Opportunity card

The opportunity card is issued if either

• your qualification is deemed equivalent recognized

  or

• your qualification (professional qualification or university degree) is officially recognized in your country of origin and you have German language skills of at least level A1. Alternatively, you can also demonstrate English language skills of at least level B2.

A category A vocational training certificate from a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK) may also be sufficient proof of qualification (you can find more information online here).

In addition, at least 6 points are required in a points system. The points system within the framework of the opportunity card is used to evaluate qualified skilled workers from abroad and to enable a systematic assessment of their suitability .

Living expenses must also be secured for the stay. This can be proven, for example, by a blocked account or a declaration of commitment. You must have at least €1,091 per month (as of 2025). As you are permitted to have a part-time job as part of the opportunity card, this can also be taken into account to prove that you have a secure means of subsistence. To do this, you must be able to provide proof of an employment contract or a binding job offer.

You do not have to be abroad to receive the Chancenkarte. You can also apply for it if you have a residence permit for the purpose of training or gainful employment. For example, it can be an option to extend your stay after losing your job. However, holders of a residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment (§ 20 AufenthG) are not entitled to the Chancenkarte.

You will receive points for the following characteristics.

• Notification of partial equivalence of the qualification has been received. - 4 points

• In the case of a regulated profession, compensatory measures are still required for the license to practice. - 4 points

• The qualification belongs to a shortage occupation. A list of shortage occupations can be found here. - 1 point

• At least 2 years of professional experience in the last 5 years - 2 points

• At least 5 years of professional experience in the last 7 years - 3 points

• German language skills at level A2 - 1 point

• German language skills at level B1 - 2 points

• German language skills at level B2 or higher - 3 points

• English language skills at level C1 or higher - 1 point

• Younger than 35 years old - 2 points

• Between 35 and 40 years old - 1 point

• Legally resided in Germany for at least 6 months at a time in the last 5 years - 1 point

• Spouse or partner who is to enter the country with you fulfills the conditions for an opportunity card. - 1 point

You need at least 6 points. You must be able to provide documentary evidence of these qualities. You can carry out a self-check online. This is here possible.

If you apply for the Chancenkarte together with your spouse or partner, children may also come to Germany. You can find out more about family reunification here.

The opportunity card (also known as a search opportunity card ) is issued for 1 year. During this time you can search for employment.

At the end of the period of validity, a search opportunity card can only be issued again if you have been abroad or permitted to stay in Germany for at least that long.

ATTENTION: If qualified employment is found, a residence permit allowing you to work must be issued by the immigration authority before you take up employment. You must also be able to prove that you are a skilled worker. The approval of the Federal Employment Agency is also required.

The Chancenkarte can be extended for 2 years as a so-called follow-up Chancenkarte. The requirements for the follow-up opportunity card are that you have an employment contract or a binding job offer for qualified employment in Germany and that the Federal Employment Agency has given its approval. This means that you do not have to be a skilled worker.

No Search Opportunity Card can be issued following a Follow-up Opportunity Card.

With an opportunity card, part-time employment of up to 20 hours per week is permitted. Self-employment is also possible.

Trial employment can be accepted for up to two weeks per employer. The trial employment must either be aimed at qualified employment, training or taking up a qualification measure.