay depends on completing it before the card expires.