Can I work full-time on the Chancenkarte?

Not while searching. You may work 20 hours a week plus two-week trials, and full-time once you convert to a work permit.

What if I do not find a job?

The card cannot normally be extended without a qualified offer, so you would need to leave or switch to another route such as study.

Can my family come with me?

Family reunification generally applies after you convert to a work permit, not during the job search.

🇩🇪 Germany

Opportunity Card

A points-based residence permit that lets you move to Germany to look for work, with part-time employment allowed while you search.

Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

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At a glance

Sponsor: No job offer needed
Lottery: No
Residence: Convert to Blue Card, then settle
Difficulty: Low to moderate
Processing: 4-12 weeks

Job seekersRecent graduatesCareer changersVocational workersIT talentEngineers

What this visa is

The Chancenkarte is Germany's points-based job-search visa. Score at least six points across age, language, qualifications, experience and connection to Germany and you can enter for up to twelve months to look for qualified work. Unlike the older job-seeker visa, you may work part-time up to twenty hours a week and take two-week trial employment with prospective employers. Once you land a qualified offer, you convert into a Blue Card or Skilled Worker permit.

German employers struggled to hire remotely, so the government created a route that lets candidates arrive first and interview in person.

Who it is for

Graduates and vocationally trained workers who want to be in Germany while job hunting, especially those whose qualification is recognised or partially recognised.

Why people choose it

No job offer required

Arrive, interview in person, and negotiate on the ground.

Part-time work allowed

Up to 20 hours a week while searching.

Trial employment

Two-week paid trials with prospective employers.

Extendable

Up to 2 more years with a qualified job offer.

Points flexibility

Language, age, experience and German ties all count.

Direct conversion

Switch into a Blue Card without leaving Germany.

Self-assessment

Tick what already applies to you.

Documents you will gather

9 items. Track them as you collect each one.

0 of 9 ready

How the process runs

Step 1
Score your points
Check age, language, experience, recognition and German ties.
Step 2
Open a blocked account
Deposit roughly €13,092 for a 12-month stay.
Step 3
Visa application
Submit at the German mission; 4-12 weeks typical.
Step 4
Arrival
Register your address and start interviewing.
Step 5
Job search
Up to 12 months, with 20 hours of part-time work permitted.
Step 6
Convert
Switch to Blue Card or Skilled Worker permit on receiving an offer.

What it costs

Visa fee

€75

Paid at the consulate.

Blocked account

~€13,092

Refunded to you monthly after arrival.

Blocked account setup

€50 - €150

Provider dependent.

Residence permit

€100

Issued locally after arrival.

Language test

€100 - €250

Goethe, telc or IELTS.

Fees change regularly. Figures are indicative and for educational purposes only, not legal advice.

Questions people ask

You need six points from qualification recognition, German or English level, professional experience, age, previous stays in Germany, and whether your spouse also qualifies.