Quick facts
| Issued by | German government (Federal Foreign Office) |
| Country | Germany |
| Type | Job-search residence permit |
| Valid for | Up to 1 year |
| Money needed | At least €1,091 net per month (2026 figure), usually in a blocked bank account |
| Work while searching | Part-time up to 20 hours a week, plus trial work of up to 2 weeks per employer |
| Deadline | None: apply any time |
| Official page | Make it in Germany |
| Last checked | 9 October 2026 |
The Opportunity Card (in German, Chancenkarte) lets qualified people from outside the EU move to Germany for up to a year to look for a skilled job. It is not a job offer. It gives you time and the legal right to search in person, attend interviews and do trial work.
Two ways to qualify
Route 1: fully recognised qualification. If your university degree or vocational qualification is fully recognised in Germany, you qualify without points.
Route 2: points system. If your qualification is not fully recognised, you need a formal qualification, the required language skills, and at least 6 points:
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Partially recognised qualification | 4 |
| Qualification in a shortage occupation | 1 |
| 2+ years’ work experience (within the last 5 years) | 2 |
| 5+ years’ work experience (within the last 7 years) | 3 |
| German A2 / B1 / B2 or higher | 1 / 2 / 3 |
| English C1 or native speaker | 1 |
| Age up to 35 / 35–40 | 2 / 1 |
| Previous legal stay in Germany of 6+ months (last 5 years, not tourism) | 1 |
| Spouse or partner who also qualifies | 1 |
Example: a 28-year-old engineer with 3 years’ experience (2 points), German B1 (2 points) and age under 35 (2 points) reaches 6 points.
How to apply, step by step
- Do the free online self-check on the Make it in Germany website.
- Get your qualification assessed for recognition in Germany. This can take several months, so start early.
- Collect proof for every point you claim: work references, language certificates, degree documents.
- Show you can support yourself, usually by opening a blocked bank account with at least €1,091 per month (2026 figure).
- Apply online through the German Federal Foreign Office’s Consular Services Portal, then follow your embassy’s instructions.
Tips from our team
- German language is your biggest advantage. Each level adds points and makes finding a job far easier. Start learning before you apply.
- Budget for the full year. Finding skilled work can take months. Your blocked account must cover your living costs.
- Use official channels only. You apply directly to the German government. No agent can sell you an Opportunity Card or guarantee approval.
What happens when you find a job?
You apply to your local foreigners authority in Germany for a work residence permit. If your job qualifies but no other permit applies, the Opportunity Card can be extended by up to two years.
Source: Make it in Germany (German government), checked 9 October 2026. Visa rules can change. Always confirm on official German government websites. EuroPath Jobs is not a visa agent and cannot help with individual applications.