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Opportunity Card Requirements:
The Complete Guide for 2026

The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is Germany’s points-based job-seeker visa: you can move to Germany without a job offer and look for work on the ground for up to a year. Here is who can apply, how many points you need and the two application routes, in plain language.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 · 4 MIN READ · OPPORTUNITY CARD

What Is the Opportunity Card?

Introduced in 2024, the Chancenkarte is a residence permit that lets qualified candidates come to Germany without an employment contract and search for a job locally for up to one year. While it is valid, you can work up to 20 hours a week and do trial work (Probearbeit) of up to two weeks with employers you are interested in.

Basic Requirements

  • At least two years of vocational training or a university degree
  • Language certificate: German A1 or English B2
  • Proof that you can support yourself in Germany (blocked account or other income)

Two Application Routes

Which route applies to you depends on how your qualification is recognised in Germany:

  1. Fully recognised qualification: With full recognition (skilled worker status) you do not need points. Meeting the basic requirements is enough.
  2. Points-based route: If your qualification is not yet fully recognised, you need at least 6 points on top of the basic requirements.

Where Do the Points Come From?

  • Partial recognition of your qualification
  • Qualified professional experience
  • Language level (German from A2 upwards in steps; English C1 as a bonus)
  • Age (under 35 scores highest)
  • Your occupation being on Germany’s shortage occupation list
  • Ties to Germany (previous stays, a spouse who also meets the requirements)

What Happens When You Find a Job?

Once you sign a qualified employment contract, you switch from the Opportunity Card to a residence permit for employment without having to leave Germany. Rather than guessing your score, it is best to calculate it together against the official criteria.

Next Step

Finding out your score takes 15 minutes. Let’s calculate it together in a free consultation, or take a look at our Opportunity Card page.

Last updated: October 2026 · Official sources: Make it in Germany · Anerkennung in Deutschland · Gesetze im Internet