Last checked against official sources: October 5, 2026
Most work visas require a job offer before you move. Germany’s Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) works differently. It lets qualified non-EU workers live in Germany for up to one year while they look for a job. You can also work part-time during that year.
But it’s not a “no-qualification” visa. Here’s who actually qualifies, how the points work, and how much money you need.
Who is it for?
The Opportunity Card is for non-EU nationals with a formal qualification who want to look for skilled work in Germany. You must have one of these:
- a university degree, or
- a vocational qualification of at least two years, recognised by the state where you got it
There are two ways to qualify.
Route 1: Fully recognised qualification (no points needed)
If your degree or vocational qualification is fully recognised in Germany, or you got it in Germany, you qualify without the points system.
Route 2: The points system (minimum 6 points)
If your qualification isn’t fully recognised, you can still qualify if you meet all the basic requirements:
- the formal qualification described above
- German at A1 level or English at B2 level or higher
- enough money to support yourself (see below)
You also need at least 6 points from this table:
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Partial recognition of your qualification in Germany | 4 |
| Qualification in a shortage occupation | 1 |
| 2+ years’ professional experience (in the last 5 years) | 2 |
| 5+ years’ professional experience (in the last 7 years) | 3 |
| German at A2 | 1 |
| German at B1 | 2 |
| German at B2 or higher | 3 |
| English at C1 or higher, or native speaker | 1 |
| Age 35 or under | 2 |
| Age over 35 up to 40 | 1 |
| Previous legal stay in Germany of 6+ months (not tourism) | 1 |
| Your spouse or partner also qualifies and applies with you | 1 |
Worked example: A 31-year-old electrician has a 3-year vocational diploma, 6 years’ experience and German at B1. She scores 3 (experience) + 2 (German B1) + 2 (age) = 7 points. That’s above the minimum of 6, even before any partial recognition.
How much money do you need?
You must show you can support yourself. For 2026 the amount is €1,091 per month of your planned stay. For a full year, that’s €13,092. You can prove it with:
- a blocked account (Sperrkonto) in Germany
- a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) from someone in Germany
- a part-time employment contract in Germany that pays enough
You also need health insurance for the whole stay.
What can you do with the card?
- Look for a job for up to 12 months
- Work part-time for up to 20 hours a week in any job
- Do trial work of up to two weeks per employer
- Switch to a work residence permit, such as the EU Blue Card or skilled-worker permit, once you find a qualifying job
If you find a qualifying job but don’t yet meet every condition for a work permit, a follow-up Opportunity Card of up to two more years may be possible.
How to apply
- Check your qualification. Use the anabin database or the “Recognition in Germany” portal to see how your degree or diploma is rated. Apply for formal recognition if you want to use Route 1 or earn the 4 points.
- Get your language certificate. Use a recognised exam, such as Goethe, telc or ÖSD for German, or IELTS or TOEFL for English.
- Arrange proof of funds and health insurance.
- Apply for a national (D) visa through the Federal Foreign Office’s Consular Services Portal or your German embassy. The standard fee is €75.
- Wait. Processing can take from several weeks to several months, depending on your embassy.
Is it a good fit for you? An honest view
It’s a good fit if:
– you have a recognised trade or degree, some German, and savings
– you work in a shortage field, such as healthcare, engineering, IT or skilled trades
Think twice if:
– you have no formal qualification. Germany won’t accept experience alone for this card.
– you’d need to borrow the €13,000+ for the blocked account
– you speak no German. English-only job searches are much harder outside IT and big cities.
Early take-up was low. Only about 2,360 applications were made in the first months after the June 2024 launch. Most successful applicants prepare their recognition and language skills before they apply.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my family?
The card is for individual job seekers. Family reunification usually becomes possible once you move to a regular work residence permit.
Can I apply from inside Germany as a tourist?
Generally no. Apply from abroad through the German mission responsible for where you live.
Does it lead to permanent residence?
Not directly. Once you switch to a work or Blue Card permit, that time counts toward settlement.
How we researched this
We used the German government’s official portal Make it in Germany, Federal Foreign Office guidance, and current 2026 figures for proof of funds. Requirements can change, so confirm with your German embassy before you apply.
One Visa Center is an information site, not a law firm, and this is not legal advice. Read how we research, fact-check and use AI tools in our Editorial Policy.
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