Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): come to Germany to look for a job
With the Chancenkarte you can come to Germany for up to a year to look for work. Who can get it, how the points work, the money you need and common mistakes.
Last checked: November 1, 2026
What the Opportunity Card is
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) lets people from outside the EU come to Germany for up to one year to look for a job. You do not need a job offer first.
While you search, you may work part-time, up to 20 hours a week, and try out a job with an employer for up to two weeks. When you find a suitable job, you switch to a work permit, such as the Blue Card or the permit for skilled workers, without leaving Germany.
Two ways to qualify
- Your degree or vocational qualification is fully recognised in Germany. Then you need no points.
- Or: you have a university degree or at least two years of vocational training that is recognised by the state in your country, and you reach at least 6 points. You also need basic German (A1) or good English (B2).
What gives points
- Partial recognition of your qualification in Germany.
- Recent work experience in your profession.
- German, and also English.
- Your age: under 35 gives more points, 35 to 40 fewer.
- Earlier legal stays in Germany.
- A spouse or partner who also qualifies and comes with you.
- A qualification in a profession where Germany is short of workers.
Money and insurance
- You must show that you can support yourself, usually with a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto) or a contract for a part-time job. The monthly amount is set every year.
- You need health insurance for the whole stay.
Common mistakes
- Paying an agent who promises a guaranteed card or a job. Only the embassy decides, and visa fees are paid only to the embassy.
- Counting experience that does not count: it must be in your profession and recent.
- Opening the blocked account too late: it can take weeks.
- Expecting to work full-time on the card: a full-time job needs a switch to a work permit.
How a lawyer in Germany helps
A lawyer in Germany can count your points with you, check your documents before you book the embassy appointment, and later help you switch to a work permit when you find a job.
Questions people ask
Can I extend the Opportunity Card?
The card is for up to one year. Under some conditions a follow-up card is possible, for example with a job offer for qualified work that does not yet fit a work permit. Ask a lawyer about your case.
Can my family come with me?
Usually not on the Opportunity Card itself. Once you have a work permit, your family can usually join you.
Where do I apply?
At the German embassy or consulate in your country, in many countries online through the Consular Services Portal.
Official information
General information, not legal advice. Rules change and every case is different: a lawyer checks yours.