Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) Germany 2026: The Complete Points Guide

Q: How much money do I need to show for the Chancenkarte?

Roughly €1,091 net per month (about €13,092 for 12 months) in 2026, shown via a blocked account, a declaration of commitment, or a part-time job contract.

Q: How long is the Chancenkarte valid?

Up to 12 months. If you find a job but the work permit cannot be issued immediately, it can be extended to a total of up to 2 years.

By Marwan · moved to Germany in 2023 · facts verified June 2026

Germany's Chancenkarte — the Opportunity Card — is a points-based residence permit that lets qualified non-EU professionals move to Germany to look for a job, without needing a job offer first. Introduced in June 2024, it is now the most flexible way to start a career in Germany. This guide explains exactly how the points work, who qualifies, and how to apply.

6 points

Minimum to Qualify

12 months

Validity Period

€1,091/mo

Required Funds

€75

Application Fee

What is the Chancenkarte?

The Chancenkarte (§20a of the Residence Act) is a one-year residence permit for the purpose of finding qualified employment. Unlike a work visa, you do not need a signed job contract before you arrive — you come to Germany, search on the ground, and convert the card into a work permit once you land a role.

It was created to make Germany more accessible to international talent at a time when the country has hundreds of thousands of unfilled positions. Crucially, it lets you work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) and take short trial jobs while you look — so you can cover some of your living costs during the search.

Two Ways to Qualify

Route 1 — Skilled Worker

If your foreign vocational qualification or university degree is fully recognised in Germany, you qualify automatically. You do not need any points. This is the fastest route if your credentials are already recognised (check the ANABIN database).

Route 2 — Points System

If your qualification is only partially recognised, you can still qualify by scoring at least 6 points across qualifications, experience, language, age and ties to Germany. You must also meet the baseline requirements below.

The Points System Explained

On the points route, you need 6 points or more. Here is exactly how points are awarded. You can combine criteria — for example, B1 German (2) + 2 years' experience (2) + being under 35 (2) already reaches the threshold.

Criterion	Points
Partial recognition of your foreign qualification	+4
Qualification in a shortage occupation (Engpassberuf)	+1
Work experience: 2 years (within the last 5)	+2
Work experience: 5 years (within the last 7)	+3
German language A2	+1
German language B1	+2
German language B2 or higher	+3
English C1 or native speaker (in addition to German)	+1
Age 35 or under	+2
Age 35–39	+1
Previous legal stay in Germany of at least 6 months (last 5 years)	+1
Spouse / partner also qualifies for the Opportunity Card	+1

Point values follow the official criteria under §20a of the Residence Act. Language points are not cumulative — you score for your highest German level only. Always confirm your own assessment with the official Chancenkarte points calculator before applying.

Baseline Requirements (Always Required)

Regardless of which route you take, you must meet all of these:

A recognised qualification — at least a two-year vocational training or a university degree recognised in your home country.
Language — at least German A1 or English B2.
Proof of funds — about €1,091 net per month (≈ €13,092 for a year), via a blocked account, a declaration of commitment, or a part-time job contract.

Chancenkarte vs. the Old Job Seeker Visa

The Chancenkarte replaced the classic job seeker visa on 1 June 2024 — embassies no longer issue the old visa. If you're comparing what changed:

	Chancenkarte	Job Seeker Visa (until 2024)
Validity	Up to 12 months	6 months
Recognition needed	Partial is enough (points route)	Full recognition required
Work during search	Part-time up to 20 h/week + trial jobs	Not permitted
Status today	The current route for all new applicants	Discontinued — no longer issued

How to Apply — Step by Step

Check your qualification in ANABIN and, if needed, start a recognition assessment (this can take months — begin early).

Score yourself on the points table above, or confirm full recognition for Route 1.

Gather your documents: passport, qualification certificates, recognition/ANABIN proof, CV, language certificates, and proof of funds.

Book a visa appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your country (or apply via the consular services portal).

Attend your appointment, pay the €75 fee, and submit your application.

After approval, enter Germany, register your address (Anmeldung), and convert the card into a work permit once you have a job offer.

What the Card Does — and Doesn't — Let You Do

You can

Live in Germany for up to 12 months to search for work
Work part-time up to 20 hours per week
Take trial jobs of up to two weeks per employer
Convert to a work permit or EU Blue Card once hired

You cannot

Work full-time before securing a qualified job
Be self-employed as the main activity
Bring family members on the card itself (only after you switch to a work permit)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum score to get the Chancenkarte?

You need at least 6 points on the points system — but only if you do not already qualify as a skilled worker. If your foreign qualification is fully recognised in Germany, you qualify automatically and do not need any points at all.

Do I need to speak German for the Opportunity Card?

Not necessarily. The baseline requirement is German at level A1 OR English at level B2. Higher German levels (A2, B1, B2) earn you extra points, but you can qualify on the points route with English B2 and no German at all if your other criteria are strong enough.

How much money do I need to show for the Chancenkarte?

You must prove you can support yourself during the job search — roughly €1,091 net per month (about €13,092 for 12 months) in 2026. You can show this with a blocked account, a formal declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor in Germany, or a part-time job contract that reaches this amount.

Can I work on the Opportunity Card?

Yes, but only part-time — up to 20 hours per week — plus trial jobs (Probebeschäftigung) of up to two weeks per employer. The card is for finding a qualified job; the part-time allowance is to help you cover living costs while you search.

How long is the Chancenkarte valid?

Up to 12 months. If you find a job but the corresponding work permit cannot be issued immediately, it can be extended to a total of up to 2 years.

What is the difference between the Chancenkarte and the Job Seeker Visa?

The classic Job Seeker Visa no longer exists for applicants abroad — the Chancenkarte replaced it on 1 June 2024. It was 6 months, required a fully recognised degree, and didn't allow any work. The Chancenkarte lasts up to 12 months, lets you work part-time (20 hours/week) during the search, and opens a points-based path for people whose qualification is only partially recognised. Only graduates of German universities or vocational training still get a separate job-search residence permit, applied for inside Germany.

Is the Opportunity Card Right for You?

Answer a few quick questions and get a personalized checklist — including whether the Chancenkarte or another route fits your situation, with every document, cost, and deadline laid out for you.

Get Your Personalized Checklist

Sources

The figures and requirements on this page are based on the following official sources. Rules change — always confirm with the German embassy or authority responsible for your case.

Make it in Germany — Opportunity Card — official portal of the German government for international talent
Auswärtiges Amt — Opportunity Card (consular portal) — official German Federal Foreign Office application portal
§20a AufenthG — Residence Act (Opportunity Card) — the legal basis for the Chancenkarte and its points system

Facts and figures last verified: June 2026

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