What the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) is
The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) is Germany's points-based visa for looking for a skilled job from inside Germany. Introduced on 1 June 2024 under the Skilled Immigration Act, it lets qualified non-EU nationals move to Germany for up to a year to find work — without a job offer in hand first — and work part-time while they search.
It is governed by § 20a of the Residence Act (AufenthG). Think of it as the modern successor to the older job seeker visa: broader, points-based, and far more flexible because you can earn while you look.
Not sure whether you qualify? Check your score in our Chancenkarte points calculator — then read on for the detail.
Who qualifies: the two routes in
There are two ways in.
Route 1 — recognised skilled worker (no points needed). If your foreign qualification is fully recognised in Germany, or you hold a German degree, you already count as a skilled worker (Fachkraft) under § 18 AufenthG — you qualify automatically and can usually pursue a regular work visa too. Getting 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 use 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;
- at least German A1 or English B2;
- proof you can support yourself (see below).
How many points do I need? The full points table
You need a minimum of 6 points. The criteria and values come straight from § 20b AufenthG and the Anlage (annex) to the Residence Act:
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Partial recognition of your qualification, or a licence for a regulated profession | 4 |
| German language — B2 / B1 / A2 (highest band only) | 3 / 2 / 1 |
| English at C1 | 1 |
| Relevant work experience — 5 yrs in the last 7 / 2 yrs in the last 5 (higher only) | 3 / 2 |
| Qualification in a shortage occupation (Engpassberuf, § 18g) | 1 |
| Age 35 or under / 36–40 (higher only) | 2 / 1 |
| Six months' prior legal residence in Germany in the last 5 years | 1 |
| A spouse/partner who also meets the requirements and moves with you | 1 |
Only your highest German band and your highest age band count — you cannot add B2 and B1, or age ≤35 and 36–40. English C1 stacks on top of your German points.
The big lever is recognition: a partial recognition notice on its own is worth 4 of the 6 points, which is why the Anerkennung step is the single most useful move for most applicants. Run your profile through the calculator to see your exact total.
Worked examples: do these profiles qualify?
- Software engineer, 29 — partial recognition, B1 German, 3 years' experience, C1 English, shortage occupation. Partial recognition (4) + B1 (2) + age ≤35 (2) + 2-in-5 experience (2) + English C1 (1) + shortage (1) = 12 points → eligible.
- Nurse, 38 — qualification not yet recognised, A2 German, 6 years' experience, shortage occupation. A2 (1) + 5-in-7 experience (3) + age 36–40 (1) + shortage (1) = 6 points → just eligible.
- Graduate, 42 — no recognition, A1 German only, 2 years' experience. 2-in-5 experience (2) = 2 points → not eligible yet. Reaching B1 German and getting partial recognition would close the gap.
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 €1,091 per month (€13,092 for a full year), usually shown via a blocked account (Sperrkonto) with a matching monthly withdrawal limit, a formal sponsorship undertaking (Verpflichtungserklärung), or a part-time job 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 job (Probebeschäftigung) of up to two weeks with a prospective employer in your qualified field.