by Quick answer: The Germany Opportunity Card requirements depend on one question: is your qualification fully recognised in Germany? If it is, you qualify without points. If not, you need a qualification recognised in your home country, German at A1 or English at B2, at least 6 points, and proof of about €1,091 (one thousand and ninety-one euros) a month to support yourself while you look for work.
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is Germany’s job seeker visa for skilled workers from outside the EU. This guide explains both routes, the points table, the money you must show, what you can do in Germany and how to apply.
Last verified: 26 September 2026 against Make it in Germany, the German government’s official portal.
What is the Germany Opportunity Card?
The Opportunity Card is a residence permit that lets you enter Germany to look for a job. Since June 2024 it has taken the place of the former job seeker visa for skilled workers. While you search, you can work part-time and try out jobs with employers.
Route 1: qualifying without the points system
You count as a skilled worker and need no points if either of these applies:
- you hold a foreign vocational or academic qualification that Germany fully recognises.
- you earned a non-academic vocational qualification or an academic degree in Germany.
German helps on this route but is not required.
Route 2: Germany job seeker visa requirements on the points system
If Germany does not fully recognise your qualification, you can still apply if you meet all three basic conditions:
- You completed vocational or academic training recognised by the country where you earned it. Non-academic vocational training must have lasted at least two years.
- You have German at level A1 or English at level B2 (CEFR).
- You score at least 6 points.
Opportunity Card points table
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Qualification partially equivalent to a German one | 4 |
| Qualification in a shortage occupation | 1 |
| At least 2 years of professional experience in the last 5 years | 2 |
| At least 5 years of 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 |
| Aged under 35 | 2 |
| Aged 35 to 40 | 1 |
| At least 6 months of continuous legal stay in Germany in the last 5 years (tourist stays do not count) | 1 |
| Spouse or partner also meets the Opportunity Card requirements | 1 |
Worked example
A 30-year-old accountant whose degree is recognised at home but not in Germany has 3 years of experience in the last 5 years (2 points), German at B1 (2 points) and is under 35 (2 points). That is 6 points, so she meets the threshold, and her B1 German also covers the A1 minimum. With only English at B2, she would lose the 2 language points and fall short.
Test your own score with the official Opportunity Card self-check before you apply.
Proof of financial means
You must show you can support yourself while you search. For 2026, the official figure is at least €1,091 net a month. You can prove it with:
- a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto) holding at least that amount for each month.
- a declaration of commitment from someone living in Germany who can prove they have enough money.
- a part-time job in Germany that pays you at least €1,091 net a month.
With a blocked account, you can only withdraw a set amount each month, and you pay the bank’s fees on top of the blocked sum.
How long the Opportunity Card lasts
The card is first issued for up to one year. If you find a job that counts as qualified employment but are not eligible for another residence title, you can extend the card in Germany for up to two more years.
Work allowed while you search
- One or more part-time jobs totalling up to 20 hours a week.
- Job trials of up to two weeks with each employer.
Once you find qualified work, the usual next step is to move to a work-based residence permit, such as the EU Blue Card or a skilled worker permit.
How to get a Germany Opportunity Card
- Check your route. For a foreign degree, get a positive anabin result or a Statement of Comparability. For vocational training, get a Digital Statement on Professional Qualification.
- Collect evidence for every point you claim, such as language certificates and employer references.
- Arrange financial proof: a blocked account, a declaration of commitment or proof of part-time income.
- Apply online through the Federal Foreign Office’s Consular Services Portal. In many countries this is the only way to apply, and your file goes to the German mission abroad.
Common mistakes
- Counting tourist visits towards the 6-month residence point.
- Claiming points you cannot document.
- Assuming the card allows full-time work. The limit is 20 hours a week.
- Applying with vocational training shorter than two years.
Meeting the requirements does not guarantee a visa or a job, because the German mission assesses each case.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Opportunity Card the same as the Germany job seeker visa?
For skilled workers, yes. The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is the current route for coming to Germany to look for a job.
How many points do I need for the Chancenkarte?
At least 6, unless your qualification is fully recognised in Germany, in which case no points are needed.
How much money do I need for the Germany Opportunity Card?
At least €1,091 net a month in 2026, shown through a blocked account, a declaration of commitment or part-time income.
Can I work full-time on the Opportunity Card?
No. You can work part-time up to 20 hours a week and do job trials of up to two weeks per employer.
Related guides
See more visa sponsorship job guides, or explore studying in Europe and scholarships.
Official sources
- Make it in Germany: Job search Opportunity Card
- Make it in Germany: Opportunity Card questions and answers
- Make it in Germany: Opportunity Card self-check
- Federal Foreign Office: Blocked account (Sperrkonto)
This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Check the official pages before you apply.
