Opportunity Card in Germany

The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) allows qualified individuals from non-EU countries to enter Germany for up to one year to find employment, without a prior job offer. There are two routes: the direct route for fully recognized professionals, and the points-based route for everyone else who meets the minimum score.

The German government explains the job search opportunity card, self-check, and related rules on Make it in Germany – Job search opportunity card.

Two application pathways

1. Direct route (no points needed)

If your foreign university degree or vocational qualification is already fully recognized as equivalent to German standards (verified via anabin.kmk.org or anerkennung-in-deutschland.de), you are legally considered a skilled worker. You bypass the points system and are automatically eligible for the card.

2. Points-based route (minimum 6 points)

If your qualification is only recognized in your country of origin, or is only partially equivalent in Germany, you must score at least 6 points using the criteria below.

Mandatory prerequisites for the points-based route

Before you can use the points system, you must meet all of these basics:

Education. A university degree or a vocational qualification requiring at least 2 years of training, recognized by the state where it was obtained.

Language. Minimum German A1 or English B2 proficiency.

Finances. Proof of at least €13,092 for a 12-month stay, or €1,091 per month if staying for less time (reference amounts for 2025 — confirm the current figure on Make it in Germany when you apply). This is typically shown via a blocked account (Sperrkonto) or a valid German part-time employment contract.

Scoring system breakdown

You can combine criteria from different rows until you reach 6 points. Each item counts once toward your total. Items within the same point-value row can normally only be counted once, except German A2 and English C1 language points (see 1-point section).

4 points

• Partial recognition. You have applied for recognition, and a German authority has confirmed you only need minor compensatory measures or training.

3 points (choose one)

• Deep experience. 5 or more years of relevant professional experience within the last 7 years in your field.
• Strong German. German B2 level.

2 points (choose one)

• Mid-level experience. 2 to 5 years of relevant professional experience within the last 5 years.
• Intermediate German. German B1 level.
• Age. You are under 35 years old.

1 point (choose one)

• Age. You are between 35 and 40 years old.
• Shortage occupation. Your qualification is in a high-demand field (for example IT, engineering, medicine).
• German connection. You lived legally and continuously in Germany for at least 6 months within the last 5 years (tourism does not count).
• Partner application. Your spouse is applying for a Chancenkarte at the same time at the same embassy.
• German A2. German A2 level.
• English C1. English C1 or native speaker.

German A2 (1 pt) and English C1 / native (1 pt) are separate criteria under Section 20b AufenthG and can be combined for up to 2 language points.

Regulations while in Germany

The Chancenkarte gives you a defined framework to test the local job market:

Part-time work. You may work up to 20 hours per week in any job (skilled or unskilled) to support yourself while searching.

Work trials. You may complete unlimited 2-week trial periods (Probearbeiten) with individual prospective employers to test fit.

Prohibitions. You cannot take full-time regular employment or engage in self-employment or freelancing on this permit category.

Securing a job and converting your permit

Once you have an employment contract that meets the legal definition of a skilled position, you do not need to leave Germany. Apply at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) to convert your Chancenkarte into a standard employment residence permit, such as Section 18a or 18b under the Skilled Worker Visa pathways, or the EU Blue Card if you qualify.