Since 1 June 2024, Germany’s Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) has replaced the old job-seeker visa for qualified professionals. It lets you live in Germany for up to one year while you look for a job, with the right to work part-time in the meantime.
It’s designed for people who have solid qualifications but no job offer yet, and who want to job-hunt in person rather than from abroad.
Two ways to qualify
Route 1: full recognition (no points needed)
If your foreign university degree or vocational qualification is fully recognised in Germany, you qualify as a skilled worker (Fachkraft) and receive the Opportunity Card without the points system.
Route 2: the points system
If your qualification isn’t fully recognised, you can still qualify if you meet all of these basic requirements:
- a university degree or vocational qualification of at least two years, recognised by the state in the country where you obtained it;
- German at A1 or English at B2 level;
- proof that you can support yourself;
and you score at least 6 points.
How points are awarded
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Partial recognition of your qualification in Germany | 4 |
| Qualification in a shortage occupation | 1 |
| At least 5 years’ relevant experience in the last 7 years | 3 |
| At least 2 years’ relevant experience in the last 5 years | 2 |
| German B2 or higher | 3 |
| German B1 | 2 |
| German A2 | 1 |
| English C1 or higher | 1 |
| Age under 35 | 2 |
| Age 35 to 40 | 1 |
| Previous legal stay in Germany of at least 6 months in the last 5 years | 1 |
| Spouse or partner also meets the Opportunity Card requirements and applies with you | 1 |
The criteria are summarised from official guidance and can change. Use the free self-check on the government portal Make it in Germany before you apply.
Example: a 29-year-old software tester with a three-year degree, four years’ experience and German at B1 would score 2 (age) + 2 (experience) + 2 (German) = 6 points, and qualifies.
Proof of funds
You must show that you can cover your living costs for the time you’ll be in Germany. For 2026 that’s around €1,091 per month, so €13,092 for a full year. Accepted forms include:
- a blocked account (Sperrkonto), the most common option;
- a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) from someone living in Germany;
- an employment contract for part-time work you’ve already arranged, if it covers your costs.
What you can do with the card
- Live in Germany for up to 12 months while looking for a qualified job.
- Work up to 20 hours per week in any job.
- Do trial employment (Probebeschäftigung) of up to two weeks per employer.
- Switch to a work permit inside Germany, such as a skilled-worker visa or an EU Blue Card, as soon as you find a qualifying job.
If you find a job that doesn’t meet the requirements of those permits, the card can in some cases be extended for up to two more years.
How to apply
- Check eligibility with the Make it in Germany self-check.
- Get your qualification assessed. Check anabin for degrees, or apply for recognition or a Statement of Comparability. See our document checklist.
- Take language tests (Goethe, telc, TestDaF, IELTS or TOEFL, depending on the language).
- Arrange proof of funds and health insurance.
- Apply at the German mission in your country, or through the consular services portal where available. The fee is €75.
- After arrival, register your address and collect your residence permit from the local foreigners’ office.
Processing times vary widely between missions, from a few weeks to several months.
Is the Opportunity Card right for you?
It suits you if:
- you have a solid qualification and relevant experience,
- you can fund a year in Germany,
- you’re prepared to job-hunt actively, ideally with at least some German.
It’s riskier if you have no German, no savings buffer beyond the minimum, or a profession with little demand. In that case, looking for a job offer from abroad first and applying for a work visa may be the safer path.
How we help
We check your points and documents before you spend money on tests and blocked accounts, and our employer network means your profile can be matched to open roles while you search. Start with a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How many points do I need for the Opportunity Card?
You need at least 6 points on the points route, in addition to the basic requirements: a qualification recognised in your country, and German at A1 or English at B2. If your qualification is fully recognised in Germany, you don't need points at all.
How much money do I need for the Chancenkarte?
You must show you can cover your living costs, currently around €1,091 per month (€13,092 for a year). A blocked account is the most common proof. Part-time work you have already secured can count too.
Can I work with the Opportunity Card?
Yes. You can work up to 20 hours per week and do trial employment of up to two weeks per employer while you look for a qualified job.
Can I bring my family on an Opportunity Card?
Generally not during the Opportunity Card itself. Once you move to a skilled-worker permit or EU Blue Card, family reunification becomes possible.
This guide is general information, not individual legal advice. Rules and amounts change; always confirm current requirements with the responsible authority or embassy before applying.