Opportunity Card (“Chancenkarte”)

Opportunity Card (“Chancenkarte”)

Overview: Germany’s Opportunity Card “Chancenkarte” is a points-based job seeker visa for non-EU nationals. It lets you live in Germany up to 12 months to find work based on qualifications, work experience, language, age, and ties to Germany.

You can work part-time 20h/week and do trial jobs while searching. Points threshold is 6/6, and it launched Nov 2023 as part of the Skilled Immigration Act.

What is the Opportunity Card?

With The Opportunity Card you are eligible for legal residence permit, that gives you the opportunity to search for a job in Germany without a fixed employment contract (if you come from a non-EU country). Part-time employment of 20 hours a week is also possible, as well as a trial job for 2 weeks. You can also have your vocational qualification recognised retrospectively with the Opportunity Card.

The stay period /duration of stay is limited to one year. If you do not find a suitable job, there is no entitlement to an extension after the time has expired. If you have a job, a longer stay in Germany is not linked to the Opportunity Card.

Prerequisites for the Opportunity Card

Using the points system, you can match the required selection criteria wand y must be able to reach a total of six points to secure the Opportunity Card. The basic requirements are German language skills at level A1 or English language skills at level B2 as well as (at least) two years of vocational training or a university degree that is recognised in your country of origin.

You are required to show / demonstrate that you are financially secure, for example through a part-time job (up to 20 hours a week). You can prove this by means of an employment contract. (No points are awarded for the basic requirements!) Further criteria for the points system include language skills, professional experience, age and “connection to Germany”. The age criterion refers to your age at the time of application.

Points distribution for the Opportunity Card at a glance

Basic requirements: Sufficient German language skills at level A1 or English language skills at level B2 as well as at least two years of vocational training according to the rules of the country of origin. You must also have sufficient financial means. Proof of this can be in the form of an employment contract for a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week), for example.
Four points: are awarded for partial recognition of a foreign professional qualification or for permission to practice a regulated profession (e.g. teacher, nurse or engineer). Very few applicants meet these criteria.
Three points: are awarded for five years of professional experience (in the last seven years) in the learned profession as well as a preceding two years of professional training according to the rules of the country of origin. Alternatively, you receive three points for good German language skills at level B2.
Two points: are awarded for two years’ professional experience preceded by vocational training (in the last five years). If you are not older than 35, you also get two points. German language skills at level B1 are also awarded two points.
One point: is awarded to applicants who are not over 40 years old and for a previous stay in Germany (at least six months). You must provide documented proof of this. Previous stays as a tourist do not count.
One point: is also awarded for very good knowledge of English (C1), reasonable knowledge of German (A2), if you had your vocational training/university degree in an area of official labor shortage in Germany, or if you apply for the Opportunity Card together with your spouse.

The advantages of the Opportunity Card at a glance:

New and easier way to enter Germany
12-month stay in Germany possible, prospect of permanent residence permit
More than 1000 euros income per month possible
Work permit for employment up to 20 hours per week
Chance to find a qualified part-time / full-time job

WhatsApp-Image-2025-11-12-at-19.40.12_17325869-14 — Sahara the camel – our site mascot

Take Away Points

📋 Points-Based Eligibility – Applicants must score enough points based on qualifications, work experience, language skills, age, and ties to Germany.
🎓 No Job Offer Required – You can enter Germany without a prior job offer to search for qualified employment.
🗓️ Up to One Year to Find Work – The Opportunity Card allows eligible applicants to stay in Germany for up to 12 months while seeking suitable employment.
💼 Work While Job Hunting – Card holders may undertake part-time work and trial employment, subject to the applicable rules.
🇩🇪 Pathway to Long-Term Employment – Once you secure a qualifying job, you may become eligible to transition to an appropriate German residence permit or work visa.

Disclaimer: All visa information on Center 4 Global Visas is for general guidance only and may change without notice. We are not affiliated with any government or embassy. Visa rules, fees, and requirements are set by official authorities only. Always verify details with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration department before you apply or travel. Center 4 Global Visas is not responsible for errors, delays, or decisions made based on this information.