Visas
Germany's Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): coming to look for work
Checked: 3 November 2026
Up to a year to find a job, part-time work up to 20 hours a week, and a points system. Who it suits and what you need.
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) lets citizens of non-EU countries come to Germany without a job offer and look for work there. The information below comes from Germany's Federal Foreign Office.
What the card gives you
- Validity: up to one year, as long as you can support yourself for that time.
- You may work part-time or do trial work for an employer: up to 20 hours a week.
Basic requirements
- A university degree or vocational training of at least two years, recognised in the country where you obtained it.
- German at level A1 or English at level B2.
- At least 6 points. Points come from qualification recognition, work experience, languages, age and ties to Germany.
- If your qualification is fully recognised in Germany, you don't need points: you count as a skilled worker.
Money to live on
You must show you can support yourself, usually with a blocked account (Sperrkonto). The monthly amount is reviewed regularly: check the current figure on the website of the German embassy in your country.
Where to check and apply
Work out your points and the application steps on the Federal Foreign Office consular portal and on the website of the German embassy in your country.
Sources
Rules change. Check them on the official website or with the embassy before you travel.